This renowned novel is a sweeping exploration of memory, love, art, and the passage of time, told through the narrator's recollections of his childhood and experiences into adulthood in the late 19th and early 20th century aristocratic France. The narrative is notable for its lengthy and intricate involuntary memory episodes, the most famous being the "madeleine episode". It explores the themes of time, space and memory, but also raises questions about the nature of art and literature, and the complex relationships between love, sexuality, and possession.

This novel is a semi-autobiographical account of a young man's intellectual and artistic development in late 19th-century Ireland. The protagonist struggles with issues of identity, faith, and nationality, ultimately rejecting the traditional values of his Catholic upbringing to pursue his own path as an artist. The book is renowned for its innovative narrative style and its exploration of themes such as individuality, freedom, and the nature of art.

"The Good Soldier" is a tragic tale of two seemingly perfect couples: an American couple and an English couple, who meet at a German spa and share a nine-year friendship. However, underneath the surface, their relationships are far from ideal, filled with infidelity, lies, and deceit. The story is narrated by the American husband, who is the last to realize the intricate web of affairs and betrayals amongst the group. The novel explores themes of love, passion, and the destruction that can result from suppressed emotions and societal pressures.

The book tells the story of a man who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. His transformation causes him to lose his job and become ostracized from his family, who are horrified and repulsed by his new form. As he grapples with his new reality, he becomes increasingly isolated and starts to lose his sense of humanity. The book explores themes of alienation, guilt, and identity, and is a profound examination of the human condition.

The novel explores the lives of three generations of a farming family, the Brangwens, living in rural England in the late 19th and early 20th century. The narrative primarily focuses on the sexual and emotional maturation of Ursula Brangwen, a young woman who rejects traditional societal norms in her quest for spiritual fulfillment and personal independence. The book is known for its vivid depiction of the English countryside and its frank portrayal of sexual desire.

"Death in Venice" is a novella that explores the life of Gustav von Aschenbach, a famous writer in his early fifties who embarks on a journey to Venice after experiencing a creative block. In Venice, he becomes obsessed with a beautiful Polish boy named Tadzio, whom he sees at the hotel where he is staying. Aschenbach's fascination with Tadzio becomes a metaphor for his own internal struggle with his repressed passions and his need for aesthetic beauty. The story culminates in Aschenbach's death as a cholera epidemic sweeps through Venice. His demise symbolizes the destructive power of his unfulfilled longing and his ultimate surrender to his repressed desires.

"The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge" is a semi-autobiographical novel narrated by a young man from Denmark living in Paris, who is trying to understand the world and his place in it. The protagonist is a poet and a dreamer, who spends his time observing and reflecting on the people and situations around him. The book is a collection of his thoughts, observations, and musings, which often revolve around themes of death, solitude, history, and the nature of existence. It's a deep and introspective exploration of the human condition and the nature of creativity.

This collection of poems presents a critique of society through the lens of a disillusioned modern man. The titular character is a middle-aged man contemplating the emptiness and lack of fulfillment in his life. The poems delve into themes of despair, regret, and existential angst, reflecting the disillusionment of the post-World War I generation. The poems are characterized by their innovative use of dramatic monologue, stream of consciousness, and other modernist techniques.

"Petersburg" is a symbolist novel set in the heart of Russia during the 1905 Revolution. It follows the story of a young man who is given the task of assassinating his own father, a high-ranking government official, by a radical political group. The narrative is a complex mix of politics, family drama, and philosophical introspection, all set against the backdrop of a city in turmoil. The novel is renowned for its vivid and poetic descriptions of the city itself, making Petersburg as much a character in the story as the people who inhabit it.

"Alcools" is a collection of poems that explores various themes such as love, loss, and the passage of time. The work is notable for its innovative use of form and syntax, often eschewing traditional punctuation and capitalization. The poems are rich in imagery and symbolism, drawing on a wide range of influences from mythology to modern urban life. The collection is considered a landmark of modernist literature, reflecting the author's unique vision and distinctive poetic voice.

