The Greatest Books of All Time on Play
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 401 '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. First Folio by William Shakespeare
Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies
This collection is a compilation of 36 plays by a renowned English playwright, published seven years after his death. It includes comedies, histories, and tragedies, some of which had never been published before. Notable works in the compilation include "Macbeth," "Julius Caesar," "Twelfth Night," "The Tempest," and "As You Like It." The collection is considered one of the most influential books ever published in the English language, as it preserved many of the playwright's works that might have otherwise been lost.
The 167th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen
This classic play focuses on the life of Nora Helmer, a woman living in a seemingly perfect marriage with her husband, Torvald. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Nora has been hiding a significant secret related to their finances. The revelation of this secret, and the subsequent fallout, challenges societal norms and expectations of the time, particularly in regards to gender roles and the institution of marriage. Nora's eventual decision to leave her husband and children in pursuit of her own independence serves as a powerful commentary on individual freedom and self-discovery.
The 390th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
When a mischievous cat wearing a red and white-striped hat appears at the home of two bored children on a rainy day, their afternoon is turned upside down. The cat's antics, including juggling various household items and introducing two chaotic creatures, Thing 1 and Thing 2, create a mess and a series of adventures. However, just as their mother is returning home, the cat manages to clean up the mess with a special machine, leaving the children wondering if their wild afternoon was real or just a dream.
The 466th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov
"The Cherry Orchard" is a classic play about an aristocratic Russian woman and her family as they return to their family estate, which includes a large and well-known cherry orchard. The family is on the brink of financial ruin and the estate is slated to be auctioned off. Despite various attempts to save their beloved home and orchard, they are ultimately unable to prevent the sale. The play is a poignant reflection on the changing social order and the decline of the aristocracy in Russia at the turn of the 20th century.
The 484th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov
"Three Sisters" is a play that revolves around the lives of three sisters, Olga, Masha, and Irina, who live in a provincial Russian town and yearn for their former life in Moscow. The story explores their relationships, dreams, and disappointments, as well as their interactions with the military officers stationed nearby. The narrative is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the relentless passage of time, highlighting the human struggle for meaning and happiness.
The 561st Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Life Is a Dream by Pedro Calderón de la Barca
A Play in Three Acts
"Life is a Dream" is a philosophical allegory regarding the human situation and the mystery of life. The play follows the story of Segismundo, Prince of Poland, who has been imprisoned in a tower by his father, King Basilio, following a dire prophecy that the prince would bring disaster to the country and death to the King. Basilio briefly frees Segismundo but returns him to the tower when the prince proves violent and unruly. The story explores themes of free will, fate, power and the thin line that separates reality from dreams.
The 740th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand
An Heroic Comedy in Five Acts
"Cyrano de Bergerac" is a classic French play that tells the story of a nobleman named Cyrano, who is a talented poet and swordsman but has a very large nose. Despite being deeply in love with his cousin Roxane, Cyrano doesn't believe she could ever love him because of his appearance, so he helps his friend Christian woo her instead. Cyrano writes love letters to Roxane on behalf of Christian, and Roxane falls in love with the man she believes Christian to be. The story is a tragic tale of unrequited love, selflessness, and the power of inner beauty.
The 763rd Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov
Scenes from Country Life in Four Acts
"Uncle Vanya" is a play that explores the themes of existential boredom and human folly through the story of an elderly professor and his young wife visiting their rural estate run by the professor's brother-in-law, Vanya, and daughter, Sonya. The visit disrupts the monotonous life of the estate, leading to emotional chaos, unrequited love, and a failed murder attempt. The play ends with the departure of the professor and his wife, leaving Vanya and Sonya to return to their life of drudgery, finding solace in the hope of a better life in the afterlife.
The 818th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello
A Comedy in the Making
In this metatheatrical play, six characters come to life and demand that a theater director tell their tragic story, which was left incomplete by their author. As the director and his actors interact with these characters, the boundaries between fiction and reality blur, leading to a philosophical exploration of the nature of human identity, the reliability of art, and the unreliability of perception. The characters' story, involving a complex web of familial relationships, adultery, and suicide, further complicates the narrative, challenging the audience's understanding of truth and illusion.
