The Greatest British "Humor, Satire, Fiction" Books Since 2000

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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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Humor

Humor is a category of books that is characterized by its ability to make readers laugh or feel amused. These books often contain witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and humorous situations that are designed to entertain and delight readers. Humor can be found in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and graphic novels, and can range from light-hearted and silly to dark and satirical. Whether you're looking for a quick laugh or a more in-depth exploration of the human condition through humor, there is something for everyone in the world of humorous books.

Satire

Satire is a genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize and ridicule human vices, follies, and shortcomings. It is a form of social commentary that aims to expose the flaws and absurdities of society, politics, and culture. Satirical books often employ sarcasm, wit, and parody to challenge the status quo and provoke thought and reflection in readers. Satire can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it has been used throughout history as a powerful tool for social and political critique.

Fiction

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  1. 1. White Teeth by Zadie Smith

    This novel follows the lives of two friends, a working-class Englishman and a Bangladeshi Muslim, living in London. The story explores the complex relationships between people of different races, cultures, and generations in modern Britain, with themes of identity, immigration, and the cultural and social changes that have shaped the country. The narrative is enriched by the characters' personal histories and the historical events that have shaped their lives.

    The 216th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Night Watch by Terry Pratchett

    "Night Watch" is a satirical fantasy novel that follows the story of Sam Vimes, a city watch commander who is transported back in time. He must navigate the complexities of the past, assume the identity of his old mentor, and prevent a violent revolution, all while trying to find a way back to his own time. The book is filled with humor, social commentary, and a detailed fantasy world.

    The 2738th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Truth by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the story revolves around the accidental establishment of the city's first newspaper by a young entrepreneur and his talking dog. As the newspaper begins to uncover and report the truth, it finds itself entangled in a plot involving political intrigue, murder, and the machinations of the city's elite. The protagonist must navigate the treacherous waters of news and information, dealing with the moral dilemmas of journalism and the power of the written word, all while the very fabric of the city's society is threatened by the stories his paper brings to light. The novel humorously explores themes of media power, truth, and the responsibility of those who control the flow of information.

    The 2747th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. There But For The by Ali Smith

    There But For The is a novel that explores the interconnectedness of people's lives through the story of a man who locks himself in a room of a house he was invited to for dinner, and refuses to come out. The man's actions cause a media frenzy and bring together four individuals who have links to him, each revealing their own stories and perspectives. The book is a commentary on contemporary life, exploring themes of identity, memory, time, and the nature of connection and disconnection in society.

    The 3656th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Going Postal by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, a notorious con artist is given a second chance at life by being forced to revive the defunct Ankh-Morpork Post Office. As the new Postmaster, he must contend with outdated mail systems, a haunted post office, and the competition from a powerful, unscrupulous clacks communication company. Using his wits and a motley crew of postal employees, he embarks on a madcap journey to restore the postal service, outmaneuver the corporate villains, and ultimately redefine the meaning of communication in a city teeming with magic and mayhem.

    The 5398th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

    This charming novella explores the whimsical scenario in which the Queen of England becomes an avid reader, a hobby that begins quite by accident when she stumbles upon a mobile library parked at Buckingham Palace. Her newfound passion for books leads her on a journey of self-discovery, changing her outlook on life and her role as a monarch. As her reading list grows, so does her questioning of the status quo, much to the dismay of her courtiers. The narrative humorously and poignantly examines the transformative power of literature and its ability to inspire introspection, empathy, and an insatiable curiosity about the world.

    The 6281st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Arguably: Essays by Christopher Hitchens

    "Arguably: Essays" is a collection of essays written by Christopher Hitchens, covering topics ranging from politics, literature, and religion to popular culture, sports, and travel. Hitchens was known for his sharp wit, critical thinking, and fearless approach to controversial issues, and this book showcases his best writing over the years. The essays are thought-provoking, insightful, and often humorous, making for an engaging read that challenges readers to think deeply about the world around them.

    The 8230th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean

    Set in 1960s Brighton, the play is a hilarious farce that follows the bumbling and perpetually hungry Francis Henshall, who becomes separately employed by two men – Roscoe Crabbe, a local gangster, and Stanley Stubbers, an upper-class criminal. Unbeknownst to Francis, Roscoe is actually Roscoe's sister Rachel in disguise, her twin brother having been killed by her boyfriend, who is none other than Stanley Stubbers. As Francis tries to keep each of his guvnors unaware of the other, he becomes entangled in a web of deception, love triangles, and mistaken identities, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and slapstick humor as he struggles to satisfy his insatiable appetite and keep his dual employment a secret.

    The 10027th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Making Money by Terry Pratchett

    This novel is a humorous fantasy that follows the adventures of Moist von Lipwig, a reformed con artist who is now in charge of the Royal Mint and the bank of Ankh-Morpork. Tasked with revitalizing the city's economy, Moist must navigate a world of golems, werewolves, and other fantastical elements, all while dealing with the bank's peculiar staff and the Machiavellian machinations of the city's patrician. As he attempts to introduce paper money to a society accustomed to gold, his past as a swindler catches up with him, leading to a series of comedic and thrilling challenges. The book combines satire, wit, and a deep understanding of human nature, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy a mix of fantasy and humor.

    The 10524th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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