The Greatest Books of All Time on Wealth

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 759 '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.

Follow on:

What should I read next?

Get personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. Our algorithm analyzes your favorite books and reading patterns to suggest your next great read.

Get Recommendations

Genres

Wealth

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter books by their publication year. Enter the earliest year (Start) and latest year (End) to find books published within that period. Leave either field empty to search from the beginning of time or up to the present day.

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

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

Login to Download
View: List Grid Table
Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
  1. 126. Not A Penny More,Not A Penny Less by Jeffrey Archer

    In this thrilling tale of revenge, four strangers find themselves united by a common enemy - a wealthy con artist who has swindled each of them out of their life savings. Determined to get their money back, they devise an elaborate plan to exact justice and teach the cunning fraudster a lesson he will never forget. With twists and turns at every corner, "Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less" is a gripping story of deception, redemption, and the power of resilience.

    The 5695th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 127. Epigrams by Martial

    The book is a classic collection of Latin poetry, renowned for its wit, sharp observations, and often biting satirical content. Comprising numerous short, pithy poems, the work captures the essence of Roman society, its vices, virtues, and daily life, through the lens of the poet's keen eye. The poet employs a range of literary devices, from irony to hyperbole, to craft epigrams that are at once humorous, poignant, and reflective of the human condition, making the collection a timeless exploration of social mores and personal relationships in ancient Rome.

    The 5815th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  3. 128. Satires by Persius

    The book is a collection of six satirical poems written in Latin, which delve into the moral and philosophical concerns of the author's time. Through sharp wit and a penetrating critique of contemporary Roman society, the author exposes the vices and follies of his peers, particularly targeting the corruption, greed, and hypocrisy that he perceives. The work reflects Stoic philosophical ideals and emphasizes the importance of virtue, self-awareness, and the pursuit of wisdom over material wealth and superficial success. Despite its serious themes, the book is known for its poetic artistry and the clever use of language to convey its biting commentary on the moral decay of society.

    The 5833rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  4. 129. Major Barbara by George Bernard Shaw

    A Discussion in Three Acts

    The play explores the complex dynamics of social responsibility, morality, and religion through the lens of an idealistic young woman who works at the Salvation Army to help the poor, and her father, a wealthy munitions manufacturer. The conflict between their worldviews comes to a head as they debate the ethics of wealth and charity, with the father arguing that his business, which provides employment and security, is a greater force for good than charity work that merely alleviates the symptoms of poverty. The daughter's struggle with reconciling her moral convictions with the practicalities of the world leads to a profound examination of the true meaning of goodness and the source of societal change.

    The 5852nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 130. The Girl With The Golden Eyes by Honoré de Balzac

    The novella delves into the decadent world of Parisian society, exploring themes of lust, power, and the corrupting influence of wealth. It follows a young man of high social standing who becomes infatuated with a mysterious woman with captivating golden eyes. As he pursues her, he uncovers a web of deception and jealousy, revealing the woman's entrapment by a powerful guardian with sinister intentions. The story is a critique of the French aristocracy and the moral decay hidden behind the opulent facades of Paris during the Restoration period.

    The 5888th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  6. 131. Cigarettes by Harry Mathews

    "Cigarettes" is a novel that intricately weaves together the lives of a diverse group of characters, all of whom are connected by their relationship to a single object: a pack of cigarettes. Set in mid-20th century New York, the narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and obsession. Despite the seemingly mundane nature of its central object, the story reveals the profound impact that even the most ordinary items can have on our lives.

    The 5949th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 132. Master And Man by Leo Tolstoy

    Set against the backdrop of a harsh Russian winter, this story explores the complex relationship between a wealthy merchant and his loyal servant as they embark on a journey to close a business deal. As they face the brutal elements and unforeseen challenges, the narrative delves into themes of human nature, morality, and the stark contrasts between social classes. The tale takes a profound turn when the characters are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities, ultimately leading to a poignant reflection on the true essence of life and the bonds that define us.

    The 6003rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 133. Volpone by Ben Jonson

    The Fox

    "Volpone" is a satirical comedy set in 17th century Venice, where the cunning protagonist, Volpone, and his servant, Mosca, swindle the city's wealthy elite by pretending Volpone is on his deathbed and in need of a worthy heir. This prompts a series of greedy contenders who offer extravagant gifts in hope of being named the heir. Despite their successful deceit, their scheme is eventually exposed, leading to their downfall. The story serves as a critique of greed and corruption, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

    The 6241st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  9. 134. The Needle's Eye by Margaret Drabble

    "The Needle's Eye" explores the complexities of wealth, morality, and personal fulfillment through the story of Rose Vassiliou, a woman who has inherited a fortune but chooses to live a modest life in opposition to the materialistic values of her upbringing. Her life becomes intertwined with Simon Camish, a struggling barrister, as they navigate their conflicting ideals and the social expectations of London in the 1970s. The novel delves into themes of social class, family dynamics, and the search for meaning, as Rose and Simon confront their pasts and question what it truly means to lead a good life.

