The Greatest Pulp 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 743 '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. Fantômas by Marcel Allain, Pierre Souvestre
The Silent Executioner
The book is a thrilling detective novel set in Paris, revolving around the character of Fantômas, a master criminal with no morals or scruples. Fantômas is a master of disguise, capable of assuming any identity at will, and his criminal activities range from petty theft to murder. The book follows the relentless pursuit of Fantômas by the determined Inspector Juve, leading to a series of exciting and suspenseful encounters.
The 1059th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. The Swords Of Lankhmar by Fritz Leiber
In this fantasy adventure, two swashbuckling swordsmen find themselves embroiled in the political and supernatural intrigues of a city-state. Tasked with a seemingly straightforward mission to protect a grain fleet, they quickly discover that their job is far from simple as they face off against a mysterious adversary with the power to control rats. As the duo navigates a labyrinth of danger and deception, they must use their wits and combat skills to thwart a diabolical plot that threatens the very survival of the city, encountering sorcery, treachery, and unexpected alliances along the way.
The 1830th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. Conan The Conqueror by Robert E. Howard
The Hour of the Dragon
In this classic sword and sorcery tale, the indomitable warrior embarks on a perilous quest to avenge the death of a beloved comrade. He faces treacherous sorcery, battles monstrous creatures, and navigates the intrigues of a decadent eastern empire. As he confronts the malevolent wizard responsible for his friend's demise, the hero's journey is fraught with supernatural challenges and brutal combat, showcasing his unparalleled strength and cunning. His relentless pursuit of vengeance and justice leads him to ultimately seize a throne, cementing his legend as a fearsome and legendary conqueror.
The 2126th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. The Girl, The Gold Watch And Everything by John D. MacDonald
In this whimsical science fiction tale, a down-on-his-luck protagonist inherits a peculiar watch from his eccentric uncle that has the power to stop time. As he grapples with this extraordinary ability, he finds himself on a wild adventure, dodging greedy opportunists, nefarious villains, and government agents, all while trying to understand the true potential of his newfound gadget. Along the way, he is joined by a resourceful and enigmatic young woman, and together they navigate the chaos, discovering love and the true meaning of time and existence.
The 3264th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
5. Shadow Over Mars by Leigh Brackett
The Nemesis from Terra
Set on a colonized Mars, the story unfolds in a future where the planet is ruled by a tyrannical government and the powerful Inner Planets corporation. The protagonist, a rugged individualist and outlaw, becomes embroiled in a rebellion against the oppressive regime. As he navigates the complex political landscape, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including a mysterious woman with her own agenda. The narrative combines elements of science fiction and noir, exploring themes of freedom, power, and the human spirit's resilience against authoritarian control.
The 3397th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Two Sought Adventure by Fritz Leiber
"Two Sought Adventure" is a fantasy novella that follows the thrilling escapades of two swashbuckling adventurers, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Set in a richly detailed world filled with magic, monsters, and treachery, the story captures the duo's quest for treasure and glory. As they navigate through the sinister and enchanted city of Lankhmar, facing off against a myriad of foes, both human and supernatural, their friendship and skills are put to the test. The novella combines elements of action, humor, and dark fantasy, creating a compelling tale of adventure and camaraderie.
The 3579th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
7. The Dark World by Henry Kuttner
The Startling Story of a Man Who Lived Two Lives in Two Worlds
In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, Edward Bond, finds himself mysteriously transported to a parallel universe known as the Dark World, where he discovers he has a doppelgänger named Ganelon. This alternate realm is embroiled in a battle between two factions: the oppressive Coven, led by the sorceress Medea, and the rebels, who seek to overthrow her rule. As Bond navigates this strange and dangerous world, he grapples with his own identity and the duality of his existence, ultimately becoming entangled in the struggle for power and freedom. The story explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the conflict between good and evil in a richly imagined setting.
The 5180th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
8. I Spit On Your Graves by Boris Vian
A Novel of Violence and Revenge
The book in question is a controversial revenge novel centered around an African-American man who passes for white in a small American town. Seeking vengeance for his brother's lynching, he systematically targets and seduces white women, leading to a series of violent and sexually explicit encounters. The narrative unfolds as a brutal critique of racism and the American justice system, culminating in a shocking and grim conclusion that reflects the deep-seated racial tensions of the era. The book's graphic content and exploration of racial identity have sparked significant debate and censorship since its publication.
The 6162nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
9. Swords Against Death by Fritz Leiber
The Adventures of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser
The book is a collection of interconnected fantasy short stories that follow the adventures of two iconic characters, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Set in the mythical world of Nehwon, the duo embarks on a series of thrilling escapades filled with danger, magic, and cunning adversaries. Each tale showcases their camaraderie, wit, and resourcefulness as they navigate through perilous situations, from battling supernatural forces to outsmarting ruthless foes. The stories blend humor, action, and dark fantasy elements, highlighting the enduring friendship and dynamic partnership of the two protagonists.
The 6163rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
10. Death In Silver by Lester Dent
In this thrilling tale, the legendary Doc Savage and his team of adventurers face off against a mysterious criminal organization known as the Silver Death's-Heads. As the group unleashes a wave of terror across New York City, Doc Savage must unravel their sinister plot, which involves a series of daring heists and a deadly weapon capable of mass destruction. With time running out, Doc and his companions employ their unmatched skills and intellect to thwart the villains' plans, leading to a pulse-pounding confrontation that tests their courage and ingenuity to the limits.
