The Greatest "Nonfiction, Autobiography, History" Books of All Time

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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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Nonfiction

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.

History

The category of "History" in books refers to the study and interpretation of past events, societies, and cultures. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including political, social, economic, and cultural developments, as well as the lives of individuals and groups who have shaped the course of history. History books can be written from various perspectives and may focus on specific time periods, regions, or themes. They aim to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on the present.

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  1. 26. Being Geniuses Together by Robert McAlmon

    "Being Geniuses Together" is a memoir that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives and social milieu of the expatriate writers and artists living in Paris during the 1920s. The narrative, rich with personal anecdotes and observations, paints a vivid portrait of the bohemian lifestyle and creative ferment of the Lost Generation. The book delves into the friendships, rivalries, and collaborations among some of the era's most renowned literary figures, providing a candid and often critical perspective on the talents and personalities that defined this iconic and transformative period in literary history.

    The 3093rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Eothen by Alexander William Kinglake

    "Eothen" is a vivid travelogue that chronicles the author's journey through the Middle East in the 1830s, capturing the essence of the region with a blend of personal adventure, cultural commentary, and historical insight. The narrative takes the reader on an evocative trip across countries like Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Jordan, offering a glimpse into the customs, landscapes, and daily life of the time. The author's keen observations and descriptive prowess bring to life the exotic locales, the encounters with diverse peoples, and the challenges of travel in an era before modern conveniences, all while reflecting the Victorian fascination with the Orient and its perceived mysteries.

    The 3093rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Good Company by Frances Partridge

    "Good Company" is a reflective memoir that offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a central figure within the Bloomsbury Group, an influential circle of intellectuals and artists in early 20th-century England. The book weaves personal anecdotes, diary entries, and letters to paint a vivid portrait of the author's friendships, loves, and the cultural milieu in which she lived. It provides an honest and often poignant exploration of the author's relationships with key literary and artistic figures of the time, their shared experiences during the tumultuous years of the World Wars, and the enduring impact of these relationships on her life and work. The memoir stands as a testament to the power of intellectual companionship and the profound influence of community on individual creativity.

    The 3264th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Memoirs Of Princess Dashkova by Ekaterina Romanovna Dashkova

    "The Memoirs of Princess Dashkova" is a captivating autobiography that chronicles the remarkable life of a prominent Russian noblewoman. From her privileged upbringing and close relationship with Catherine the Great to her influential role in the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dashkova's memoirs offer a unique perspective on the political and cultural landscape of 18th-century Russia. With wit, intelligence, and a strong sense of self, Dashkova's narrative sheds light on her personal triumphs, challenges, and the turbulent historical events that shaped her life.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. 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
  6. 31. Memoirs Of A Revolutionist by Vera Figner

    "Memoirs of a Revolutionist" is a captivating autobiography that chronicles the life of a remarkable woman, detailing her journey from a privileged upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in the Russian revolutionary movement. Through her personal experiences and reflections, the author provides a vivid account of the political and social upheaval in 19th-century Russia, shedding light on the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs of those dedicated to the cause of revolution. This thought-provoking memoir offers valuable insights into the complexities of revolution and the indomitable spirit of those who fight for change.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Notes From The Blockade by Lydia Ginzburg

    "Notes From The Blockade" is a poignant memoir that provides a firsthand account of life during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II. The author, Lydia Ginzburg, vividly describes the hardships, hunger, and constant fear experienced by the city's residents, while also exploring the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Through her powerful narrative, Ginzburg offers a deeply personal and moving portrayal of survival amidst unimaginable circumstances.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Hannah Senesh by Hannah Senesh

    This book is a collection of the diaries, letters, and poems of a young Jewish woman who emigrated from Hungary to Palestine in the 1930s, driven by her Zionist beliefs. She joined the Haganah and later volunteered for a daring military operation to parachute into Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, with the aim of aiding Allied forces and rescuing Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust. Her writings reflect her courage, literary talent, and the depth of her commitment to her cause. Tragically captured, tortured, and eventually executed by the Nazis, she became an enduring symbol of bravery and sacrifice in the face of tyranny.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Journey Into The Whirlwind by Eugenia Ginzburg

