The Greatest "Paris" 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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Paris

The "Paris" category of books typically refers to literature that is set in or inspired by the city of Paris, France. These books often explore the city's rich history, culture, and landmarks, as well as the experiences of its inhabitants. The genre may include fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and travelogues, and may cover a range of topics such as art, food, fashion, and romance. Overall, the "Paris" category offers readers a glimpse into the enchanting and iconic city that has captivated generations of writers and artists.

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  1. 276. Less by Andrew Sean Greer

    The novel follows a failing writer about to turn 50, who receives an invitation to his ex-boyfriend's wedding. In order to avoid the event, he decides to accept every literary invitation he's been given and embarks on an around-the-world journey. As he travels from Paris to India, Berlin to Japan, he finds himself facing the big questions about love, aging, and how to live a life that matters.

    The 10782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 277. The PowerBook by Jeanette Winterson

    "The PowerBook" is a unique blend of reality and virtual reality, exploring the themes of love, identity, and storytelling. The narrative follows an e-writer who writes stories for people on demand, and one of her clients, a woman who wants to escape her relationship and start anew. The book is filled with stories within stories, all of them interconnected, taking readers on a journey through Paris, Capri, and the Internet, while challenging the traditional notions of time, gender roles, and the boundaries between the real and the imagined.

    The 10800th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 278. Fatal Purity: Robespierre and the French Revolution by Ruth Scurr

    This book provides a comprehensive biography of Maximilien Robespierre, a significant figure in the French Revolution. It explores his life, political ideologies, and the role he played in the Reign of Terror. The author presents a balanced view of Robespierre, highlighting both his idealistic vision for a democratic society and the violent means he employed to achieve it. The book also delves into the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, giving readers a detailed understanding of its events and dynamics.

    The 10860th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 279. Bad Marie by Marcy Dermansky

    The novel follows the story of a woman recently released from prison who takes a job as a nanny for her childhood friend. Her life takes a tumultuous turn when she becomes romantically involved with her friend's husband and subsequently flees to Paris with their child. Throughout the story, the protagonist's flawed yet compelling character is explored as she grapples with her desires, the consequences of her impulsive actions, and her search for redemption and meaning in a life marred by poor decisions and a challenging past. Her journey is one of self-discovery, recklessness, and the complex nature of human relationships.

    The 10900th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 280. An Italian Straw Hat by Eugène Labiche

    The book is a classic farce set in the 19th century, revolving around the chaos that ensues when a horse belonging to a nervous groom on his wedding day eats a lady's straw hat. The hat turns out to be a critical piece of evidence in a clandestine relationship, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and cover-ups. As the groom attempts to replace the hat to avoid scandal and ensure his nuptials proceed, he becomes entangled in a web of lies and slapstick humor, reflecting the societal norms and pretensions of the time.

    The 10978th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 281. Le Dindon by Georges Feydeau

    In this classic farce, the play revolves around a series of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and comedic entanglements. The central plot features a man who, obsessed with avenging his wife's honor, seeks to seduce other men's wives in retaliation. His plans go awry when he becomes entangled with two women, leading to a chaotic sequence of events involving a parade of characters each with their own deceptions and secrets. The fast-paced comedy is characterized by its witty dialogue, slamming doors, and the humorous exploration of the themes of infidelity and the complexity of human relationships.

    The 10980th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 282. Pure by Andrew Miller

    Set in pre-revolutionary France, the novel follows a young engineer who is tasked with demolishing an overflowing cemetery in Paris. As he undertakes this macabre task, he encounters a variety of characters, including a rebellious nun, a gravedigger, and a family living on the cemetery grounds. The book explores themes of mortality, the inevitability of progress, and the fragility of existence, all set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of dramatic change.

    The 11035th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 283. The House Of Shattered Wings by Aliette de Bodard

    Set in a post-apocalyptic Paris, this novel weaves a tale of a city devastated by a war in Heaven, now ruled by fallen angels. The narrative centers around House Silverspires, once the most dominant of the magical houses, now struggling to maintain its power. Its inhabitants, including a newly fallen angel, a naive but powerful alchemist, and a mysterious human with a dangerous secret, must navigate the treacherous political landscape, unravel a sinister plot, and confront a malevolent force that threatens to destroy what little they have left. This story combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and Gothic horror to explore themes of power, loyalty, and redemption in a world where beauty and brutality coexist.

    The 11058th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 284. Oscar Wilde by Richard Ellmann

    This biography provides an in-depth look at the life of renowned playwright, poet, and novelist, Oscar Wilde. It covers his rise to fame, his relationships, his trial for homosexuality, and his time in prison. The book also delves into his works, philosophies, and the societal norms of his time. It presents a comprehensive and detailed account of Wilde's life, his wit, and his tragic downfall.

    The 11251st 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.

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