The Greatest Romanian, Chinese, Swiss "Nonfiction" Books Since 1900

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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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  1. 1. Quotations from Chairman Mao by Mao

    This book is a collection of speeches and writings by the former leader of the People's Republic of China. It covers a wide range of topics including communism, revolution, class struggle, and the correct handling of contradictions among the people. The book was published with the intention of promoting the leader's ideology and was widely distributed during the Cultural Revolution. It was considered an essential guide to life and politics in China during this period.

    The 856th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

    This book is a biographical account of three generations of women in China, spanning the years 1909 to 1991. The narrative follows the lives of the author's grandmother, a warlord's concubine; her mother, a high-ranking official in the Communist Party; and the author herself, who grew up during the Cultural Revolution before moving to the West. The book presents a vivid portrayal of the political and social changes in China during the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of these three women.

    The 1023rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Memories, Dreams, Reflections by Carl Jung

    This book is an autobiography of a renowned psychologist who shares his life experiences, insights, and the development of his theories. The narrative delves into his childhood, his career, his relationship with Sigmund Freud, and his exploration into the human psyche. It also provides an in-depth look at the author's dreams and visions, which greatly influenced his work, and his thoughts on subjects such as life after death, reincarnation, and the collective unconscious.

    The 1124th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. On the Heights of Despair by Emil Cioran

    "On the Heights of Despair" is a philosophical exploration of the human condition, particularly focusing on themes such as existentialism, despair, and nihilism. The author delves into the idea of life as suffering and the inevitability of death, offering a bleak yet thought-provoking perspective on existence. The work is a profound contemplation of life's absurdity, loneliness, and the struggle to find meaning, presenting an introspective journey into the depths of despair and the heights of existential thought.

    The 1702nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

    This groundbreaking book explores the five stages of grief experienced by terminally ill patients. The author, a Swiss-American psychiatrist, introduces the concept of the five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, which has since been universally recognized and applied in various fields. The book is based on the author's series of interviews with dying patients, providing an empathetic and insightful look into the emotional and psychological experiences of those facing death.

    The 2080th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Love in the Western World by Denis de Rougemont

    The book is an in-depth exploration of the concept of love as it has evolved in Western society, tracing its development from the myth of Tristan and Iseult to modern times. The author argues that the idea of passionate, romantic love that is prevalent in the West is fundamentally a form of destructive passion, often leading to pain and tragedy. The book also delves into the socio-cultural aspects of love, examining how societal norms and expectations shape our understanding and experience of love.

    The 2703rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Mars by Fritz Zorn

    "Mars" is a poignant autobiographical account of a young man's life and his battle with terminal cancer. The narrative delves into the author's affluent yet emotionally barren upbringing in a Swiss suburb, which he refers to as "Mars," symbolizing its cold and alienating environment. The book is a critique of his repressive bourgeois society, which he believes contributed to his psychological and physical illness. Through introspective and often angry prose, the author explores themes of alienation, the search for identity, and the impact of societal norms on individual well-being. His struggle is not only against the disease but also against the cultural and familial constraints that stifled his emotional development.

    The 3158th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Grid Systems In Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann

    This book is a seminal guide to graphic design and typographic composition, focusing on the use of grid systems as a foundational tool for ensuring visual coherence and hierarchy across various design projects. It provides designers with a methodical approach to organizing text and images in a clean, logical, and aesthetically pleasing manner. Through systematic arrangement, the grid serves as an essential framework that can be applied to a wide range of design work, from print media to digital interfaces. The book delves into the principles, applications, and benefits of grid systems, offering practical advice, examples, and clear illustrations to help designers harness the power of grids to create effective, impactful visual communications.