"Pilgrimage" is a sequence of semi-autobiographical novels that follow the life of the protagonist, Miriam Henderson, through her journey of self-discovery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The narrative explores Miriam's experiences, thoughts, and feelings, as she navigates through her life, dealing with issues of feminism, love, and social expectations. The book is notable for its stream of consciousness writing style, which allows readers to experience Miriam's inner world in a profound and intimate way.

The novel is a fictionalized account inspired by the life of the painter Paul Gauguin. It follows Charles Strickland, a stockbroker who abandons his wife and children to pursue his passion for painting. Strickland's relentless and uncompromising pursuit of artistic expression leads him to a life of poverty in Paris and ultimately to Tahiti, where he finds a new muse in the exotic landscape and people. His disregard for social convention and personal relationships is portrayed in stark contrast to his sublime artistic achievements, raising questions about the nature of genius, the sacrifices made for art, and the price of personal freedom.

The novel follows the life of a young man, Emil Sinclair, from childhood to adulthood, as he navigates the duality of his nature and the societal expectations of his time. He is influenced by a charismatic and intellectual peer, Max Demian, who introduces him to the concept of the world not as a dichotomy of good and evil, but as a unified whole. This leads Sinclair on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the subconscious. The narrative is heavily influenced by the philosophies of Carl Jung and the Gnostic tradition.

"Tender Buttons" is an avant-garde collection of prose poetry, divided into three sections: "Objects," "Food," and "Rooms." The book is renowned for its experimental, stream-of-consciousness style, and its abstract, often nonsensical language. It challenges traditional narrative and linguistic structures, creating a unique exploration of everyday objects and experiences. The work is a significant contribution to modernist literature and a pioneering example of feminist writing.

"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.

In this surrealistic novel, a group of Europeans are stranded in Africa after their ship is hijacked by a local monarch. While held captive, each of the characters narrates a fantastical tale or performance, showcasing their unique talents and skills. The narrative is filled with bizarre inventions, intricate wordplay, and a dizzying array of subplots, all of which are eventually woven together in a complex and cryptic manner. The novel is a testament to the author's imagination and his ability to create a world that is both strange and captivating.

"Calligrammes" is a collection of free verse poetry and typographical experiments by a French poet. The poems are noted for their use of complex visual layouts and playful language, which often incorporate elements of surrealism and cubism. The collection is also notable for its exploration of various themes, including love, war, and the passage of time. The title of the collection refers to the poet's use of words and phrases to create a visual image, or calligram, on the page.

This early 20th-century poetic masterpiece blends revolutionary fervor with intense personal emotions, reflecting the tumultuous era of its creation. The work is a four-part epic poem that delves into the author's passionate and tumultuous love affair, juxtaposing his individual romantic experience with broader social and political upheaval. The poet's innovative use of language, rhythm, and imagery breaks from traditional forms, mirroring the chaotic spirit of the time and the poet's desire for both personal and societal transformation. Through vivid and often jarring metaphors, the poem conveys a sense of disillusionment with love and the contemporary social order, while also expressing a fervent hope for a new and better world.

"Orphic Songs" is a collection of poetry that delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of existential despair, intense emotion, and the search for transcendence. The poems are characterized by their passionate and often chaotic style, reflecting the author's own tumultuous life experiences and his fascination with the mystical and the irrational. The work is considered a significant contribution to the early 20th-century avant-garde literary movement, capturing the spirit of its time with its innovative use of language and its bold departure from traditional poetic forms.

"The Prussian Officer" is a tale of a young soldier and his authoritarian captain in the Prussian army. The captain, who is of noble lineage, is envious and resentful of the soldier's youth and attractiveness. As the captain's jealousy grows, he becomes increasingly abusive towards the soldier, inflicting physical and psychological torment. The story reaches a climax when the captain's cruelty drives the soldier to a breaking point, leading to a violent confrontation between the two, which ends in tragedy.