The Greatest Portuguese, French "Modernist, Fiction, Poetry" Books Since 1910

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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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Genres

Modernist

Modernist literature is a category of books that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a break from traditional literary forms and a focus on individual experience and perception. Modernist writers experimented with language, form, and structure, often using stream-of-consciousness narration and fragmented storytelling to convey the complexity and ambiguity of modern life. Themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning are common in modernist literature, which reflects the cultural and social upheavals of the time. Overall, modernist literature is a challenging and thought-provoking genre that continues to influence contemporary literature and culture.

Fiction

Poetry

Poetry is a genre of literature that uses language to evoke emotion, paint vivid imagery, and convey complex ideas through the use of rhythm, meter, and sound. It is characterized by its use of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, and its ability to capture the essence of a moment or experience in a concise and powerful way. Poetry can take many forms, including sonnets, haikus, free verse, and spoken word, and can cover a wide range of topics, from love and nature to politics and social issues. As a category for books, poetry offers readers a unique and intimate glimpse into the human experience, inviting them to explore the beauty and complexity of language and the world around them.

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  1. 1. The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pessoa

    "The Book of Disquiet" is a posthumously published collection of thoughts and musings of a solitary dreamer, who is a Lisbon-based bookkeeper. The book delves into the mind of a man who is discontented with his mundane life and finds solace in dreaming and writing. The narrative is a profound reflection on life, solitude, and the nature of humanity, filled with philosophical insights and poetic language. The protagonist's introspective journey and his struggles with existential despair make it a seminal work in the genre of literary modernism.

    The 484th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Alcools by Guillaume Apollinaire

    "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.

    The 1248th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Arcanum 17 by André Breton

    "Arcanum 17" is a surrealist exploration of love, loss, and resurrection set amidst the backdrop of World War II. Drawing inspiration from the legend of Melusina, the author uses the symbolism of this mythic figure to discuss the role of women in society and the destructive nature of war. The narrative also delves into themes of renewal, rebirth, and the power of the feminine, all while using the surrealist style to blend reality and dream in a poetic and philosophical discourse.

    The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Calligrammes by Guillaume Apollinaire

    "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.

    The 3092nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Keeper Of Sheep by Fernando Pessoa

    "The Keeper of Sheep" is a philosophical and introspective collection of poetry that delves into themes of existence, consciousness, and the nature of reality through the eyes of a shepherd. The shepherd, a persona of the author, reflects on the simplicity and complexity of life while tending to his flock, offering a unique perspective on the mundane and the profound. The poems are characterized by their contemplative tone and a sense of detachment from the material world, inviting readers to question their own perceptions and the essence of being. Through this pastoral figure, the work explores the interplay between the external world and internal thought, ultimately seeking a deeper understanding of the self and the universe.

    The 7193rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Anabasis by Saint-John Perse

    "Anabasis" is a lyrical epic poem that explores the journey of human consciousness and civilization through the metaphor of an expedition across vast and varied landscapes. The narrative, rich in imagery and symbolism, follows a group of unnamed travelers as they embark on a quest that leads them through deserts, cities, and spiritual realms. The poem delves into themes of exile, discovery, and the quest for meaning, blending the personal with the universal in a tapestry of language that seeks to capture the essence of human experience and the relentless pursuit of progress and enlightenment.

    The 7193rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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Download

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.

Download