    "Journey Into The Whirlwind" is a harrowing autobiographical account of a woman's life during the Stalinist purges in the Soviet Union. The narrative follows her abrupt transition from a respected university professor to a political prisoner, as she is falsely accused of participating in a counter-revolutionary Trotskyist group. The book vividly details her arrest, interrogation, and the subsequent eighteen years spent in the Soviet prison system, including time in solitary confinement and the Gulag labor camps. Her story is one of survival and resilience, providing a deeply personal insight into the brutal realities of political oppression and the human capacity for endurance in the face of relentless adversity.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Guests Of The Sheik by Elizabeth Warnock Fernea

    The book is an autobiographical account of a young American woman's experience living in a small Iraqi village in the late 1950s. As the wife of an anthropologist, she immerses herself in the local culture, particularly the lives of the women, navigating the complexities of gender roles, traditions, and the veil. The narrative offers an intimate glimpse into the domestic lives, social customs, and familial bonds of the villagers, while also reflecting on the author's own cultural assumptions and the process of cross-cultural understanding. Through her journey, the author gains a deeper appreciation for the community's way of life and confronts the challenges of being an outsider in a tightly-knit society.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Fifth Chinese Daughter by Jade Snow Wong

    This autobiographical account provides a vivid portrayal of Chinese-American life in the early 20th century through the eyes of a young girl growing up in San Francisco's Chinatown. The narrative follows her journey as she navigates the complexities of traditional Chinese family values and the American way of life, striving for educational and personal independence. The protagonist's struggle to reconcile her dual cultural heritage is compounded by her ambitions, as she seeks to assert her identity and pursue her dreams amidst the expectations of her family and community. Her story is one of resilience and self-discovery, offering insight into the immigrant experience and the challenges of cultural assimilation.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Proud Shoes by Pauli Murray

    "Proud Shoes" is a poignant memoir that chronicles the complex history of an African American family through the lens of the author's own lineage. The narrative delves into the lives of the author's grandparents, delving into the antebellum South, the impact of the Civil War, and the enduring legacy of slavery and racial discrimination. The book weaves personal stories with broader historical events, offering a rich tapestry of resilience, struggle, and the quest for racial equality. It is a testament to the strength of family bonds and the author's quest to understand and honor her ancestors' experiences and the social forces that shaped their lives.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Confessions Of Lady Nijo by Lady Nijo

    This book is a candid autobiographical account of a Japanese woman who lived during the Kamakura period. Initially serving as a concubine to the Emperor, she later becomes a wandering Buddhist nun. Her narrative provides a unique insight into the court life of the time, detailing her intimate experiences, political intrigues, and the societal expectations of women. Her journey from the luxuries of the imperial court to the ascetic life of a nun offers a poignant exploration of love, spirituality, and personal transformation, reflecting the complex interplay between the secular and religious life in medieval Japan.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Walls: Resisting The Third Reich by Hiltgunt Zassenhaus

    "Walls: Resisting The Third Reich" is a powerful memoir of courage and defiance, recounting the experiences of a young German woman during World War II who risked her life to oppose the Nazi regime. Working as an interpreter in the German courts, she secretly aided Scandinavian prisoners of war, passing along messages and providing them with hope and support. Her clandestine activities, carried out under the constant threat of discovery and execution, showcase the profound bravery and moral conviction required to resist oppression from within the very heart of a totalitarian state. The narrative not only captures the personal struggle against tyranny but also serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resistance and solidarity in the face of overwhelming adversity.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Thirty Years As A Slave And Four Years In The White House by Elizabeth Keckley

    This memoir offers a poignant and powerful account of an African American woman's life journey from the harsh realities of enslavement to her emancipation and subsequent role as a successful dressmaker and confidante to the First Lady of the United States during the Civil War era. The narrative provides a unique insider's perspective on daily life in the White House, as well as intimate observations of presidential family dynamics during one of the nation's most tumultuous periods. Her story is one of resilience and determination, highlighting the struggles and achievements of a woman who navigated the complex intersections of race, gender, and politics in 19th-century America.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The History Of Mary Prince, A West Indian Slave by Mary Prince

    This autobiographical account details the harrowing life of a woman born into slavery in Bermuda in the late 18th century. It vividly recounts her experiences of brutal treatment at the hands of various masters in the West Indies and her unyielding desire for freedom. As the first narrative of a black woman to be published in Britain, the book played a significant role in the anti-slavery movement, offering a powerful personal testimony to the cruelties and injustices of the slave system, and ultimately contributing to the abolitionist cause. Through her story, the author provides a voice to the countless enslaved individuals and highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme oppression.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Nisei Daughter by Monica Itoi Sone

