The Greatest Books of All Time on Reputation

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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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Reputation

In the context of a book category, "Reputation" encompasses works that delve into the intricate dynamics of social standing, public perception, and personal identity. These books explore how individuals, organizations, or even entire societies navigate the complex web of opinions, judgments, and expectations that shape their image in the eyes of others. Themes may include the rise and fall of public figures, the impact of scandal and redemption, the influence of media and public relations, and the personal struggles of maintaining or reclaiming one's reputation. Whether through fiction, biography, or social analysis, the "Reputation" genre offers a compelling examination of the power and fragility of how we are perceived by the world.

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  1. 1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    Set in early 19th-century England, this classic novel revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the five unmarried daughters. The narrative explores themes of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage within the society of the landed gentry. It follows the romantic entanglements of Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest daughter, who is intelligent, lively, and quick-witted, and her tumultuous relationship with the proud, wealthy, and seemingly aloof Mr. Darcy. Their story unfolds as they navigate societal expectations, personal misunderstandings, and their own pride and prejudice.

    The 12th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

    Set in the 1870s, the novel revolves around Newland Archer, a young lawyer from New York's high society, who is engaged to the beautiful and conventional May Welland. His life takes a turn when he meets May's cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska, who has returned from Europe after leaving her scandalous husband. Torn between his duty and passion, Archer struggles with the constraints of the society he is a part of. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the struggle between individual desires and societal expectations in the upper-class New York society of the late 19th century.

    The 77th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

    Set in the backdrop of New York's high society during the turn of the 20th century, the novel follows the life of Lily Bart, a beautiful but impoverished woman of social standing. As she navigates the pressures and expectations of her social circle, Lily grapples with the need to secure a wealthy husband to maintain her lifestyle. However, her romantic inclinations and her desire for personal freedom come into conflict with societal norms, leading to her tragic downfall.

    The 183rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Clarissa by Samuel Richardson

    Or, the History of a Young Lady

    The novel revolves around the beautiful and virtuous Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman from a wealthy family who is pursued by the villainous Robert Lovelace. Despite her attempts to maintain her virtue and independence, she is tricked into running away with Lovelace and is subsequently held against her will. Lovelace's relentless pursuit and Clarissa's steadfast resistance culminate in her tragic end, making the novel a complex exploration of power, morality, and the vulnerability of women in society.

    The 358th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Parallel Lives by Plutarch

    The Lives of Noble Grecians and Romans

    "Parallel Lives" is a collection of biographies of famous Greek and Roman figures, written in pairs to draw comparisons between their lives. The work explores the influence of character on the lives and destinies of these historical figures. The biographies are not only a record of the lives of these individuals, but also provide insight into the times in which they lived, offering a unique perspective on the history and culture of the ancient world.

    The 521st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Letters from a Stoic by Seneca

    Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium

    "Letters from a Stoic" is a collection of moral epistles written by a renowned Stoic philosopher. The letters provide practical guidance on everything from dealing with adversity and the pursuit of wisdom to the folly of consumerism and the nature of friendship. The author's stoic philosophy encourages peace of mind through understanding and accepting the natural order of the universe, and his letters offer timeless wisdom and insights that are still relevant today.

    The 714th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope

    The novel is the final installment in a series set in the fictional English county of Barsetshire, focusing on a clergyman accused of stealing a cheque, a crime he did not commit. The story explores the scandal's impact on his family and the community, his struggle to maintain his innocence, and the efforts of a local archdeacon to clear his name. The narrative also intertwines several romantic subplots, including the courtship of the clergyman's daughter by a man of higher social status.

    The 957th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey

    The book revolves around a solicitor named Robert Blair who is called upon to defend two women, Marion Sharpe and her mother, accused of kidnapping a teenage girl named Betty Kane. Betty claims she was held captive and forced to work as a servant at the Sharpes' home, The Franchise. However, as Blair delves deeper into the case, he uncovers inconsistencies in Betty's story and begins to suspect that there is more to the accusation than meets the eye. Set in postwar England, the narrative weaves through twists and turns as Blair seeks to prove the innocence of the Sharpes in a society eager to find scandal and guilt.

