The Greatest Russian, Austrian "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. 26. I and Thou by Martin Buber

    This philosophical work explores the concept of relationships and the nature of dialogue. The author suggests that human life finds its meaningfulness in relationships, which he divides into two categories: "I-It" and "I-Thou". The "I-It" relationship is characterized by a detached and objective perspective, while the "I-Thou" relationship involves a deep sense of connection and mutual existence. The book argues that modern society, with its emphasis on individualism and materialism, often neglects the "I-Thou" relationship, leading to a loss of genuine human connection.

    The 2779th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Unconscious by Sigmund Freud

    This book delves into the complex workings of the human mind, exploring the concept of the unconscious. The author posits that our conscious mind is only a small fraction of who we are, and that a vast part of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are driven by unconscious processes. He discusses theories on dreams, slips of the tongue, and neuroses, arguing that these are all manifestations of unconscious desires and conflicts. The book provides a foundation for understanding psychoanalysis and the author's influential theories on the human psyche.

    The 2845th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Wittgenstein's Nephew by Thomas Bernhard

    "Wittgenstein's Nephew" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the friendship between the narrator and his friend Paul, who is the nephew of the famous philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. The story takes place in Vienna and is set against the backdrop of the Austrian mental health system. The novel delves into themes of sanity, insanity, and the fine line that separates the two, while also offering a critique of Austrian society. It is a meditation on the nature of illness, both physical and mental, and the impact it has on personal relationships and one's perception of the world.

    The 3003rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. 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
  5. 30. 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
  6. 31. Tongue Set Free by Elias Canetti

    "Tongue Set Free" is a captivating memoir that explores the author's personal journey of self-discovery and identity formation. Through vivid and introspective storytelling, the book delves into the complexities of Canetti's multicultural upbringing, his struggles with language and communication, and his quest for freedom and belonging. With poetic prose and profound insights, the author reflects on the power of words, the influence of cultural heritage, and the transformative nature of embracing one's true self.

    The 3447th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Fallen Leaves by Vasily Rozanov

    "Fallen Leaves" is a collection of philosophical and autobiographical essays that delve into the author's musings on a wide range of topics, including religion, sexuality, and society. The work reflects the author's critical examination of modernity and the decline of traditional values, as well as his personal sense of isolation and disillusionment with the contemporary world. Through a series of fragmented and often controversial reflections, the author grapples with the existential challenges of his time, presenting a candid and introspective exploration of the human condition at the turn of the 20th century.

    The 3786th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. My Life by Leon Trotsky

    This autobiography provides a detailed account of the life of a prominent Russian revolutionary and Marxist theorist. The book traces his early life, education, and political development, his role in the Russian Revolution and Civil War, his leadership of the Red Army, and his expulsion from the Communist Party and subsequent exile. It offers a unique perspective on key events in 20th-century history and an insight into the author's complex personality and intellectual development.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Creatures that Once Were Men by Maxim Gorky

    "Creatures that Once Were Men" is a collection of short stories that depict the harsh realities of life in the lower classes of Russian society. The stories are set in a night refuge for the homeless, where the characters, despite their grim circumstances, strive to maintain their humanity. Through their struggles, the author explores themes of poverty, addiction, despair, and the human spirit's resilience.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Study of Organic Inferiority and Its Physical Compensation: A Contribution to Clinical Medicine by Alfred Adler

    This book delves into the concept of organic inferiority and how it physically manifests itself, providing significant contributions to the field of clinical medicine. It discusses the theory that certain physical and mental health issues arise from an individual's perceived inferiority and their subsequent attempts to compensate for it. The book provides a comprehensive study of this theory, exploring its implications for understanding human behavior and its potential applications in therapeutic settings.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Function of the Orgasm by Wilhelm Reich

    This book presents a groundbreaking exploration of human sexuality, arguing that sexual repression leads to various psychological disorders. The author, a psychoanalyst, introduces the concept of "orgastic potency", which is an individual's ability to fully surrender and discharge pent-up sexual energy during the sexual act. He contends that societal norms and moralistic attitudes towards sex often hinder this release, leading to various neuroses and other psychological issues.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Conditioned Reflexes by Ivan Pavlov

    "Conditioned Reflexes" is a groundbreaking work that delves into the study of behaviorism and the concept of classical conditioning. The author, a renowned physiologist, presents his findings on how an organism's responses can be triggered or conditioned by external stimuli, using his famous experiments with dogs as a prime example. The book significantly influenced the field of psychology and laid the foundation for future studies on learning and behavior.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Unwomanly Face Of War by Svetlana Alexievich

    "The Unwomanly Face Of War" is a powerful and poignant collection of interviews with Soviet women who fought in World War II. Through their testimonies, the author sheds light on the often overlooked and untold stories of these brave women who served as snipers, pilots, nurses, and soldiers on the front lines. The book explores their experiences, sacrifices, and the lasting impact of war on their lives, providing a unique and intimate perspective on the realities of war from a female point of view.

