The Greatest Books of All Time Set in Prague

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 375 '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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Prague

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

    Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring period of Czechoslovak history, the novel explores the philosophical concept of Nietzsche's eternal return through the intertwined lives of four characters: a womanizing surgeon, his intellectual wife, his naïve mistress, and her stoic lover. The narrative delves into their personal struggles with lightness and heaviness, freedom and fate, love and betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, all while offering a profound meditation on the nature of existence and the paradoxes of life.

    The 131st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Good Soldier Svejk by Jaroslav Hašek

    and His Fortunes in the World War

    "The Good Soldier Svejk" is a satirical novel set during World War I, following the story of a Czech soldier in the Austro-Hungarian army. Svejk, the protagonist, is a simple-minded, good-natured man who is frequently arrested for bungling jobs due to his apparent idiocy. Despite his constant run-ins with authority, Svejk manages to maintain his cheerful disposition and even takes advantage of his perceived stupidity to manipulate the system. The book offers a humorous and critical perspective on the absurdity of war and the incompetence of military bureaucracy.

    The 163rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Austerlitz by W. G. Sebald

    The novel follows the story of Jacques Austerlitz, an architectural historian who was brought to England on a Kindertransport from Czechoslovakia during World War II. As an adult, Jacques embarks on a journey to uncover his past, including his original identity, his parent's fate, and his own lost history. The narrative is a haunting exploration of memory, identity, and the lasting impact of the Holocaust.

    The 364th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera

    This novel is a blend of fiction, autobiography, and philosophical musings that explores the nature of forgetting, the power of laughter, and the struggle for personal and political freedom. Set against the backdrop of the political turmoil in Czechoslovakia in the 20th century, it follows the interconnected stories of various characters, including a man who is expelled from the Communist Party, a young woman in love with a man whose father was a political prisoner, and a couple who flee to America. Throughout, the book delves into the ways in which personal and collective memories shape identity and history.

    The 1453rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Kafka's Other Trial by Elias Canetti

    The Letters to Felice

    This book is a detailed examination and interpretation of the correspondence between a renowned author and his fiancée, Felice Bauer. The author uses these letters to analyze the writer's psyche, his relationships, and his work. The book provides a unique insight into the author's life and the influence of his engagement on his writing, particularly his novel "The Trial". The author's struggle between his commitment to writing and his relationship with Felice forms the central theme of the book.

    The 1693rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. I Served The King Of England by Bohumil Hrabal

    "I Served The King Of England" is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Czech waiter named Ditie, who dreams of becoming a millionaire and serving the highest-ranking clientele. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Communist regime, the story takes readers on a journey through Ditie's experiences in various hotels and restaurants, his encounters with eccentric characters, and his pursuit of love and success. With humor, wit, and a touch of satire, the book explores themes of ambition, identity, and the impact of historical events on an individual's life.

    The 1909th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Golem by Gustav Meyrink

    This novel is a dark and atmospheric tale set in the mystical alleys of Prague's Jewish ghetto. It weaves the story of a man who, haunted by amnesia, embarks on a surreal journey to uncover his identity. Along the way, he encounters a series of bizarre and enigmatic characters, including the mythical Golem, a creature molded from clay and brought to life through ancient Kabbalistic magic. The narrative delves deep into themes of existential dread, mysticism, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, all while painting a vivid picture of early 20th-century Prague and its rich Jewish folklore. Through its complex plot and haunting imagery, the book explores the depths of human consciousness and the mysteries that lie beyond the surface of the known world.

    The 2323rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Too Loud A Solitude by Bohumil Hrabal

    The narrative centers around an elderly man who has spent his life compacting paper and books into bales in a decrepit cellar, using a hydraulic press. Despite the menial nature of his job, he has cultivated a deep love and profound knowledge for literature, philosophy, and art from the books that pass through his hands, many of which he rescues from destruction. The story is a poignant exploration of the power and resilience of the human spirit in the face of a dehumanizing, totalitarian regime, and a meditation on the enduring value of art and the written word. The protagonist's intellectual journey and his resistance to the oppressive forces around him serve as a metaphor for the survival of culture and individuality under oppressive conditions.