    The 6456th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 135. The Stoic by Theodore Dreiser

    This novel serves as the concluding chapter in the life of its protagonist, a wealthy and influential businessman whose journey through success, love, and personal evolution has been chronicled in previous works. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, the narrative delves into the protagonist's introspective quest for meaning beyond material wealth and societal status. As he faces the twilight of his life, he grapples with the philosophical and existential questions that have shadowed him, seeking solace in the principles of Stoicism. Through his reflections and relationships, the story explores themes of ambition, morality, and the search for a tranquil mind amidst the inevitable trials of life.

    The 6479th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 136. Arcadia by Jim Crace

    The novel follows the intertwined stories of three individuals: Victor, a wealthy businessman who seeks to recreate his childhood paradise, an apple orchard, in a city; Anna, a young woman who is drawn to Victor's vision and becomes his personal assistant; and a young boy named Paddy, who is unknowingly the key to Victor's past. As Victor's utopian project begins to crumble, the lives of these three characters are dramatically altered. The narrative explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the destructive pursuit of idealized pasts.

    The 6507th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 137. Ooga-Booga by Frederick Seidel

    "Ooga-Booga" is a collection of poems that explore the human condition in the modern world with a brutally honest and often controversial perspective. The author uses vivid and dark imagery to depict themes of love, death, politics, and societal decay. The poems are often characterized by their unflinching examination of the darker aspects of life, and their ability to incite both discomfort and reflection in the reader.

    The 6711th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 138. The World's Illusion by Jakob Wassermann

    "The World's Illusion" is a profound exploration of the disillusionment and moral decay of post-World War I society, told through the intertwined lives of its characters. This two-volume work delves into the complexities of human nature, societal norms, and the quest for personal meaning amidst the chaos of the modern world. Through its narrative, the novel scrutinizes the illusions that govern personal relationships and societal structures, revealing the deep-seated conflicts and existential dilemmas faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world. The author masterfully portrays the struggle between individual desires and societal expectations, making it a timeless reflection on the human condition and the search for authenticity in an illusory world.

    The 6762nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 139. Poor Richard Improved, The Way To Wealth by Benjamin Franklin

    Being an Almanack and Ephemeris of the Motions of the Sun and Moon

    This book is a collection of wise sayings and practical advice on frugality, industry, and thrift. It compiles maxims and proverbs from annual almanacs, advocating for hard work, time management, and prudent financial planning as the cornerstones of prosperity and success. The work emphasizes the virtues of self-improvement and reflects the author's belief in the potential for self-made prosperity through disciplined personal conduct, offering timeless wisdom that has been influential in shaping attitudes towards personal finance and moral integrity.

    The 6767th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  15. 140. Donald Duck by Carl Barks, Walt Disney

    Lost in the Andes

    This book is a collection of comic adventures featuring the iconic character Donald Duck, one of Walt Disney Productions' most beloved characters. Created by Carl Barks, the stories within this volume showcase Donald's life in Duckburg, often involving his three nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, as well as other familiar characters such as Scrooge McDuck and Daisy Duck. The comics are known for their blend of humor, adventure, and heart, as Donald finds himself in a variety of predicaments, from treasure hunts to battling villains, all while trying to maintain his somewhat temperamental but ultimately good-hearted nature. Through these stories, readers are taken on entertaining journeys that also impart moral lessons and showcase the importance of family, ingenuity, and perseverance.

    The 6821st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 141. Tales Of The Jazz Age by F. Scott Fitzgerald

    This collection of short stories encapsulates the exuberance and recklessness of the Jazz Age, offering a vivid tableau of the 1920s America. Through a variety of tales that range from the whimsical to the tragic, the book explores themes of youth, beauty, and the disillusionment that often comes with excess and moral ambiguity. The stories, characterized by their rich prose and complex characters, provide a critical yet nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era, showcasing the author's keen observations of his contemporaries and their pursuits of love, success, and identity amidst the backdrop of a society undergoing rapid change.

