The Greatest "Nonfiction, Historical fiction" Books Since 1900

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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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Nonfiction

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.

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  1. 26. Mrs. Adams In Winter by Michael O'Brien

    "Mrs. Adams in Winter" is a captivating historical narrative that follows Louisa Catherine Adams, the wife of John Quincy Adams, on her perilous winter journey across Europe in 1815. Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, Louisa travels from Russia to France to reunite with her husband in Paris. The book not only details the physical hardships of her journey through a war-torn continent but also delves into her personal struggles and reflections. Through this intimate portrayal, the book offers a unique lens on the political and social upheavals of early 19th-century Europe, while highlighting the resilience and complexity of its central figure.

    The 10466th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Boys In The Boat by Daniel James Brown

    This book tells the inspiring true story of the University of Washington's 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for gold at the Berlin Olympics. It focuses on how these sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers overcame immense physical and psychological challenges to defeat elite rivals first from eastern and British universities and finally the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in the Olympic Games. The narrative not only captures the sheer physicality and competitive nature of rowing but also delves deeply into the personal lives and backgrounds of the crew members, illustrating how their shared experiences and unbreakable bond drove them to achieve an unparalleled victory in the face of adversity.

    The 10949th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Going Dutch by Lisa Jardine

    "Going Dutch" explores the profound influence of Dutch culture and innovation on seventeenth-century England during the reign of William III and Mary II. The book delves into how the Glorious Revolution led to a significant transfer of intellectual and cultural ideas between the Dutch and the English. It examines the impact of this cross-cultural exchange on various aspects of British life, including art, science, trade, and politics, highlighting how Dutch expertise and practices were instrumental in transforming and modernizing England. The narrative provides a detailed analysis of the period, illustrating the lasting impact of Dutch influence on British society.

    The 11026th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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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.

Download