    The 3165th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Temptation To Exist by Emil Cioran

    "The Temptation to Exist" is a philosophical work that explores the human condition and the inherent struggles of existence. The author delves into themes of nihilism, despair, and the search for meaning in a world filled with suffering. Through a series of thought-provoking essays, Cioran challenges traditional beliefs, questions the nature of reality, and reflects on the complexities of human existence, ultimately offering a bleak yet profound perspective on the human experience.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Images And Symbols by Mircea Eliade

    The book is a profound exploration of the symbolism inherent in religious images, myths, and rituals. It delves into the various ways in which symbols function within different cultures, examining their role in expressing the metaphysical dimension of reality. The author argues that symbols are integral to human experience, allowing individuals to transcend the ordinary world and connect with a deeper, universal level of consciousness. Through an analysis of diverse religious traditions and artistic expressions, the work reveals how symbols serve as a bridge between the sacred and the profane, offering insights into the human quest for meaning and the spiritual dimension of life.

    The 3279th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. A Daughter Of Han: The Autobiography Of A Chinese Working Woman by Ning Lao Tai-Tai, told to Ida Pruitt

    This book provides a personal account of a woman's life in late 19th and early 20th century China, as she navigates the complexities of poverty, tradition, and societal upheaval. Through her eyes, readers experience the struggles of the lower classes, particularly for women, in a rapidly changing society. Her story is one of resilience and determination, as she confronts challenges such as opium addiction in her family, the death of her children, and the need to work as a servant and street peddler. Her narrative offers a vivid portrayal of the customs, family life, and social hierarchies of her time, providing a valuable historical perspective on the life of an ordinary woman in China.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Psychology of the Unconscious by Carl Jung

    "Psychology of the Unconscious" is a pioneering work that explores the complex landscape of the human unconscious, introducing theories that would later become central to understanding personality and human psychology. The book delves into the idea of the collective unconscious, archetypes, and the process of individuation. It further discusses the role of dreams, myths, and symbols in understanding and interpreting the unconscious mind. The author uses case studies and examples from various cultures to support his theories, offering a comprehensive view of the human psyche.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Judgement and Reasoning in the Child by Jean Piaget

    This book is a seminal work in the field of child psychology, exploring the ways in which children develop their cognitive abilities and reasoning skills. The author delves into the mental processes of children, focusing on how they form judgments, understand cause and effect, and develop logical thinking. The book also discusses the stages of cognitive development, highlighting the shift from intuitive to logical thinking. This influential work has greatly contributed to our understanding of child development and education.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. For My Legionaries by Corneliu Zelea Codreanu

    The book is a manifesto and autobiographical account that details the creation and political ideology of the Iron Guard, a nationalist and anti-Semitic organization in Romania during the early 20th century. It combines personal experiences with ideological exposition, advocating for a nationalist revival, anti-communist and anti-Semitic policies, and a radical overhaul of Romanian society based on Christian values and extreme nationalism. The narrative also reflects the author's leadership role and his vision for a unified, spiritually cleansed Romania, emphasizing loyalty, discipline, and the sacrifice necessary to combat perceived corruption and foreign influence.

    The 4677th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Man and His Symbols by Carl Jung

    This book is a comprehensive introduction to the world of depth psychology, exploring the significance of dreams, art, and symbols in everyday life. The author and his colleagues delve into the unconscious mind, discussing its influence on our thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting symbols as a means to gain insights into our unconscious motivations, fears, and desires. It also discusses the role of archetypes and collective unconscious in shaping human behavior and culture.

    The 4688th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang

    "Red Scarf Girl" is a memoir of the author's childhood during the Cultural Revolution in China. The story follows a 12-year-old girl from a previously respected family who is labeled a class enemy and forced to turn against her own parents. The book provides a deeply personal account of the extreme political and social upheaval during this period in China's history, highlighting the fear, confusion, and courage of a young girl struggling to reconcile her loyalty to her family and her loyalty to her country.