    This memoir provides a poignant account of a second-generation Japanese American woman's life before, during, and after World War II. It explores her childhood in Seattle's vibrant Nihonmachi, her family's forced relocation to an internment camp following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the challenges of rebuilding life in a post-war America rife with anti-Japanese sentiment. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the narrative delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the struggle for acceptance, offering a deeply personal glimpse into the impact of historical events on individual lives and the Japanese American community.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Crusade For Justice by Ida B. Wells

    "Crusade for Justice" is an autobiography that chronicles the life and work of a pioneering African American journalist and activist who bravely led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book details her personal experiences with racial discrimination and her tireless efforts to document and fight against the injustices faced by African Americans. Her narrative provides a powerful insight into the civil rights struggles of her time and her unwavering commitment to justice and equality, making her one of the most significant figures in American social reform.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Autobiography of Lincoln Steffens by Lincoln Steffens

    This autobiography is a detailed account of the life of a renowned investigative journalist during the early 20th century. The book explores his experiences and observations of political corruption in American cities, his coverage of the Russian Revolution, and his eventual disillusionment with American capitalism. It provides a unique perspective on major socio-political events of the era, while also offering insight into the author's personal beliefs and moral struggles.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The House on Henry Street by Lillian D. Wald

    "The House on Henry Street" is a memoir by a prominent social worker and public health advocate, detailing her experiences and work in the Lower East Side of New York City in the early 20th century. The book chronicles her establishment of a settlement house in the area, which provided a range of services including healthcare, education, and employment assistance to the community. The narrative offers a poignant insight into the struggles and resilience of the immigrant population during this period, and the author's pioneering role in public health nursing and social reform.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Spiritual Narratives by Maria W. Stewart

    "Spiritual Narratives" is a collection of powerful and pioneering speeches and essays by an African American woman from the early 19th century, who was among the first to publicly advocate for the rights of women and African Americans. The book showcases her remarkable oratory and literary skills, as well as her deep religious conviction, as she addresses issues of racial and gender inequality, calling for education, moral reform, and social justice. Her work is a testament to her role as an intellectual leader and a social activist during a time when both her race and her gender were barriers to such recognition.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Women Of The Shadows by Ann Cornelisen

    "Women of the Shadows" is a poignant exploration of the lives of five Italian women in the impoverished region of southern Italy during the mid-20th century. The book delves into the personal narratives of these women, revealing the harsh realities and societal expectations they face. Through intimate portraits, the author uncovers the strength and resilience of these women as they navigate a world of limited opportunities, traditional gender roles, and the struggle for self-determination. The work serves as both a testament to the enduring spirit of these individuals and a critique of the cultural and economic conditions that shape their lives.

    The 3695th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Lanterns on the Levee by William Alexander Percy

    "Lanterns on the Levee" is a memoir that captures the author's life growing up in the Mississippi Delta during the early 20th century. It provides a vivid portrayal of the Southern aristocracy, their traditions, and their struggles with racial tensions and changing societal norms. The memoir also delves into the author's personal struggles with his identity and his search for meaning in life, offering a unique perspective on the American South during a time of significant change.

    The 3701st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Ghana: The Autobiography Of Kwame Nkrumah by Kwame Nkrumah

    This autobiography tells the story of Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and a key figure in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Nkrumah recounts his early life, his education abroad, and his political journey, providing insights into his vision for a united and prosperous Africa. He reflects on the challenges faced during his presidency, including the economic and political obstacles that hindered Ghana's progress. Overall, this book offers a personal account of Nkrumah's life and the pivotal role he played in shaping Ghana's history.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Native Life In South Africa by Sol Plaatje

    "Native Life In South Africa" is a firsthand account of the experiences and struggles of the native African population in South Africa during the early 20th century. The author, Sol Plaatje, provides a powerful and insightful narrative that sheds light on the social, political, and economic injustices faced by the indigenous people under the oppressive system of colonialism. Through his vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, Plaatje highlights the resilience and determination of the native population in their fight for equality and justice.

    The 3791st 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