    The 2985th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Living In Truth by Vaclav Havel

    22 Essays Published on the Occasion of the Award of the Erasmus Prize to Václav Havel

    "Living in Truth" is a collection of essays and speeches that delve into the moral and existential struggles of living under an oppressive regime. The work explores the nature of power, truth, and individual responsibility in a society where the official narrative often contradicts reality. The author, a dissident playwright turned political leader, argues for the importance of living with integrity and maintaining a commitment to truth as acts of resistance. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections, the text serves as both a critique of totalitarianism and a guide for maintaining one's humanity in the face of systemic deception and coercion.

    The 3479th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Waiting for the Dark, Waiting for the Light by Ivan Klima

    The novel is set in the twilight of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia and follows the life of a television cameraman named Pavel. Despite his dreams of becoming a filmmaker and capturing the truth, he is trapped in a job that requires him to distort it. As the regime starts to crumble, Pavel grapples with the opportunities and challenges that freedom brings. He is forced to confront his past, his moral choices, and his dreams, leading to a deep exploration of the human condition and the struggle for personal and artistic freedom.

    The 4076th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. City, Sister, Silver by Jáchym Topol

    This novel follows the journey of a young Czech man, Potok, as he navigates the tumultuous period of the Velvet Revolution and its aftermath. The story is filled with surreal and often disturbing imagery as it explores themes of chaos, transformation, and the struggle for identity in a rapidly changing world. Potok's adventures take him from the crumbling infrastructure of post-communist Czechoslovakia to the burgeoning world of Western Europe, and his experiences reflect the larger societal upheaval of the time.

    The 4188th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Russian Debutante’s Handbook by Gary Shteyngart

    This novel follows the journey of Vladimir Girshkin, a young Russian immigrant living in New York City, who struggles with his identity and the expectations of his Jewish immigrant family. Desperate to escape his mundane job at the Emma Lazarus Immigrant Absorption Society and an overbearing girlfriend, Vladimir plunges into a world of crime and adventure that takes him from the Eastern European enclave of Little Odessa in New York to the chaotic streets of Eastern Europe. Through a series of misadventures, including dealing with gangsters, corrupt politicians, and a scheme involving a pyramid scam, Vladimir embarks on a comedic and poignant quest for success, love, and a sense of belonging. This debut novel is a satirical and insightful exploration of the immigrant experience, cultural assimilation, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

    The 4462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. From Nine To Nine by Leo Perutz

    The novel follows the intense and suspenseful journey of a young law student named Stanislaus Demba, who finds himself embroiled in a desperate situation over the course of a single day. After a series of unfortunate events, including a misunderstanding with his beloved, Demba becomes a fugitive, evading the authorities while grappling with his own moral dilemmas and the weight of his actions. As he navigates the bustling cityscape, the narrative delves into themes of fate, guilt, and the relentless passage of time, ultimately leading to a gripping and unexpected climax.

    The 5023rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

    In a world where the boundary between human and myth blurs, a blue-haired art student in Prague discovers her mysterious past and connection to a war-torn realm inhabited by angels and beasts. As she navigates her life between art school and errands for her chimeric guardian, she uncovers secrets about her identity and a star-crossed love that transcends worlds and species. Her journey reveals the complexities of family, love, and the devastating consequences of old enmities, ultimately leading her to confront her destiny in a battle that could reshape the boundaries of her world and all others.

    The 7041st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Parables, Fragments, Aphorisms by Franz Kafka

    This book is a collection of philosophical and existential musings, presented in the form of parables, fragments, and aphorisms. The work delves into the human condition, exploring themes of alienation, guilt, and the search for meaning in a seemingly incomprehensible world. The pieces are characterized by their brevity and depth, often leaving the reader with a sense of the uncanny and the profound. Through metaphor and succinct, thought-provoking statements, the author challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and the larger social and metaphysical systems that govern them.

    The 8055th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Judge On Trial by Ivan Klima

    "Judge on Trial" is a novel that delves into the life of Adam Kindl, a judge in Communist Czechoslovakia who is struggling with the moral dilemmas of his profession and personal life. As he presides over a politically charged case, Kindl grapples with the oppressive regime's influence on justice and his own sense of integrity. The narrative explores themes of power, corruption, and the quest for truth, while also examining the complexities of love, fidelity, and the human condition. Through Kindl's introspective journey, the novel provides a poignant critique of the judicial and political systems of the time.