    The 4439th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Morphology Of The Folktale by Vladimir Aioakovlevich Propp

    "Morphology of the Folktale" is a seminal work in the field of folklore studies that analyzes the structure of Russian folktales to identify their simplest irreducible narrative elements and their arrangement. The author introduces the concept of "functions" which are common plot devices used in folktales, and categorizes these functions into a consistent and repeatable framework. This structural approach to the study of tales reveals that despite the varied and complex surface of stories, their underlying structures follow a limited number of patterns. This methodology not only provides a tool for analyzing tales but also influences subsequent structuralist and narratological approaches in the broader field of cultural studies.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Theory Of Peasant Economy by Alexander V. Chayanov

    "Theory of Peasant Economy" explores the unique economic behaviors and motivations of peasant households, which differ significantly from those of capitalist enterprises. The book argues that peasant economic decisions are primarily based on the family's labor balance rather than on maximizing profits. The author introduces the concept of the "family-labor farm," where the household's subsistence needs dictate agricultural production levels and the use of family labor. This seminal work challenges traditional economic theories by emphasizing the importance of internal family dynamics and demographic changes in understanding the economics of peasant life.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. History Of The Russian Revolution by Leon Trotsky

    The book provides a detailed analysis of the Russian Revolution of 1917, written by one of its key leaders. It explores the socio-political and economic conditions that led to the fall of the Russian Empire and the eventual rise of the Soviet Union. The narrative delves into the complex interplay of various classes and political factions, the role of leadership, and the strategies employed during the revolution. The author uses his firsthand experience to offer insights into the events and their significance, presenting a critical examination of the revolution's phases, from the initial uprisings to the consolidation of Bolshevik power.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Russian Revolution by N.N. Sukhanov

    "The Russian Revolution" is a detailed eyewitness account of the pivotal events that shaped Russia in 1917. The author, a participant and observer in the political circles of Petrograd, provides a comprehensive narrative of the revolution from the February overthrow of the Tsar to the October seizure of power by the Bolsheviks. Through his personal experiences and assessments, the book offers a vivid portrayal of the struggles, the political debates, and the personalities involved in the revolution, including Lenin, Trotsky, and other key figures. The author's unique perspective as a socialist but critical observer of the Bolsheviks adds depth and complexity to the historical analysis of the revolution's development and outcomes.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. An Actor Prepares by Konstantin Stanislavski

    "An Actor Prepares" is a seminal work in the field of acting and theater, presenting a fictionalized account of a young actor's journey and experiences in learning the art of acting according to the innovative techniques developed by the author. Through a series of lectures and workshops led by a wise teacher, the book delves into various aspects of building a character, including the importance of imagination, concentration, and emotion memory. The narrative is both instructional and reflective, offering insights into the psychological preparation and discipline required to deliver authentic and compelling performances on stage.

    The 5517th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The New Science of Politics by Eric Voegelin

    "The New Science of Politics" is a seminal work in political philosophy that explores the nature of political societies, the symbolism of political power, and the essence of modernity. It delves into the evolution of political thought, from ancient civilizations to the modern era, and critically examines the ideologies that have shaped the contemporary political landscape. The author argues that understanding the spiritual and religious dimensions of political reality can provide a more comprehensive view of society and governance. The book is a profound meditation on the philosophy of history and a radical critique of modern political ideologies.

    The 5738th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. My Half Century by Anna Akhmatova

    "My Half Century" is a reflective anthology that encapsulates the personal and professional life of a prominent Russian poetess through her own writings and letters, as well as critical essays about her work. The collection spans the tumultuous periods of Russian history from the early 20th century through the Stalinist era, providing a window into the poet's profound resilience and adaptation in the face of personal and political upheaval. Her poetry, marked by its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, explores themes of love, grief, and the endurance of the human spirit, while also subtly critiquing the oppressive political climate of her time. This compilation not only celebrates her literary genius but also her role as a witness to a critical period in Russian history.

    The 7120th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Autobiography by Maxim Gorky

    The book is a powerful and evocative memoir that chronicles the harsh and often brutal life of a Russian writer who rose from poverty to become one of the most celebrated literary figures of his time. It vividly portrays his early years, marked by relentless adversity, including childhood experiences with abusive relatives and his eventual escape into a life of vagrancy, where he encountered a diverse array of characters and harsh realities. Through his journey, the author reflects on the social injustices and the plight of the lower classes in Tsarist Russia, all while developing his own intellectual and political consciousness. His narrative is not only a personal story of survival and self-education but also a window into the societal conditions that would eventually lead to the Russian Revolution.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Hugo Von Hofmannsthal And His Time by Hermann Broch

    The book provides a comprehensive examination of the life and work of a prominent Austrian writer and his influence during a period of significant cultural and intellectual change in early 20th-century Europe. It delves into the writer's relationships with contemporaries, his contributions to literature and drama, and his role in the broader context of the modernist movement. The author critically assesses the writer's legacy, exploring the complexities of his artistic endeavors and the societal shifts that shaped his era, offering readers a detailed portrait of a man whose work encapsulated the spirit of his time.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Selected Prose by Hugo von Hofmannsthal

    This collection of prose works by a prominent Austrian writer showcases a diverse range of essays, speeches, and reflections that delve into the cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic concerns of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The author's masterful use of language and his deep engagement with the intellectual currents of his time, including symbolism and modernism, are evident throughout the texts. The pieces often explore the crisis of language and representation, the role of the artist in society, and the complexities of identity and consciousness, offering readers a profound insight into the transitional period of European thought in which traditional structures were being questioned and redefined.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Theory of Economic Development: An Inquiry into Profits, Capital, Credit, Interest, and the Business Cycle by Joseph A. Schumpeter

    This book presents a detailed analysis of the mechanisms of economic development, focusing on aspects such as profits, capital, credit, interest, and the business cycle. The author argues that economic development is driven by innovative entrepreneurs who disrupt the status quo, creating new goods and methods of production. He highlights the role of credit in facilitating these innovations, and examines the cyclical nature of economic development. The book also explores the societal and political implications of this process of 'creative destruction'.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Repression by Sigmund Freud

    This book delves into the concept of repression, a fundamental aspect of psychoanalytic theory. The author explores the idea that individuals often repress memories, particularly those associated with trauma or discomfort, pushing them into the unconscious mind. This repression, however, can lead to various psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and neurosis. The book also discusses the therapeutic process of making the unconscious conscious, enabling individuals to confront and deal with these repressed memories.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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