The Greatest Iranian, Scottish, English "Nonfiction" 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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  1. 1. The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

    This influential economic book presents a groundbreaking theory that argues for free market economies. The author posits that individuals acting in their own self-interest within a system of natural liberty will result in societal benefit, a concept often referred to as the "invisible hand" theory. The book also critiques mercantilism and explores concepts such as the division of labor, productivity, and free markets. It is widely considered one of the foundational texts in the field of economics.

    The 425th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

    This graphic novel is a memoir that provides a personal account of the author's childhood and young adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic revolution. The story portrays the impact of war, political upheaval, and religious extremism on ordinary people, while also exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Despite the harsh realities the protagonist faces, the narrative also includes moments of humor and warmth, providing a nuanced view of life in Iran during this tumultuous period.

    The 626th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume

    This philosophical work explores the nature of human knowledge, arguing that all of our understanding comes from experience rather than innate ideas. The author challenges the idea of causality, suggesting that our belief in cause and effect is based on habit rather than logical reasoning. The book also discusses the limitations of human understanding, including the inability to fully comprehend the concept of God or the soul, and the impossibility of certain knowledge. The author's skepticism about traditional philosophical concepts has had a significant influence on later philosophers and the field of epistemology.

    The 977th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Persepolis Two by Marjane Satrapi

    This graphic novel continues the story of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. After being sent to Europe for her safety, she struggles with feeling out of place and longs for her homeland. Eventually, she returns to Iran, only to find it vastly different from the place she remembered. The book explores themes of identity, culture, and the effects of political upheaval on a personal level.

    The 3159th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

    The book is a memoir that takes place in Iran from 1979 to 1997, during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. The story focuses on a professor who secretly gathers seven of her most committed female students to read forbidden Western literature in her home. As they read and discuss works by authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Austen, and Vladimir Nabokov, they explore their personal dreams and the losses they suffered due to the political, social, and cultural climate of the time.

    The 4109th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Holy Dying by Jeremy Taylor

    The book in question is a Christian devotional work that explores the theme of death and the proper attitudes and practices one should adopt in preparation for it. It serves as a guide for the dying and those attending to them, offering theological reflections, moral instruction, and prayers intended to comfort and prepare souls for their final journey. The text emphasizes the transient nature of life, the importance of repentance, and the virtues of a holy life, aiming to provide readers with a sense of peace and a roadmap for achieving a blessed death in accordance with Christian teachings.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Daughter Of Persia: A Woman's Journey From Her Father's Harem Through The Islamic Revolution by Sattareh Farman-Farmaian

    This memoir recounts the extraordinary life of a woman born into a privileged family in early 20th-century Iran, who witnessed the dramatic shifts of her country's social and political landscape. Growing up in a polygamous household, she broke with tradition to pursue an education abroad, later returning to Iran to become a pioneering advocate for social reform and women's rights. Her story spans the rise and fall of the Pahlavi dynasty, the advent of the Islamic Revolution, and her subsequent exile, offering a personal lens on Iran's complex history and the role of women within it. Through her journey, she embodies the struggles and resilience of a nation in the face of modernity and change.

    The 5329th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas

    This memoir tells the story of an Iranian family who migrated to America in the 1970s, offering a humorous take on their experiences. The narrative focuses on the author's childhood and adolescence, exploring themes of cultural identity, assimilation, and the immigrant experience in America. It highlights the family's journey of navigating a new country and culture, while still holding on to their Iranian roots. The book showcases the author's ability to find humor in the most challenging situations, making it a heartwarming and amusing read.

    The 5445th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Missionary Movement In Christian History by Andrew Walls

    "The Missionary Movement in Christian History" explores the significant role of missionary activities in the spread and development of Christianity throughout history. The book examines how cultural exchanges influenced the practice and perception of Christianity in various contexts, highlighting the adaptability and transformation of Christian faith as it intersected with diverse cultures around the world. The author discusses the implications of these interactions for both the missionary movement and the broader historical and cultural developments, providing insights into the dynamic relationship between religion and cultural change.

