The Greatest German, South African "Nonfiction, Biography" Books Since 1950

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Nonfiction

Biography

Biography is a genre of literature that focuses on the life story of a person, typically a historical figure or a celebrity. It provides a detailed account of the subject's life, including their upbringing, achievements, struggles, and personal relationships. Biographies can be written in various formats, including memoirs, autobiographies, and third-person narratives. This category of books offers readers an opportunity to gain insight into the lives of notable individuals and their impact on society.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

German

South African

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil by Hannah Arendt

    This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a major organizer of the Holocaust. The author argues that Eichmann was not a fanatical ideologue, but rather an ordinary individual who simply followed orders and bureaucratic procedures, highlighting the terrifying potential for evil in any system that values obedience over personal responsibility. The concept of the "banality of evil" is introduced, suggesting that horrific acts can be committed by ordinary people under certain conditions.

    The 977th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela

    "Long Walk to Freedom" is a powerful autobiography that chronicles the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela. From his humble beginnings in a rural village to becoming the first black president of South Africa, Mandela's journey is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Through his personal experiences, he provides a vivid account of the struggle against apartheid, his 27 years of imprisonment, and the eventual triumph of democracy. This book serves as an inspiring testament to Mandela's unwavering spirit and his lifelong fight for freedom and human rights.

    The 1252nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Down Second Avenue by Es'kia Mphahlele

    "Down Second Avenue" is a semi-autobiographical account of a black man's life under apartheid in South Africa. The narrative chronicles the protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood, detailing his experiences with poverty, discrimination, and the struggle for education. Despite the harsh realities of life under apartheid, the protagonist's resilience and determination shine through, offering a poignant and powerful critique of the socio-political realities of the time.

    The 1526th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane

    This autobiography tells the story of a young boy growing up in apartheid-era South Africa. Despite enduring extreme poverty, brutal police raids, and constant racial discrimination, the protagonist manages to escape his harsh reality through education and tennis. His determination and resilience eventually lead him to receive a scholarship to an American university, providing him a chance to escape the oppressive system of apartheid.

    The 3256th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Young Man Luther by Erik H. Erikson

    This book is a psychological analysis of a seminal figure in religious history, focusing on his early life and the internal struggles that led to his revolutionary actions. The author, a prominent psychologist, applies psychoanalytic theory to understand the subject's tumultuous journey from a conflicted young man to a leader who would challenge the very foundations of the Church. The work delves into the protagonist's experiences with authority, his quest for spiritual certainty, and the personal crises that fueled his theological breakthroughs, ultimately shaping the course of Western civilization.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. 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
  7. 7. Postlagernd Floreana by Margret Wittmer

    The book is a captivating memoir that recounts the extraordinary experiences of a woman and her family who, in the 1930s, left their conventional life behind to start anew on the remote Galápagos island of Floreana. The narrative delves into the challenges they faced, from harsh living conditions to mysterious events, including the arrival of eccentric settlers and the unexplained disappearances that later sparked rumors and intrigue. The author's personal account provides a unique glimpse into the pioneering spirit of the era and the allure of untamed nature, while also painting a vivid portrait of human resilience and the complexities of seeking paradise off the beaten path.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Dancing Bees by Karl von Frisch

    "The Dancing Bees" is a fascinating exploration of the behavior and communication of bees, particularly focusing on the groundbreaking discovery of the bee dance language. The book delves into how bees use dance movements to communicate vital information about the location of food sources to their hive mates. Through meticulous observation and innovative experiments, the author unveils the complexity of bee communication and the remarkable precision with which bees can convey specific information about distance and direction. This work not only highlights the intricate social structure of bee colonies but also reflects on broader themes of animal intelligence and communication.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

    "Born A Crime" is a captivating memoir that chronicles the life of Trevor Noah, a South African comedian and television host. Set during the apartheid era, the book explores Noah's experiences as a mixed-race child growing up in a society where interracial relationships were illegal. With humor and insight, Noah recounts his struggles with identity, poverty, and racism, while also highlighting the resilience and strength of his mother who played a pivotal role in his life. This thought-provoking memoir offers a compelling and personal perspective on race, family, and the power of laughter in the face of adversity.

    The 5704th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Seed Is Mine by Charles Van Onselen

    "The Seed Is Mine" is a historical non-fiction book that explores the life of a black South African named Klaas, who lived through the tumultuous years of apartheid. Through extensive research and interviews, the author delves into Klaas' personal experiences, struggles, and aspirations, shedding light on the complex dynamics of race, class, and power during this period. The book offers a poignant and intimate portrayal of one man's fight for dignity and justice amidst a system designed to suppress and oppress.

    The 5914th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Country Of My Skull by Antjie Krog

    "Country Of My Skull" is a powerful and deeply personal account of the author's experiences as a journalist covering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in post-apartheid South Africa. Through her vivid and introspective narrative, the author explores the complexities of forgiveness, justice, and the collective healing process of a nation grappling with its painful past. This thought-provoking book offers a unique perspective on the complexities of reconciliation and the enduring impact of trauma on individuals and societies.

    The 6211th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Invention Of Nature: Alexander Von Humboldt’s New World by Andrea Wulf

    "The Invention of Nature" is a biographical account of Alexander von Humboldt, a 19th-century explorer, scientist, and naturalist who revolutionized the way we understand the natural world. Andrea Wulf chronicles Humboldt's travels across South America, his encounters with indigenous peoples, and his groundbreaking scientific discoveries that challenged prevailing notions of the natural world. Humboldt's ideas about interconnectedness and the unity of nature were ahead of their time and continue to influence environmentalism and conservation today. Wulf's book is a masterful exploration of one of history's most fascinating and influential figures.

    The 7072nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Thomas Mann Heinrich Mann by Helmut Koopmann

    The book provides a comprehensive study of the lives and works of two prominent German literary figures, who were also brothers. It delves into their complex relationship, contrasting ideologies, and individual contributions to literature and culture. The author examines their personal and professional journeys, exploring how their differing views on art, politics, and society reflected the broader intellectual and historical currents of their time. Through a detailed analysis of their novels, essays, and other writings, the book offers insights into the brothers' influence on each other and on the literary world, highlighting their lasting legacy in the context of German and world literature.

    The 7131st 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