The Greatest British "Science fiction, Fiction, Apocalyptic" Books Since 1910

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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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Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on society and individuals. It often features futuristic or imaginary settings, advanced technologies, and scientific concepts that are not yet fully understood or realized. Science fiction can encompass a wide range of themes, including space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence, and alternate realities. It is a genre that allows authors to speculate on the future of humanity and the impact of scientific progress on our lives.

Fiction

Apocalyptic

The "Apocalyptic" genre in literature encompasses narratives centered around the end of the world or civilization as we know it, often exploring themes of cataclysmic events, societal collapse, and the struggle for survival in the aftermath. These stories can be rooted in various causes such as pandemics, nuclear warfare, natural disasters, or supernatural phenomena, providing a backdrop for examining human behavior, resilience, and morality under extreme conditions. Apocalyptic fiction often intertwines elements of adventure, horror, science fiction, and sometimes fantasy, offering a speculative lens through which readers can explore the fragility of societal constructs and the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of ultimate destruction. This genre invites readers to ponder the impermanence of our existence and the hypothetical scenarios of our civilization's demise, all while engaging with gripping, high-stakes narratives.

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  1. 1. That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis

    The novel explores the moral and spiritual struggles faced by its characters as they contend with a sinister scientific organization aiming to control humanity. Set in a quiet English university town, the story follows a sociologist and his wife as they become entangled with the National Institute for Co-ordinated Experiments, which seeks to manipulate human life through advanced technology and ruthless tactics. As the couple is drawn deeper into this morally corrupt world, they must decide where they stand in the cosmic battle between good and evil, with the help of a mysterious company that aligns with divine forces.

    The 4916th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Shikasta by Doris Lessing

    The novel is a science fiction narrative that presents Earth, referred to as Shikasta, as a once thriving planet that has deteriorated into chaos and suffering due to its disconnection from the beneficent influences of a galactic empire. The story is told through a series of reports and personal accounts, primarily from the perspective of Johor, an emissary from the higher civilization, who is sent to Shikasta to assess and ameliorate the critical decline of its societies. The book explores themes of colonialism, the fall of civilizations, and the potential for spiritual renewal, blending mythological elements with a critique of contemporary socio-political issues.

    The 9099th 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