The Greatest Books of All Time on Schemes

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 410 '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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Schemes

The "Schemes" category encompasses books that delve into the intricate and often clandestine plans devised by individuals or groups to achieve specific goals, typically through cunning, manipulation, or deceit. These narratives are rich with strategic plotting, unexpected twists, and the psychological intricacies of characters who navigate complex social, political, or financial landscapes. Whether set in the cutthroat world of corporate espionage, the shadowy corridors of political intrigue, or the personal vendettas of everyday life, "Schemes" books captivate readers with their suspenseful storytelling and the moral ambiguities of their protagonists and antagonists. This genre invites readers to explore the darker facets of human ambition and the lengths to which people will go to outwit their adversaries and secure their desires.

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  1. 1. Carry On, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse

    "Carry On, Jeeves" is a humorous collection of short stories that revolve around the antics of a young, wealthy, and somewhat clueless bachelor and his ingenious valet. The valet often assists his employer in navigating through various social dilemmas, romantic entanglements, and personal gaffes, providing solutions that are both clever and entertaining. The book is a comedic exploration of British high society in the early 20th century, filled with witty dialogue and engaging characters.

    The 831st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Inimitable Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse

    This book is a collection of humorous short stories set in 1920s London, featuring the iconic characters of a wealthy, hapless young man and his intelligent, resourceful butler. The narrative revolves around the young man's various misadventures, often involving his eccentric friends and relatives, and the butler's ingenious solutions to save the day. The stories are characterized by their witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and satirical commentary on the British upper class.

    The 1131st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Thank You, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse

    In this humorous story, a British aristocrat and his valet find themselves in a series of comedic situations. The aristocrat's banjo playing has led to his eviction from his apartment, forcing him to take refuge in the country, where he becomes embroiled in a scheme to steal a policeman's helmet for a wager. Meanwhile, his valet must navigate a complex love triangle involving a fiery-tempered opera singer, a mild-mannered poet, and a jealous fiance. The pair's quick wit and unflappable demeanor carry them through these and other predicaments, providing plenty of laughs along the way.

    The 1184th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Heavy Weather by P. G. Wodehouse

    This book is a humorous tale set in the idyllic English countryside, revolving around the chaotic lives of the aristocratic Blandings Castle inhabitants. The story focuses on the theft of a valuable manuscript, a pig-napping, and the various romantic entanglements of the characters, all under the watchful eye of the unflappable butler. With its witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and intricate plot, the novel is a delightful romp through the quirks and foibles of British high society, showcasing the author's masterful use of language and his keen insight into human nature.

    The 3968th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Joy in the Morning by P. G. Wodehouse

    "Joy in the Morning" is a comedic novel set in the 1920s that revolves around the life of a wealthy, idle young man and his valet. The protagonist often finds himself in complicated situations due to his romantic entanglements, friendships, and his aunt's demands. However, his clever valet is always there to help him out of these predicaments. The story is filled with humor, wit, and classic British charm.

    The 4799th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Bank Shot by Donald E. Westlake

    A Dortmunder Novel

    In this comedic crime caper, a motley crew of thieves concocts an audacious plan to steal a bank. Rather than attempting a traditional heist, they decide to literally take the entire bank with them by hijacking a mobile home that serves as a temporary bank branch. The ringleader, a clever and somewhat luckless criminal, leads his eccentric team through a series of misadventures and close calls as they try to outwit the authorities and pull off what they hope will be a lucrative, if not entirely well-thought-out, crime. The novel is a blend of humor and suspense, delivering a story where the heist itself becomes as unpredictable as the characters attempting it.

    The 5376th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Pseudolus by Plautus

    "Pseudolus" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the clever and scheming slave Pseudolus, who aims to help his young master Calidorus win the heart of his beloved Phoenicium, a courtesan who is about to be sold to a Macedonian soldier. The play unfolds as Pseudolus concocts a series of intricate and humorous plans to deceive the pimp Ballio, outwit the soldier, and secure Phoenicium's freedom, all while promising his master the impossible. The narrative is filled with witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and satirical commentary on social relations, showcasing the slave's cunning and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

    The 11637th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Braggart Soldier by Plautus

    Miles Gloriosus

    "The Braggart Soldier" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the farcical misadventures of a pompous and cowardly military man who boasts about his exploits in love and war. The play unfolds with a clever slave scheming to outwit his master and help his friend, a young lover, reunite with his kidnapped beloved, who is being held by the braggart soldier. Through a series of humorous deceptions, mistaken identities, and slapstick humor, the characters navigate a world of social hierarchies and romantic entanglements, leading to a resolution that ridicules the soldier's arrogance and celebrates the cunning of the underdog.

    The 11637th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Beaux' Strategem by George Farquhar

    A Comedy

    The play is a comedic tale that follows the escapades of two charming, dissolute young gentlemen, Aimwell and Archer, who travel through the English countryside engaging in various schemes to restore their fortunes. With their funds running low, they concoct a plan to marry wealthy ladies, but their scheme becomes complicated when they encounter a series of mishaps and moral dilemmas. As they become entangled with a host of colorful characters, including a crooked landlord, a drunken husband, and a spirited heroine, the pair must navigate love, friendship, and honor. The narrative unfolds with wit and satire, ultimately exploring themes of deception, loyalty, and the true value of love and marriage.

    The 11637th 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