The Greatest Books of All Time Set in Yorkshire

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 488 '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. 1. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

    A young, spoiled and unloved girl is sent to live with her reclusive uncle in a large, lonely house after the death of her parents. Through the discovery and cultivation of a hidden, neglected garden, she befriends a local boy and her sickly cousin, and the three children find healing and transformation through their friendship and the magic of the garden.

    The 352nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

    A Romance

    "The Moonstone" is a detective novel that revolves around a large, valuable yellow diamond that was stolen from an Indian temple and is now in England. The diamond is bequeathed to a young woman on her eighteenth birthday, but is stolen that same night. The novel follows the investigation of the theft, which is complicated by a series of confusing events and false leads. The resolution involves the unraveling of a tangled web of deception, crime, and colonial guilt.

    The 377th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Possession by A. S. Byatt

    A Romance

    "Possession" is a novel that interweaves two storylines, one set in contemporary times and the other in the Victorian era. The contemporary plot follows two academics who uncover a secret love affair between two 19th-century poets, while the Victorian storyline presents the clandestine romance itself. As the modern scholars delve deeper into the past, they find themselves falling in love as well, mirroring the historical romance they are researching. The book explores themes of love, passion, and the power of the written word.

    The 666th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Virgin in the Garden by A. S. Byatt

    Set in 1953, during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the novel explores the life of a highly intelligent young woman, Frederica Potter, who aspires to attend the University of Cambridge. The narrative follows her struggles with the societal norms of post-war England, her family's expectations, and her own intellectual and emotional growth. Interwoven with Frederica's story is a parallel narrative about a theatrical production celebrating the coronation, which serves as a metaphor for the cultural and social changes occurring in England at the time.

    The 2464th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Harold Wilson by Ben Pimlott

    A Biography

    The book provides an in-depth exploration of the life and political career of a prominent British Prime Minister, focusing on his two terms in office during the 1960s and 1970s. It delves into his complex personality, political strategies, and the challenges he faced, including economic difficulties and social changes. The narrative also examines his leadership style, his relationships with colleagues and adversaries, and his impact on the Labour Party and British politics. Through meticulous research and analysis, the book paints a comprehensive portrait of a leader navigating a transformative period in British history.

    The 4422nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Condition Of The Working Class In England by Friedrich Engels

    From Personal Observation and Authentic Sources

    The book provides a detailed examination of the harsh living and working conditions faced by the working class in England during the Industrial Revolution. It highlights the severe economic disparities, poor housing, inadequate sanitation, and the overall exploitation of workers, particularly in urban areas. The author uses firsthand observations and statistical data to illustrate the detrimental effects of industrial capitalism on the health and well-being of the laboring population. The work serves as a critical analysis of the social and economic inequalities of the time, advocating for social reform and greater awareness of the plight of the working class.

    The 5362nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight

    This classic tale follows the heartwarming journey of a loyal collie who, after being sold to a distant owner due to her family's financial struggles, embarks on an arduous trek across Scotland to reunite with her young master. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including natural dangers and human cruelty, the determined dog's unwavering devotion and instinct guide her through the treacherous terrain. Her incredible loyalty and the deep bond between pet and owner underscore the story's enduring message about the power of love and perseverance.

    The 5455th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

    A Tale

    Set in the industrializing England of the Napoleonic wars and Luddite revolts against mechanization, this novel centers on the contrasting lives of two women: the strong-willed Shirley Keeldar, who inherits her uncle's estate and assumes a traditionally masculine role as its manager, and the more timid Caroline Helstone, who lives with her uncle, a local clergyman. The narrative explores themes of gender, social class, and industrialization, as it follows the personal and romantic trials of these women. Their stories intertwine with the local mill owner, Robert Moore, who seeks to modernize his mill despite worker unrest, and the impact of these changes on the broader community. The novel examines the role of women in society and the ways in which they navigate the challenges of love, friendship, and societal expectations during a time of cultural and economic upheaval.

    The 5991st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Deadheads by Reginald Hill

    A Dalziel and Pascoe Novel

    In this detective novel, a series of bizarre murders puzzles the police force, with each victim found with a single flower carefully arranged on their body. The case falls into the hands of two seasoned detectives, who must navigate through a web of eccentric characters and cryptic clues. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a connection to a rock band's fanbase, known as "Deadheads," leading them on a trail that challenges their wit and resolve. The detectives must race against time to piece together the puzzle before the killer strikes again, all while dealing with their own personal demons and the complexities of their partnership.