    The 6608th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Essays, Moral, Political, And Literary by David Hume

    This collection of essays by the philosopher explores a range of topics across ethics, politics, and aesthetics. Written in a clear, conversational style, the essays examine human nature, the workings of government, economic theories, and the merits of refined taste, among other subjects. The author employs a skeptical approach to question traditional doctrines and suggests that politics and morals should be grounded in empirical observations of the world. The work reflects the Enlightenment spirit of rational inquiry and has been influential in the development of modern political philosophy and economic thought.

    The 6745th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Poems Of Henry Howard by Henry Howard

    This collection is an assemblage of Renaissance poetry by an influential English nobleman, often credited with pioneering the use of the English sonnet form before Shakespeare. The poems reflect a range of themes, from romantic and courtly love to reflections on morality and the human condition, showcasing the poet's linguistic dexterity and deep engagement with the literary and cultural currents of his time. The work is notable for its early use of blank verse and for capturing the transition between the medieval world and the early modern era, offering insight into the intellectual and emotional landscape of the Tudor court.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Essays Of Robert Louis Stevenson by Robert Louis Stevenson

    This collection of essays offers a window into the mind of its renowned author, showcasing his wide-ranging interests, personal reflections, and literary prowess. The essays cover topics as diverse as travel, dreams, writing, and the complexities of human nature, all conveyed with the author's characteristic wit, eloquence, and insight. Through these pieces, readers are invited to ponder life's great questions and to appreciate the everyday wonders that the author observes with such keen perception and articulates with timeless grace.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism by James Clerk Maxwell

    This seminal scientific work revolutionized the understanding of electricity and magnetism, providing a comprehensive mathematical framework for the interrelationship between these two forces. The book lays out the foundation of electromagnetic theory, introducing key concepts such as electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic waves and the speed of light. It also introduces the four fundamental equations, now named after the author, that describe how electric charges and currents create electric and magnetic fields.

    The 8235th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Avesta by Zoroastrian scripture

    "Avesta" is a sacred text of Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion predating Islam. The book contains the teachings of Zoroaster (Zarathustra), the prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism. It includes hymns, rituals, and legal and ethical codes, all intended to guide followers in their spiritual journey. The text also provides insights into the history, culture, and philosophical concepts of the Zoroastrian faith, including the dualistic cosmology of good and evil and the role of free will.

    The 8235th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Ecclesiastical History Of The English People by Bede

    This book is a seminal historical work that chronicles the Christianization of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of England, spanning from the arrival of St. Augustine in Kent in 597 AD to the time of the author in the early 8th century. It combines theological discussion with historical narrative, detailing the rise of Christianity, the conflicts between the Roman and Celtic traditions, the lives of prominent saints, and the establishment of monastic centers. The author, a monk and scholar, uses a variety of sources to compile a history that is both a spiritual record and a valuable document of early English history, emphasizing the role of the church in unifying and educating the diverse peoples of England.

    The 8235th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Classic Crimes by William Roughead

    "Classic Crimes" is a compelling collection of true crime essays that delve into notorious criminal cases in Scotland from the 17th to the early 20th century. Written by a prominent figure in the field of criminology, the book provides detailed accounts and analyses of various infamous crimes, including murder and scandal, exploring the legal proceedings and societal impacts of each case. The author's meticulous research and engaging narrative style bring these historical crimes to life, offering insights into the darker aspects of human nature and the evolving nature of criminal justice in Scotland.

    The 8726th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Tall Tales And Wee Stories by Bill Connolly

    "Tall Tales And Wee Stories" is a collection of humorous anecdotes and reflections from a beloved comedian's life and career. The book is a treasure trove of laughter, wisdom, and the occasional poignant moment, showcasing the author's storytelling prowess and unique perspective on life. Through a series of entertaining narratives, the reader is taken on a journey through the comedian's early days in show business, his observations on everyday absurdities, and his experiences on the road, all delivered with his signature wit and charm. This compilation serves as a celebration of a lifetime in comedy and an invitation to share in the joy of his uproarious adventures.

    The 10337th 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