Duncton Wood by William Horwood

This novel is a rich tale of adventure, heroism, and romance set within an ancient British woodland inhabited by a society of moles. The story follows the life of a young mole named Bracken and his quest for love and meaning amidst the traditions and spiritual life of the mole community. As Bracken and his beloved embark on a journey that will test their courage and faith, they must confront an evil tyrant who seeks to control Duncton Wood. Their struggle is one of both physical and spiritual significance, as the fate of their home and the very essence of their molehill beliefs hang in the balance. Through their trials, the narrative explores themes of power, freedom, and the enduring search for truth.

The 9187th greatest book of all time


Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 33

Since this book was first published in 1980, there is a penalty of 9.6%. The age adjusted score is 29.83.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.