    The 8613th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Selected Poetry by Jaroslav Seifert

    Poems of a Nobel Laureate

    This collection is a curated anthology of poems by a Nobel Prize-winning poet, renowned for his lyrical and evocative verse that captures the human experience with a profound simplicity. The poems traverse a range of themes, from love and beauty to the struggles of life in the face of historical turmoil. The poet's work is deeply rooted in the landscape of his homeland, reflecting its cultural richness and the political challenges it faced during his lifetime. His poetry is characterized by its accessibility, emotional depth, and the delicate interplay between personal sentiment and broader social commentary, making it a resonant and enduring contribution to world literature.

    The 8851st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Prague Cemetery by Umberto Eco

    The novel is a complex historical narrative set in 19th-century Europe, weaving a tale of conspiracy, espionage, and deceit. It follows the life of a master forger who becomes entangled in the creation of a notorious anti-Semitic document, the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Through a blend of real and fictional characters, the story explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the power of fabricated narratives in shaping history. The protagonist's shifting allegiances and moral ambiguity highlight the pervasive influence of propaganda and the dark undercurrents of European society during this tumultuous period.

    The 9968th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. H Hh H by Laurent Binet

    The Nazi Seizure of Power

    The book is a gripping historical novel that intricately weaves fact and fiction to recount the audacious World War II mission to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, one of the most feared Nazi leaders. Through a blend of meticulous research and narrative innovation, the story delves into the lives of the Czech and Slovak resistance fighters who undertook this perilous operation, exploring themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of warfare. The narrative also reflects on the nature of historical storytelling itself, as the author grapples with the challenges of representing real events and figures with authenticity and imagination.

    The 9974th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud

    The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book Two

    "The Golem's Eye" is the second book in the "Bartimaeus Trilogy" by Jonathan Stroud. The story continues with Nathaniel, now a member of the government's ruling class, as he tries to solve a series of mysterious attacks on the city by powerful magical creatures. Alongside his djinni, Bartimaeus, Nathaniel discovers a conspiracy that threatens the government and the stability of the magical world. The book explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of one's actions.

    The 10523rd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Body Of Glass by Marge Piercy

    He, She and It

    "Body of Glass" by Marge Piercy is a dystopian novel set in a future where technology has advanced to the point where humans can upload their consciousness into artificial bodies. The story follows the life of a woman named Kassia, who is a "shaper" - an individual with the ability to shape and mold her body at will. As Kassia navigates a society obsessed with physical perfection and conformity, she becomes involved in a rebellion against the oppressive government, ultimately questioning the true meaning of identity, freedom, and what it means to be human.

    The 10584th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Harmony of the Worlds by Johannes Kepler

    "The Harmony of the Worlds" is a scientific text that presents the author's innovative and groundbreaking theories on planetary motion. The author proposes that the movements of the planets in our solar system are not random, but rather follow precise mathematical relationships, likening these celestial patterns to harmonious musical notes. The book is a fundamental work in the history of astronomy, and it has had a profound influence on our understanding of the universe and its laws.

    The 10755th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Epitome of Copernican Astronomy by Johannes Kepler

    The First and Second Books of the Epitome of Copernican Astronomy

    This book is a comprehensive exploration of the Copernican system of astronomy. The author delves into the theories and principles proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus, discussing the heliocentric model of the universe where the Sun, rather than the Earth, is at the center. The book includes detailed explanations and mathematical proofs supporting Copernicus's theories, making it a valuable resource for understanding the foundations of modern astronomy.

    The 11149th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Mozart On His Way To Prague by Eduard Mörike

    In this novella, the narrative follows the famous composer during a whimsical journey to Prague for the premiere of his opera "Don Giovanni." Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters and situations that reveal his genius, quirks, and humanity. A mix-up at an aristocratic estate leads to a series of amusing and enlightening interactions, showcasing the composer's wit and charm. The story blends historical fiction with a light-hearted tone, offering a glimpse into the life and times of one of classical music's most celebrated figures.

    The 11399th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. The Diaries by Franz Kafka

    The book in question is a collection of personal writings by a prominent 20th-century author, chronicling his complex inner life over a period of several years. These diaries offer a window into the writer's introspective and often troubled mind, revealing his struggles with self-doubt, existential angst, and the creative process. The entries range from mundane daily events to profound philosophical reflections, providing insight into the author's relationships, his Jewish identity, and the socio-political context of his time. The diaries are a key source for understanding the author's enigmatic works, as they illuminate the thoughts and experiences that shaped his unique literary voice.

    The 12169th 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