    The 4770th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah

    "Falling Leaves" is a heartbreaking autobiography that recounts the life of a young girl who grows up in a wealthy but abusive family in 20th century China. Despite being the daughter of a prosperous businessman, she is treated as an outcast and blamed for her mother's death, who died shortly after her birth. The story portrays her struggle for acceptance and love within her family, her journey through the cultural revolution in China, and her eventual success as a physician in the U.S. It's a poignant exploration of the themes of familial bonds, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

    The 4777th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

    This book is a memoir of a young girl growing up in China during the 1940s and 1950s. The protagonist is considered unlucky by her family after her mother dies giving birth to her. She is mistreated by her stepmother and largely ignored by her father, leading to a lonely and challenging childhood. Despite these difficulties, she finds solace in her academic achievements and her Aunt Baba's support. The story is a testament to the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

    The 5011th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Journal, 1935 44 by Mihail Sebastian

    "Journal, 1935-44" is a captivating collection of diary entries written by an insightful and introspective individual named Mihail Sebastian. Spanning almost a decade, the journal provides a unique glimpse into the author's personal thoughts, experiences, and observations during a tumultuous period in history. Through his poignant reflections, Sebastian explores themes of identity, love, politics, and the human condition, offering readers a profound and thought-provoking journey through his inner world.

    The 5457th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Private Life of Chairman Mao by Li Zhi-Sui

    This book is a memoir written by a personal physician who served Chairman Mao for over two decades. It offers an unprecedented and intimate look into the life and character of the powerful Chinese leader. The book reveals Mao's personal habits, manipulative nature, political maneuvers, and his disregard for human life in the pursuit of his goals. It also uncovers the power struggles within the Chinese Communist Party, providing a unique perspective on China's political history.

    The 5471st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Course In General Linguistics by Ferdinand de Saussure

    "The Course in General Linguistics" is a foundational text in the field of linguistics that outlines the principles of structural linguistics and introduces key concepts such as the linguistic sign, the distinction between langue (language as a system) and parole (language as used in context), and the idea of synchronic versus diachronic analysis. The work emphasizes the arbitrary nature of the sign, which consists of the signifier (the form of the word or phrase) and the signified (the conceptual meaning). This book, compiled from notes by students from the lectures given by its author, has had a profound impact on the development of linguistic theory and has influenced various other disciplines, including anthropology, psychology, and literary theory.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. On Guerilla Warfare by Mao

    The book is a seminal work on irregular warfare and revolutionary strategy authored by a prominent 20th-century leader. It outlines the tactics and philosophy behind guerrilla warfare, emphasizing the importance of mobile and flexible combat strategies as a means for smaller, less-equipped forces to combat and ultimately defeat larger, conventional armies. The author discusses the integration of political and military efforts and the necessity of popular support among the local populace to sustain such movements. The work has been influential in various revolutionary movements around the globe, providing a tactical framework for conducting insurgency operations.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Two Essays on Analytical Psychology by Carl Jung

    This book contains two comprehensive essays that delve into the depths of analytical psychology. The first essay explores the role of the unconscious in the human psyche, discussing its influence on dreams, mythology, and mental illnesses. The second essay delves into the process of individuation, which is the psychological process of integrating the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind to achieve self-actualization. This work is a foundational text in understanding the theories and concepts of analytical psychology.

    The 5738th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. China Along The Yellow River by Cao Jinqing

    This book provides a detailed sociological examination of rural China through the lens of villages along the Yellow River. The author, an urban intellectual, immerses himself in the daily lives of rural residents, uncovering the profound economic struggles, social changes, and the enduring traditions that define their existence. Through vivid narrative and insightful analysis, the book explores the impact of rapid industrialization and urbanization on these communities, offering a poignant look at the disparities between China's urban and rural landscapes.

    The 5876th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Zhaun Falun by Li Hongzhi

    The book in question is a comprehensive guide to a spiritual discipline rooted in Chinese tradition, offering a path to enlightenment through moral rectitude, meditation, and exercises. It outlines a philosophy centered on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, while also delving into cosmology, human life, and the relationship between the universe and human beings. The text serves as the foundational scripture for practitioners, providing insights into achieving spiritual advancement and understanding the deeper workings of life and the cosmos.

    The 6241st 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