The Greatest French, British "Autobiography" Books From 1940 to 1949

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Autobiography

Autobiography is a literary genre that focuses on the life story of the author. It is a first-person account of the author's experiences, thoughts, and emotions, often including significant events and milestones that have shaped their life. Autobiographies can be written by anyone, from famous public figures to ordinary people, and can cover a wide range of topics, including personal growth, career achievements, struggles, and relationships. This genre provides readers with a unique insight into the author's life and perspective, making it a popular and engaging category of books.

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  1. 1. West With the Night by Beryl Markham

    The book is a memoir of a British-born woman who grew up in Kenya during the early 20th century. She recounts her unconventional upbringing, her passion for horses, and her career as a bush pilot. The narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of the African landscape and wildlife, as well as her personal adventures and encounters. The book culminates with her historic solo flight across the Atlantic from east to west.

    The 866th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Journals: 1889-1913 by André Gide

    "Journals: 1889-1913" is a compilation of personal entries by a prominent French author, written over a span of 24 years. The journals offer a deep insight into the author's thoughts, emotions, and experiences, providing a unique window into his personal life and his creative process. The entries also reflect on the social, political, and cultural events of the time, making the journals not only a personal memoir but also a historical document of late 19th and early 20th century France.

    The 1408th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood

    "The Berlin Stories" is a collection of two novels that present a semi-autobiographical account of the author's time in 1930s Berlin during the rise of the Nazi Party. It vividly portrays the city's underground scene, capturing the lives of a variety of characters from different social classes and backgrounds. The narrative provides a stark and poignant exploration of the human condition against the backdrop of political upheaval and societal change, offering a unique perspective on a critical period in history.

    The 1930th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Man-Eaters of Kumaon by Jim Corbett

    The book is a collection of true stories about the author's hunting experiences in India, specifically his encounters with man-eating tigers and leopards in the Kumaon region. The author, a renowned hunter, was often called upon to kill these man-eaters when they became a threat to local villages. The book provides thrilling accounts of his hunts, as well as his observations on the behavior of these animals and his respect for their power and cunning.

    The 2327th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Thief's Journal by Jean Genet

    The book is a fictionalized account of the author's experiences in the criminal underworld of early 20th-century Europe. It is a narrative that delves into the life of a man who embraces his identity as a thief and a homosexual, exploring the intersections of crime, sexuality, and social defiance. The protagonist navigates through various relationships with fellow outcasts and criminals, while also confronting the moral codes of society. The work is known for its poetic and introspective prose, as well as its exploration of themes such as betrayal, freedom, and the search for beauty within the margins of society.

    The 2876th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Pack My Bag by Henry Green

    "Pack My Bag" is a reflective autobiography written on the eve of World War II, offering a poignant look into the author's life and mindset during a time of impending crisis. The narrative weaves personal memories with broader social observations, exploring the author's privileged upbringing, education, and early adulthood. It delves into the complexities of class and the human condition, with a particular focus on the author's experiences working in his family's factory and the insights gained from interacting with workers from different social strata. The book serves as both a personal testament and a historical document, capturing the anxieties of a generation on the brink of global conflict.

    The 3093rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Days In The Caucasus by Banine

    "Days In The Caucasus" is a captivating memoir that follows the personal journey of a young woman living in the Caucasus region during the early 20th century. The author beautifully recounts her experiences growing up in a multicultural society, filled with vivid descriptions of the diverse landscapes, traditions, and people she encounters. From her childhood adventures to her first love, the author provides an intimate glimpse into a world on the brink of change, capturing both the joys and challenges of life in the Caucasus.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Eastern Approaches by Fitzroy Maclean

    "Eastern Approaches" is a thrilling memoir that recounts the adventurous experiences of a British diplomat and soldier during the 1930s and World War II. The author vividly describes his time in the Soviet Union during the Stalinist purges, his daring travels in Central Asia, and his pivotal role in the British military missions in North Africa and Yugoslavia. The narrative combines espionage, combat, and diplomatic intrigue, providing a unique insight into some of the most critical events and figures of the 20th century, including his interactions with prominent leaders like Josip Broz Tito.

    The 4086th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. War Diaries by Jean Paul Sartre

    "War Diaries" is a collection of personal notebooks kept by the philosopher during the early years of World War II, specifically from 1939 to 1940. These diaries provide a unique insight into his thoughts and feelings during this tumultuous period, capturing his reflections on the intellectual and social climate of the time. The entries delve into his philosophical musings, everyday challenges, and his observations on the impact of the war on French society and culture. Through these diaries, readers gain an intimate understanding of the author's development of existential ideas in response to the war's unfolding events.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Kabloona by Gontran de Poncins

    "Kabloona" is a riveting first-person account of a French nobleman's year-long journey living among the Inuit people in the Arctic during the late 1930s. The book provides an in-depth exploration of the Inuit culture, their harsh living conditions, and their unique perspective on life. The author's experiences and observations challenge and broaden Western notions of 'civilized' society, making it an enlightening read.

    The 8707th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Berlin Diary by William L. Shirer

    "Berlin Diary" is a firsthand account of the rise of Nazi Germany and the early years of World War II as witnessed by an American journalist living in Berlin. The diary entries, spanning from 1934 to 1941, provide a detailed and personal observation of the events and atmosphere in Germany and across Europe during this tumultuous period. The author captures the impact of Nazi propaganda, the chilling transformation of society under totalitarian rule, and the international tensions leading up to and during the early stages of the war. His insights offer a crucial historical perspective on the inner workings and psyche of the Third Reich.

    The 8726th Greatest Book of All Time

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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