The 852nd Greatest Book of All Time -
10. The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus
This classic work of literature revolves around the character of Doctor Faustus, a scholar who is dissatisfied with traditional forms of knowledge and yearns for more. In his quest for ultimate power and understanding, he makes a deal with the devil, selling his soul in exchange for 24 years of service from the devil's agent, Mephistopheles. Despite the pleasures and knowledge he gains, Faustus eventually regrets his deal as he faces eternal damnation, symbolizing the human struggle between ambition and morality.
The 1695th Greatest Book of All Time -
11. The Works of Moliere by Molière
This book is a compilation of the works of a renowned 17th-century French playwright, who is often considered one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. His plays are known for their satirical examination of social norms and human folly, featuring a range of characters from the foolish and the pedantic to the hypocritical and the corrupt. Some of his most famous works included in this collection are "Tartuffe," "The Misanthrope," and "The Imaginary Invalid."
The 2009th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. The Complete Plays of Jean Racine by Jean Racine
This collection presents all the dramatic works of a renowned 17th-century French playwright, known for his mastery of French classical tragedy. The plays explore themes of love, power, tragedy, and the complex dynamics of political and personal life. The author's poetic style, psychological depth, and exploration of classical themes have made him one of the most influential figures in French drama. The collection includes both his well-known and lesser-known works, providing a comprehensive look at his contribution to theatre.
The 2144th Greatest Book of All Time -
13. Plays by Pierre Corneille
This collection of plays by a renowned 17th-century French dramatist features a variety of works that have significantly influenced the development of classical French tragedy. The plays often explore themes of honor, fate, and moral integrity, with complex characters who grapple with high-stakes moral and ethical dilemmas. The author's skillful use of language and his innovative approach to dramatic structure and characterization have made these plays enduring classics of French literature.
The 2176th Greatest Book of All Time -
14. Homo Ludens by Johan Huizinga
A Study of the Play-Element in Culture
"Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture" is a comprehensive exploration of the significance of play in human culture. The author argues that play is not just a childhood activity but a crucial component of societal development and cultural evolution. He delves into various aspects of culture such as law, war, knowledge, poetry, and philosophy, demonstrating how each has been influenced by elements of play. The author's thesis is that understanding the role of play in our culture is essential to understanding human nature itself.
The 2477th Greatest Book of All Time -
15. A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
In this classic play, the Duke of Athens is preparing for his marriage when the lives of two young couples become complicated by the meddling of fairies. The fairy king and queen, Oberon and Titania, are quarreling, causing chaos in both the fairy world and the world of mortals. Puck, a mischievous sprite and servant of Oberon, causes further confusion and comic misadventures by casting spells that lead to mistaken identities and misplaced affections. Eventually, all is resolved, and the play ends with three happily married couples.
The 2519th Greatest Book of All Time -
16. Three plays by Paul Claudel
The Cursed Son, The Humiliation of the Father, The Hostage
This collection of three plays offers a deep exploration of human emotions, societal norms and familial relationships. The first play, 'The Hostage', revolves around the complexities of love and sacrifice. The second play, 'Crusts', delves into the struggles of poverty and the human spirit's resilience. The final play, 'The Humiliation of the Father', portrays the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and the impact of parental behaviour on children. Each play, while distinct in their narratives, collectively provides a profound commentary on human nature and society.
The 2609th Greatest Book of All Time -
17. The Family of Man by Edward Steichen
The Greatest Photographic Exhibition of All Time - 503 Pictures from 68 Countries
"The Family of Man" is a renowned photography book that showcases a collection of 503 images from 68 countries, capturing the universal aspects of the human experience. The images, selected from a pool of nearly 2 million pictures, depict a wide range of human emotions, activities, and conditions, from birth to death, love to war, and work to play. The book serves as a powerful visual testament to the shared experiences and emotions that unite all humanity, transcending boundaries of geography, culture, and language.
