The Greatest "Crime, Historical fiction, Victorian" Books of All Time

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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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Crime

The "Crime" category of books typically includes stories that revolve around criminal activities, investigations, and the pursuit of justice. These books may feature detectives, police officers, or other law enforcement officials as main characters, as well as criminals and their victims. Crime novels often involve suspenseful plot twists and turns, as well as complex character development. The genre can encompass a wide range of subgenres, including mystery, thriller, and true crime, and may explore themes such as morality, ethics, and the human condition. Overall, the "Crime" category offers readers a thrilling and engaging look into the darker side of human nature and the justice system.

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Victorian

The "Victorian" category in literature refers to books that were written during the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901, or that embody the themes, social concerns, and cultural characteristics of that period in Britain. This era is marked by a complex intersection of industrial progress, empire expansion, strict social mores, and a rich cultural output. Victorian literature often grapples with issues such as social reform, gender roles, morality, and the impact of modernity on traditional ways of life. Authors like Charles Dickens, the Brontë sisters, Thomas Hardy, and George Eliot are quintessential figures whose works explore the intricacies of Victorian society. The genre is characterized by detailed realism, a focus on character development, and intricate plots that frequently address the disparities between the wealthy and the poor, the rise of the middle class, and the pursuit of personal and societal improvement. Victorian books can be novels, poetry, essays, or plays, and while they may vary in style and subject matter, they all provide a window into the values, struggles, and transformations of this pivotal era in British history.

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  1. 1. The Adventures of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

    This classic novel follows the life of a young orphan named Oliver Twist, who endures a miserable existence in a workhouse and then is placed with an undertaker. He escapes and travels to London where he meets the Artful Dodger, a member of a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by the elderly criminal, Fagin. Despite numerous adversities, Oliver remains pure at heart and is eventually saved from a life of crime, revealing his true identity and claiming his rightful inheritance.

    The 273rd Greatest Book of All Time

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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.

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