    The 6821st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 142. São Bernardo by Graciliano Ramos

    In this compelling narrative, a self-made man recounts his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a powerful landowner in Brazil's rural hinterlands. Driven by ambition and a relentless pursuit of wealth, he acquires the São Bernardo estate, where he imposes his will with an iron fist. However, his obsession with control and material success leads to personal turmoil, as his relationships unravel and his inner conflicts intensify. Through introspection and a stark portrayal of human frailty, the story delves into themes of power, isolation, and the moral complexities of ambition.

    The 6921st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 143. O Testamento Do Sr. Napumoceno Da Silva Araújo by Germano Almeida

    Nenhum

    "O Testamento Do Sr. Napumoceno Da Silva Araújo" is a captivating novel that delves into the life and legacy of the enigmatic Mr. Napumoceno Da Silva Araújo. Set in Cape Verde, the story follows the unraveling of Mr. Araújo's last will and testament, which reveals his wealth, eccentricities, and the complex web of relationships he had with his family, friends, and business associates. Through a blend of humor, satire, and social commentary, the book explores themes of greed, power, and the human condition in a postcolonial society.

    The 7067th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  19. 144. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

    The novel tells the story of siblings Maeve and Danny Conroy, who are raised in a grandiose mansion known as the Dutch House in suburban Philadelphia. After their mother abandons the family and their father dies, they are exiled from the house by their stepmother, Andrea. The siblings' bond deepens as they navigate their lives, haunted by the loss of their home and the impact of their past. The narrative explores themes of memory, forgiveness, and the inescapable nature of family history, as Maeve and Danny grapple with their shared experiences and the legacy of the Dutch House.

    The 7099th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 145. Captains And The Kings by Taylor Caldwell

    The Story of an American Dynasty

    Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 19th and early 20th centuries, this sweeping saga chronicles the rise of an ambitious Irish immigrant, Joseph Armagh, who is determined to build a legacy of power and wealth in America. As he navigates the treacherous waters of politics, business, and family, Joseph's relentless pursuit of success is driven by a deep-seated desire to avenge past wrongs and secure a prosperous future for his descendants. The narrative intricately weaves themes of ambition, betrayal, and the moral complexities of the American Dream, offering a profound exploration of the sacrifices and consequences that accompany the quest for greatness.

    The 7147th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 146. Gateway by Frederik Pohl

    In this science fiction novel, an impoverished miner discovers an alien space station filled with starships. The ships are preprogrammed by a long-dead alien race, known as the Heechee, to travel to different parts of the universe. The miner becomes a prospector, risking his life to travel on these ships in hopes of finding valuable alien artifacts. However, the trips are incredibly dangerous, as no one knows where the ships are programmed to go or what they will find there. The story is told in a series of flashbacks, as the miner undergoes psychotherapy sessions to deal with the trauma of his experiences.

    The 7152nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 147. The Man Of Mode by George Etherege

    or, Sir Fopling Flutter

    The play is a Restoration comedy that satirizes the manners and affectations of a social class, particularly the courtiers and town gallants. Set in Restoration London, the plot revolves around the rakish protagonist, who is a notorious womanizer and his schemes to woo multiple women, including a virtuous young lady whom he genuinely falls for. The narrative unfolds with a series of witty dialogues, humorous situations, and a cast of characters that embody the excesses and vanities of the time. The play explores themes of love, deception, and the pursuit of pleasure, all while providing a critical look at the superficiality and moral laxity of the aristocratic society.

    The 7215th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  23. 148. 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 7215th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  24. 149. Ursule Mirouet by Honoré de Balzac

    Scènes de la vie de province

    The novel revolves around the life of Ursule Mirouet, a gentle and devout orphan raised by her godfather, Doctor Minoret, in the town of Nemours. As the doctor's wealth and Ursule's prospects of inheritance become apparent, she becomes the target of her jealous and greedy relatives who conspire to discredit her and claim the fortune for themselves. The story delves into themes of greed, family conflict, and the supernatural, as Ursule's life is influenced by mesmerism and visions that guide her through her trials. Ultimately, it is a tale of virtue rewarded and vice punished, set against the backdrop of provincial French society in the 19th century.

    The 7215th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  25. 150. The Entail by John Galt

    or, The Lairds of Grippy

    "The Entail" is a classic Scottish novel that delves into the lives and fortunes of the Lairds of Grippy and their descendants. The story explores themes of ambition, morality, and the consequences of avarice as it follows the rise and fall of the family's estate, which is burdened by an entail—a legal restriction ensuring the property must be inherited by a specific line of heirs. The narrative, rich in its portrayal of 18th-century Scottish society, offers a satirical and critical look at the period's social and economic conditions, as well as the complex relationships between characters bound by familial duty and the relentless pursuit of wealth and status.

    The 7215th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon

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

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

Login to Download