    The 6776th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Becoming Unbecoming by Una

    This graphic novel is a poignant exploration of gender violence, identity, and the journey of healing. It intertwines the author's personal narrative of growing up in the 1970s in Northern England with the historical backdrop of the Yorkshire Ripper, a notorious serial killer targeting women. As the author grapples with her own experiences of sexual abuse and societal pressures, the book delves into themes of misogyny, shame, and the societal tendency to blame victims rather than perpetrators. Through powerful illustrations and candid prose, it offers a deeply personal account of the struggle to overcome trauma and the cultural silence surrounding sexual violence.

    The 7562nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Underworld by Reginald Hill

    An Inspector Dalziel and Pascoe Novel

    In "Underworld," a thrilling detective novel, the discovery of a miner's body in a Yorkshire pit years after his disappearance during the 1984 miners' strike leads the seasoned detective duo, Dalziel and Pascoe, into a complex investigation. As they delve into the case, they uncover not only the dark secrets buried within the mining community but also a tangled web of corruption, betrayal, and murder that extends far beyond the confines of the colliery. The detectives must navigate through a labyrinth of conflicting interests and dangerous liaisons to unearth the truth, which threatens to shake the very foundations of the local society.

    The 7900th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. All Creatures Great And Small by James Herriot

    The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Most Beloved Animal Doctor

    The book is a heartwarming collection of stories that chronicle the experiences of a country veterinarian in rural England. Set in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, the narrative follows the young vet as he navigates the challenges and joys of treating a wide variety of animals, from farm livestock to family pets. Through his interactions with the animals and their often eccentric owners, the book paints a rich, humorous, and affectionate portrait of country life in the mid-20th century, highlighting the enduring bond between humans and animals.

    The 8129th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Gb84 by David Peace

    "GB84" by David Peace is a gripping novel set during the 1984-1985 miners' strike in Britain. The story follows the lives of various characters, including union leaders, miners, and government officials, as they navigate the brutal and violent clash between the National Union of Mineworkers and the Conservative government. With its intense portrayal of the social, political, and economic turmoil of the time, the book offers a raw and realistic depiction of the struggles faced by both the striking miners and those in power.

    The 9149th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Bones And Silence by Reginald Hill

    In this gripping installment of a renowned detective series, the protagonist, a shrewd and seasoned detective, finds himself embroiled in a complex case that intertwines a mysterious death, which at first glance appears to be a suicide, with the intricacies of a local amateur dramatic society's production of a medieval mystery play. As the detective delves deeper into the investigation, he is confronted with a series of cryptic messages and puzzles, challenging his analytical skills and drawing him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a cunning adversary. Set against the backdrop of a small English town, the narrative weaves together themes of passion, betrayal, and the quest for justice, all while exploring the moral ambiguities that lie at the heart of human nature.

    The 10531st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Mirror & The Light by Hilary Mantel

    The novel concludes the trilogy chronicling the life of Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the court of King Henry VIII. It explores Cromwell's rise to power following the execution of Anne Boleyn and his efforts to consolidate his influence amidst the volatile political landscape of Tudor England. As Cromwell navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, he faces challenges from rivals and the king's shifting moods, ultimately leading to his dramatic downfall. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the precarious nature of power, offering a richly detailed portrayal of a complex historical figure.

    The 12524th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Comforts of Madness by Paul Sayer

    "The Comforts of Madness" is a powerful and poignant novel that delves into the mind of a mute and catatonic man confined in a mental asylum. The narrative alternates between his internal monologues, filled with rich and vivid imagery, and the observations and interactions of the hospital staff. The book provides a stark and unsettling exploration of mental illness, challenging the reader's perceptions of sanity and reality.

    The 13110th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Yorkshire Shepherdess by Amanda Owen

    How I Left City Life Behind to Raise a Family—and a Flock

    The book is a heartwarming memoir that offers a window into the life of a woman who has embraced the challenges and joys of farming in one of the most remote and rugged regions of England. With humor and honesty, the author recounts her journey from a suburban upbringing to becoming a shepherdess, wife, and mother of a large family on a sprawling farm. Through her stories, readers experience the daily trials and triumphs of rural life, from braving harsh weather and tending to her flock to raising her children in tune with the natural world. The narrative celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of community, and the simple beauty of a life lived in harmony with the land.

    The 14371st 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