The Greatest Books of All Time on Outlaws

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 '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. The Water Margin by Shi Naian

    Outlaws of the Marsh

    "The Water Margin: Outlaws of the Marsh" is a classic Chinese novel set during the Song dynasty, revolving around 108 outlaws who gather at Mount Liang to form a sizable army. The narrative explores themes of rebellion, loyalty, and justice, as these bandits challenge the corrupt and oppressive government. Despite their status as outlaws, they follow a strict code of honor and righteousness, often assisting the poor and the weak. The book is a blend of history, folklore, and mythology, offering a vivid portrayal of the political and social dynamics of the era.

    The 1151st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey

    This historical novel is a fictionalized account of the life of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, told in the form of a journal written to his daughter. The narrative explores Kelly's life from childhood, his family's struggles with poverty and the law, his involvement in horse thievery, and his eventual formation of the Kelly Gang. The story culminates with the gang's infamous standoff with the police at Glenrowan, providing a humanizing perspective on a figure often portrayed as a ruthless criminal.

    The 1154th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. True Grit by Charles Portis

    The novel follows the tenacious quest of a young girl named Mattie Ross, who is determined to avenge her father's murder. She hires a tough, aging U.S. Marshal with a reputation for getting the job done, despite his penchant for drinking and his rough-and-tumble demeanor. Together with a Texas Ranger, they set out into the treacherous Indian Territory to track down the killer. Throughout their journey, the unlikely trio faces various obstacles and dangers, but the young girl's unwavering resolve and the marshal's true grit lead them to confrontations with outlaws and ultimately, to justice.

    The 2124th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 4. The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht

    "The Tiger's Wife" is a captivating novel that weaves together the lives of a young doctor and her grandfather in war-torn Balkans. As the doctor embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her grandfather's mysterious death, she unravels a tapestry of folklore, superstition, and family secrets. Through her exploration, she uncovers the extraordinary story of the tiger's wife, a woman believed to possess the power to communicate with animals. This beautifully written tale explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of storytelling.

    The 4685th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 5. Nikola The Outlaw by Ivan Olbracht

    A Story of the People of the Carpathians

    Set in the rugged Carpathian Mountains, this tale follows the life of a notorious bandit who becomes a symbol of resistance against oppression. The protagonist, a charismatic and cunning figure, navigates a world of poverty and injustice, challenging the authorities and captivating the hearts of the local villagers. Through his daring escapades and moral complexities, the story explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and the fine line between heroism and villainy, painting a vivid picture of a man who defies societal norms in pursuit of his own sense of justice.

    The 5529th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 6. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

    Of Great Renown, in Nottinghamshire

    The book is a captivating tale about the legendary Robin Hood and his band of merry men in Sherwood Forest. It chronicles their various adventures as they rob from the rich to give to the poor, outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham, and have encounters with characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian. The story is filled with humor, action, and a strong sense of justice, painting a vivid picture of medieval England.

    The 6157th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 7. The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford by Ron Hansen

    Set in the late 19th century, this historical novel delves into the complex relationship between the infamous outlaw Jesse James and his eventual betrayer, Robert Ford. The narrative intricately explores themes of hero worship, betrayal, and the quest for notoriety, painting a vivid picture of the American frontier and the mythos surrounding its legendary figures. Through a blend of fact and fiction, the story captures the psychological tension and moral ambiguity that leads to the dramatic and tragic climax, offering a poignant reflection on the nature of fame and infamy.

    The 10036th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  8. 8. 30,000 On The Hoof by Zane Grey

    Logan Huett thought he knew the West. A former Army scout, he and his young wife Lucinda confront both the hardships and the rewards of pioneer life as they strive for financial security in the wilderness. They must raise a brood of headstrong children, conceal a long-buried family secret, and survive the tragedy dealt them by a devastating war.

    The 15809th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  9. 9. The Thousand Crimes Of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin

    Set in the American West during the era of the transcontinental railroad, this novel follows the story of a Chinese-American assassin, Ming Tsu, who was forcibly taken from his homeland and trained by a crime boss. After falling in love and marrying a woman against the wishes of his boss, Ming is separated from his wife and sent to work on the railroad. He escapes and embarks on a quest for vengeance against the men who wronged him, using his lethal skills to exact justice. Along the way, he gathers a posse of outcasts, and together they navigate the harsh realities of a landscape marked by violence and racism. The narrative weaves elements of Western genre with magical realism, exploring themes of love, revenge, and the search for redemption in a lawless land.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 10. Robin Hood by Henry Gilbert

    A Classic Adventure of the Merry Outlaw

    This classic tale follows the adventures of Robin Hood, a legendary hero who steals from the rich to give to the poor. Living in the Sherwood Forest with his band of Merry Men, Robin Hood is a skilled archer and swordsman who outwits the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham and other adversaries. His acts of bravery and generosity, along with his love for the fair Maid Marian, have cemented his place as a symbol of resistance against tyranny. Through a series of daring escapades, Robin Hood fights for justice, showcasing his unwavering commitment to helping those in need.

    The 17102nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  11. 11. Desperadoes by Ron Hansen

    Set against the backdrop of the American West, this gripping narrative follows the infamous Dalton Gang, a group of outlaws notorious for their daring bank and train robberies. The story is recounted through the eyes of Emmett Dalton, the youngest member, who reflects on the gang's rise to infamy, their audacious exploits, and the eventual downfall that led to their tragic end. Through vivid storytelling, the tale explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of the American dream, all while painting a poignant picture of the lawless frontier era.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  12. 12. The Outlaw Of Torn by Edgar Rice Burroughs

    A rollicking medieval adventure that follows a man raised among brigands who rises to become a feared outlaw leader, then becomes entangled in high-stakes political intrigue, shifting loyalties, romance, and revenge as feudal conflicts and struggles for power in 13th-century England threaten to destroy him and those he loves.

    The 16875th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  13. 13. Outlaw by Angus Donald

    A grittily realistic retelling of the Robin Hood legend narrated by the wandering minstrel Alan-a-Dale, following a skilled archer’s journey from village life to the brutality of the Crusades and back to England as the head of a band of outlaws. The story blends bloody combat, political intrigue and rough camaraderie as the group challenges Norman corruption and the scheming of Prince John, grounding familiar mythic figures in harsh social and historical detail. Themes of loyalty, justice and the making of a folk hero run throughout as personal survival and moral choice collide on the medieval road.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org

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