    The 1041st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum by Heinrich Böll

    How Violence Develops and Where It Can Lead

    "The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum" is a story about a young woman who becomes the target of a media smear campaign after she falls in love with a man who is suspected of being a political radical. The media's relentless invasion of her privacy and the negative portrayal of her character lead to tragic consequences, highlighting the destructive power of sensationalist journalism. The novel is also a critique of the political climate in Germany during the 1970s.

    The 1068th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Essays by Francis Bacon

    Counsels, Civil and Moral

    This collection is a seminal work of English literature, comprising a series of essays that delve into various subjects, ranging from politics and religion to love and truth. Written in the early 17th century, the essays are celebrated for their concise wisdom, rhetorical brilliance, and the author's deep insights into human nature and the complexities of life. The author, a philosopher, statesman, and scientist, employs a didactic style, offering practical advice and reflections on morality and ethics, which have remained relevant through the ages. The work is not only a reflection of the author's vast intellect and observational prowess but also serves as a valuable philosophical guide, illuminating the human condition and the societal norms of his time.

    The 1519th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

    Bridgerton

    In this Regency-era romance, a young woman of marriageable age faces societal pressures to find a suitable match. When she forms a pact with a charming and rebellious duke, they agree to a ruse of courtship to stave off the advances of other suitors and meddling family members. However, as they navigate the complexities of their faux engagement, they find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways, challenging their initial intentions and leading them to confront the possibility of a genuine and deep-seated love. Their story is a dance of wit, romance, and the intricate social mores of high society, revealing that the path to true love is seldom straightforward.

    The 1860th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Daisy Miller by Henry James

    A Study

    "Daisy Miller" is a novella that explores the social differences between American and European society in the late 19th century. The story follows a young, affluent American woman named Daisy Miller, who defies societal norms while traveling in Europe. Her flirtatious behavior and disregard for European customs create a scandal among the upper-class expatriate community, particularly catching the attention of a young American man who is both attracted to and repulsed by her nonconformity. Ultimately, Daisy's refusal to conform to societal expectations leads to her downfall.

    The 1987th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Coquette by Hannah Webster Foster

    or, The History of Eliza Wharton

    The novel follows the story of a young woman named Eliza Wharton, who, after the death of her fiancé, enjoys her newfound independence and engages in flirtations with multiple suitors. Despite societal pressures to marry and settle down, Eliza is drawn to the charm of a man known for his libertine ways, leading her down a path of emotional turmoil and social scandal. The narrative, presented through a series of letters, explores themes of female autonomy, morality, and the consequences of defying the rigid social norms of late 18th-century America, ultimately culminating in a tragic cautionary tale about the dangers of unrestrained individualism and the societal expectations placed upon women.

    The 3612th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. 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
  15. 15. The Crucible by Arthur Miller

    A Play in Four Acts

    Set during the Salem Witch Trials in the late 17th century, this play explores the hysteria, deceit, and religious extremism that plague a small Puritan village in Massachusetts. The protagonist, a flawed but essentially good man, is caught in a web of accusations when young girls in the town start displaying strange behavior and accusing others of witchcraft. The ensuing trials reveal not only the dangers of mass hysteria and false accusations, but also the destructive power of societal pressures and the human capacity for both cruelty and heroism.

    The 4567th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Cakes And Ale Or, The Skeleton In The Cupboard by W. Somerset Maugham

    The Skeleton in the Cupboard

    This novel is a satirical exploration of literary society, focusing on the life and posthumous reputation of a celebrated author. Through the eyes of the narrator, a writer named Ashenden, the story delves into themes of hypocrisy, fame, and the contrast between public image and private reality. The narrative weaves together the past and present, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the often-discrepant nature of personal versus public personas. At its core, the book critiques the literary establishment's pretensions and the way it shapes legacies, all while pondering the true nature of art and integrity.