The 2662nd Greatest Book of All Time -
18. The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neill
"The Iceman Cometh" is a play set in a New York City bar in 1912, featuring a group of down-and-out alcoholics who spend their days in a state of drunken stupor, telling tall tales and dreaming of better futures. The arrival of a former patron, now sober, disrupts their routine as he insists on forcing them to face the harsh realities of their lives and abandon their delusions. The play is a poignant exploration of despair, disillusionment, and the human capacity for self-deception.
The 3498th Greatest Book of All Time -
19. Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht
A Chronicle of the Thirty Years' War
Set against the backdrop of the Thirty Years' War, the book tells the story of a canteen woman, Mother Courage, who pulls her cart with her three children across war-torn Europe. It explores her struggles and survival tactics as she tries to profit from the war while keeping her children safe. The narrative is a profound critique of war and its consequences, highlighting the human cost of conflict and the often futile search for prosperity and security in a chaotic world.
The 3734th Greatest Book of All Time -
20. Finite And Infinite Games by James P. Carse
A Vision of Life as Play and Possibility
The book explores the concept of life as a series of games, distinguishing between finite games, which are played with the goal of winning and have clear boundaries and rules, and infinite games, which are played with the goal of continuing the play and evolving over time. It delves into how these perspectives influence various aspects of human existence, including culture, religion, and personal relationships, encouraging readers to adopt a mindset that embraces continuous growth, creativity, and the joy of participation rather than focusing solely on competition and final outcomes.
The 4016th Greatest Book of All Time -
21. Much Ado about Nothing by William Shakespeare
This classic play revolves around two pairs of lovers in the city of Messina. The first pair, Hero and Claudio, are young and innocent, while the second pair, Beatrice and Benedick, are older and more cynical about love. Throughout the plot, the couples face various challenges including deception, public humiliation, and the faked death of Hero. However, with the help of their friends and family, they overcome these obstacles and the story concludes with a joyful double wedding.
The 4200th Greatest Book of All Time -
22. Rhinoceros and Other Plays by Eugène Ionesco
Three Plays by Eugène Ionesco
"Rhinoceros and Other Plays" is a collection of three absurdist dramas that explore themes of conformity, culture, and mass movements. The titular play depicts a small French town where the inhabitants inexplicably transform into rhinoceroses, symbolizing the rise of fascism and the dangers of conformity. The other two plays, "The Leader" and "The Future is in Eggs," continue to explore these themes through a satirical and often surreal lens, challenging societal norms and the nature of reality itself.
The 4337th Greatest Book of All Time -
23. Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
What You Will
Twelfth Night: Or, What You Will is a comedic play that revolves around mistaken identities and love triangles. The story follows the adventures of Viola, who, after being shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother Sebastian, disguises herself as a man named Cesario. As Cesario, she enters the service of Duke Orsino and falls in love with him, even as he sends her to woo the Countess Olivia on his behalf. However, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, not knowing he is actually Viola in disguise. Further confusion ensues when Viola's presumed-dead brother Sebastian arrives, leading to mistaken identities, hilarious mix-ups, and ultimately, happy resolutions.
The 4523rd Greatest Book of All Time -
24. Wave by Suzy Lee
"Wave" is a wordless picture book that follows the playful and imaginative journey of a young girl at the beach. Through beautifully illustrated pages, readers witness the girl's interactions with a wave, as she runs away from it, dances with it, and ultimately befriends it. The book captures the joy and wonder of childhood, highlighting the power of imagination and the beauty of nature.
The 5442nd Greatest Book of All Time -
25. The Trickster of Seville and His Guest of Stone by Tirso de Molina
El Burlador de Sevilla y Convidado de Piedra
"The Trickster of Seville and His Guest of Stone" is a classic Spanish play that tells the story of a libertine nobleman who seduces women and leaves them, refusing to marry. His actions lead to severe consequences when he invites a statue of a man he has wronged to dinner. The statue, representing divine justice, accepts the invitation and later reciprocates, leading to the protagonist's downfall. The play is widely recognized for introducing the legendary character of the seductive rogue to the world of literature.
The 6130th 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