The 7201st Greatest Book of All Time -
11. The Trail Of Fu Manchu by Sax Rohmer
A Thrilling Adventure of the World's Most Dangerous Criminal
In this thrilling installment of the series, the notorious criminal mastermind Fu Manchu continues his relentless pursuit of global domination, employing his vast network and cunning intellect to orchestrate a series of sinister plots. As he weaves his web of intrigue, Nayland Smith, a determined British investigator, is hot on his trail, racing against time to thwart Fu Manchu's nefarious plans. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense, exotic locales, and unexpected twists, as the forces of good and evil clash in a high-stakes battle that tests the limits of courage and cunning.
The 8784th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
12. Not At Night by Christine Campbell Thomson
The book is a chilling anthology of horror stories that delve into the macabre and the supernatural. Each tale is crafted to evoke fear and suspense, exploring themes of the unknown and the terrifying aspects of human nature. The collection features a variety of eerie settings and unsettling characters, drawing readers into a world where the boundary between reality and nightmare is blurred. With its atmospheric storytelling and unexpected twists, the book captivates those who enjoy the thrill of spine-tingling narratives.
The 9356th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
13. Terror By Night by Christine Campbell Thomson
A Collection of Chilling Tales
The book is a gripping collection of chilling tales that delve into the eerie and supernatural, exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown. Each story is crafted to evoke a sense of dread and suspense, drawing readers into a world where the ordinary is often overshadowed by the sinister and the macabre. The narratives are rich with atmospheric tension, weaving together elements of horror and mystery to create a haunting experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.
The 9610th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
14. Darkness Weaves by Karl Edward Wagner
Once Efrel was the beautiful consort of a king. Now she is a hideous creature who lives only for revenge. She has allies to aid her, but only Kane, the Mystic Swordsman, can rally her forces for battle. Only he can deliver the vengeance she has devised in her knowledge of black magic.
The 9813th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
15. The Penny Dreadful by Peter Haining
The Story of the Sensational Victorian Fiction
The book delves into the history and cultural impact of the sensational and inexpensive serialized publications known as penny dreadfuls, which captivated the imaginations of Victorian-era readers. It explores how these stories, often filled with melodrama, crime, and the supernatural, reflected societal anxieties and provided escapism for the working class. The book also examines the evolution of popular literature and its influence on modern genres, offering insights into the enduring appeal of sensational storytelling.
The 13320th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
16. Conan The Barbarian by Robert E. Howard
The book follows the epic tales of a formidable warrior from the ancient, mythical land of Cimmeria. Known for his exceptional strength, courage, and swordsmanship, the protagonist embarks on a series of adventures across treacherous lands filled with sorcery, fierce creatures, and ruthless enemies. His journey is marked by battles for power, the quest for treasure, and encounters with a diverse cast of characters, both friend and foe. Throughout his exploits, the barbarian hero confronts the dark forces of civilization and the mysteries of an age-old world, all while forging his own legend in a savage, untamed world.
The 13504th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
17. Donovan's Brain by Curt Siodmak
In this gripping tale of science fiction and psychological horror, a brilliant but morally ambiguous scientist, Dr. Patrick Cory, embarks on a daring experiment to keep the brain of a deceased millionaire, W.H. Donovan, alive in a laboratory. As the brain begins to exhibit signs of consciousness, Cory finds himself increasingly influenced by Donovan's powerful will, leading to a chilling battle of wits and control. The narrative explores themes of ethical boundaries in scientific exploration, the nature of consciousness, and the terrifying potential of unchecked ambition.
The 14777th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
18. Meet The Tiger by Leslie Charteris
In this thrilling adventure, readers are introduced to the enigmatic and charismatic Simon Templar, a suave and daring gentleman with a penchant for justice and a knack for getting into trouble. Known as "The Saint," Templar finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a notorious criminal mastermind known only as "The Tiger." Set against the backdrop of the English countryside, the story unfolds with a series of clever schemes, high-stakes confrontations, and unexpected twists, as Templar uses his wit and charm to outsmart his adversaries and bring the elusive villain to justice.
The 17010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
19. No Hero by John P. Marquand
Set in the backdrop of the 1930s, this gripping narrative follows the life of a seemingly ordinary man who becomes embroiled in a web of espionage and intrigue. As he navigates the murky waters of international politics and personal dilemmas, he is forced to confront his own beliefs and the true meaning of heroism. With unexpected twists and a rich tapestry of characters, the story delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and the moral complexities of a world on the brink of war.
The 17010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
20. The Green Ripper by John D. MacDonald
In this gripping thriller, the protagonist, Travis McGee, is thrust into a whirlwind of danger and intrigue following the sudden and mysterious death of his beloved Gretel. As he delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding her demise, McGee uncovers a sinister cult with far-reaching tentacles and a deadly agenda. Driven by a potent mix of grief and determination, he embarks on a relentless quest for justice, navigating a treacherous path filled with deception, betrayal, and peril. The story unfolds with a masterful blend of suspense and action, as McGee confronts his own demons while battling a formidable enemy.
The 17010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
21. Dead Street by Mickey Spillane
In this gripping noir thriller, a retired NYPD detective is drawn back into the shadows of his past when he learns that his long-lost love, presumed dead, might still be alive. As he navigates the dangerous underworld of crime and corruption, he uncovers secrets that threaten to unravel everything he thought he knew. With a mix of suspense, action, and unexpected twists, the story explores themes of redemption, love, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
The 17010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
22. 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 16772nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org
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