    The 4878th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Selected Plays of Henrick Ibsen by Henrik Ibsen

    The Master Builder, A Doll's House, Ghosts, Hedda Gabler, and An Enemy of the People

    This compilation includes a selection of plays by a renowned Norwegian playwright, who is often referred to as the father of realism. The collection showcases his talent for exploring complex human emotions, societal expectations, and moral dilemmas. The plays often feature strong female characters, a rarity for the time, and challenge the norms of the 19th-century society, making them timeless and relevant even today.

    The 5452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Arthur And George by Julian Barnes

    The novel delves into the lives of two very different men at the turn of the 20th century in England: Arthur, a celebrated writer with a penchant for spiritualism, and George, a reserved solicitor of half-Indian descent who becomes embroiled in a notorious legal case. When George is wrongfully accused and convicted of a series of crimes, Arthur becomes intrigued by his plight and is compelled to use his detective skills to unravel the truth. Their stories converge as Arthur seeks to restore George's reputation in a society rife with prejudice and injustice, exploring themes of identity, the legal system, and the complexities of human character.

    The 9814th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The School For Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

    The play is a satirical depiction of the gossip and hypocrisy found in the high society of 18th century London. It centers around two brothers with contrasting personalities, one appearing to be a model of virtue and the other a dissolute rake, and the schemes of a circle of wealthy, idle gossipmongers. The plot thickens with a series of misunderstandings, eavesdropping, and mistaken identities, all revolving around the brothers' romantic pursuits and the malicious spread of scandal. The narrative ultimately exposes the true characters of the individuals involved, revealing the seemingly virtuous brother to be hypocritical and the seemingly dissolute one to be honorable, thus critiquing the superficial judgments and moral corruption of the elite.

    The 10642nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Playboy Of The Western World by John Millington Synge

    A Comedy in Three Acts

    "The Playboy of the Western World" is a comedic play that centers around Christy Mahon, a young man who stumbles into a rural tavern in County Mayo, Ireland, claiming to have killed his father. His tale unexpectedly elevates his status among the villagers, who find his boldness and story intriguing. As Christy enjoys his newfound popularity and the affection of the local women, complications arise when the truth about his father's fate comes to light. The play explores themes of heroism, identity, and the Irish rural life, using rich language and dramatic irony to critique societal norms and romanticized perceptions of rebellion.

    The 11320th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Country Wife by William Wycherley

    A Comedy

    The play is a Restoration comedy from the 17th century that satirizes the sexual and marital mores of the time. It revolves around the exploits of Horner, a rakish gentleman who spreads a false rumor about his own impotence in order to seduce married women without arousing their husbands' suspicions. The narrative intertwines Horner's machinations with the stories of various couples, including the simple country wife Margery, who is new to the city's social scene and whose naivety and desire for pleasure make her an easy target for Horner's scheme. The play is known for its witty dialogue, sexual innuendo, and commentary on the hypocrisy of societal norms.

    The 11329th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman

    The play revolves around the lives of two women who run an all-girls boarding school. Their peaceful and successful life is shattered when a malicious student starts an unfounded rumor that the two women are engaged in a lesbian relationship. The lie quickly spreads, leading to public scandal, financial ruin, and a devastating court case for the women. The narrative delves into themes of lies, malice, the destructive power of gossip, and the tragic consequences that can arise from false accusations and societal prejudices.

    The 11484th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. On The Crown by Demosthenes

    "On The Crown" is a significant political oration by the ancient Athenian statesman and orator, delivered in 330 BC. The speech serves as a robust defense of the speaker's political career and policies, particularly focusing on his efforts to mobilize Athens against the imperial ambitions of Philip II of Macedon. It is also a rebuttal against accusations made by his political rival, who criticized his leadership and decisions. The oration is celebrated not only for its eloquent expression and persuasive rhetoric but also for its deep insight into the political dynamics of the time, highlighting themes of patriotism, justice, and civic duty in the face of external threats and internal discord.

    The 12280th 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.

Download