The Greatest Books of All Time on Bohemianism

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 467 '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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  1. 1. Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

    The book is a semi-autobiographical novel set in 1930s Paris and describes the protagonist's life as a struggling writer. The narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of the city, sexual encounters, and philosophical musings, all penned in a stream-of-consciousness style. The protagonist's experiences living in poverty, his relationships with other expatriates, and his pursuit of artistic freedom are central to the story. Despite the explicit content, the novel is noted for its candid exploration of the human condition and the author's quest for personal and creative authenticity.

    The 237th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein

    This book is an innovative and unconventional autobiography, penned from the perspective of the author's life partner, providing an intimate view into the lives of the Parisian avant-garde in the early 20th century. It offers a personal account of their life together, filled with anecdotes of their interactions with famous figures such as Picasso, Matisse, and Hemingway. The narrative also delves into the author's own thoughts and experiences, creating a unique blend of biography, autobiography, and personal memoir.

    The 324th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Tarr by Wyndham Lewis

    "Tarr" is a novel set in pre-World War I Paris and follows the story of an English artist, Frederick Tarr. The narrative explores the complex relationships between Tarr and his friends, including his German rival Kreisler and the woman they both love, Bertha. The novel delves into themes of modernism, masculinity, and the clash of cultures, while also providing a satirical critique of the bohemian lifestyle in early 20th century Paris.

    The 1686th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Goat Song by Konstantin Vaginov

    A Novel of the End of the World

    "Goat Song" is a satirical novel that delves into the life of a disillusioned intellectual in post-revolutionary Russia. The protagonist, a poet, grapples with the banality and absurdity of his existence in a society undergoing rapid and disorienting change. Through a series of allegorical and often surreal episodes, the narrative critiques the cultural and spiritual decay of the time, juxtaposing classical references and modernist sensibilities to explore themes of artistic integrity, societal collapse, and the search for meaning in a world that seems increasingly hostile to the individual's quest for identity and purpose.

    The 2051st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Kafka Was The Rage by Anatole Broyard

    A Greenwich Village Memoir

    Set in post-World War II Greenwich Village, this memoir captures the vibrant, bohemian lifestyle of the era through the eyes of a young man exploring his identity and intellectual passions. The narrative delves into his relationships, particularly with a captivating and enigmatic woman, and his immersion in the world of literature and art. The book paints a vivid picture of a transformative period in American culture, marked by a quest for authenticity and self-discovery amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing society.

    The 6496th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Afternoon Men by Anthony Powell

    This novel delves into the lives of a group of young, disenchanted Londoners in the interwar period, focusing on their social interactions, romantic entanglements, and the aimless drift of their daily existence. Through a series of parties, pubs, and art galleries, the narrative captures the disillusionment and search for meaning among the city's intellectual and artistic circles. The protagonist, a minor civil servant and aspiring artist, navigates this world of fleeting connections and existential ennui, embodying the disillusionment of a generation in the shadow of World War I. The book is a satirical yet poignant exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the eternal quest for purpose in a seemingly indifferent world.

    The 7063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Antic Hay by Aldous Huxley

    Set in the disillusioned post-World War I era in London, the novel is a satirical portrayal of the aimless lives of a group of hedonistic intellectuals. The story follows a disillusioned schoolteacher who, seeking meaning and excitement, becomes entangled with an eccentric group of characters, including an artist, a scientist working on a bizarre invention, and a seductive femme fatale. Through a series of comedic and ironic encounters, the narrative delves into themes of despair, the search for purpose, and the absurdity of modern life, all while painting a vivid picture of the Roaring Twenties' cultural and social milieu.

    The 13200th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Wicked Pavilion by Dawn Powell

    "The Wicked Pavilion" explores the vibrant and often hidden lives of the patrons of a popular café in New York City's Greenwich Village. The novel delves into the dreams, disappointments, and intricate relationships of artists, writers, and actors who frequent this bohemian spot, revealing the illusions and realities of their personal and professional lives. Through witty dialogue and incisive social commentary, the narrative paints a vivid picture of post-war American culture and the complexities of striving for success and recognition in the big city.

    The 13697th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Beloved Vagabond by William John Locke

    A Romance of the Road

    The story follows the adventures of a charming and free-spirited architect who abandons his successful career and comfortable life in Paris to wander through the French countryside. Disguised as a vagabond, he embraces a life of simplicity and freedom, forming deep connections with the people he meets along the way. His journey is marked by a series of romantic and poignant encounters, ultimately leading him to a deeper understanding of love, happiness, and the true essence of life.

    The 14049th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Peter Whiffle by Carl Van Vechten

    His Life and Works

    The book follows the life and adventures of an enigmatic and elusive writer named Peter Whiffle, who navigates the bohemian circles of early 20th-century Paris and New York. Through the eyes of his friend and narrator, the story explores Whiffle's unconventional approach to life and art, his relationships with various artists and intellectuals, and his perpetual quest for inspiration and meaning. The narrative delves into themes of artistic integrity, the nature of success, and the complexities of identity, all while painting a vivid picture of the vibrant cultural scenes of the time.

    The 14049th Greatest Book of All Time

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