The Greatest Roman, Australian "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 300 '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. Confessions by Augustine

    "Confessions" is an autobiographical work by a renowned theologian, in which he outlines his sinful youth and his conversion to Christianity. It is written in the form of a long, introspective prayer directed to God, exploring the author's spiritual journey and deep philosophical ponderings. The book is renowned for its eloquent and deeply personal exploration of faith, making it a cornerstone of Christian theology and Western literature.

  2. 2. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

    "Meditations" is a collection of personal writings by a Roman Emperor, providing deep insights into Stoic philosophy. The book is a series of introspective reflections on how to deal with life's challenges with wisdom, integrity, self-discipline, and benevolent affection for all mankind. It serves as a manual for self-improvement and moral guidance, emphasizing the importance of accepting things outside of one's control and maintaining a tranquil mind amidst adversity.

  3. 3. De Rerum Natura by Lucretius

    "De Rerum Natura" is a long didactic poem written in the first century BC, which explores Epicurean philosophy and the nature of the universe. The text delves into topics such as the nature of the gods, the atomic structure of the universe, human sensation and thought, and the fear of death. The author argues that understanding the physical world can free humans from superstition and fear, leading to peace of mind and true happiness.

  4. 4. Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally

    The book tells the true story of a German businessman who saves more than a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The protagonist's transformation from a greedy high living war profiteer to a savior of lives forms the crux of the narrative. It offers a chilling yet inspiring account of the horrors of the Holocaust, human resilience, and the power of one individual to make a significant difference.

  5. 5. The Female Eunuch by Germaine Greer

    This book is a seminal feminist text that explores the oppression of women in society. It critiques the traditional roles and expectations of women in the mid-20th century, arguing that societal norms and conventions force women into a secondary, submissive role, effectively castrating them. The book encourages women to reject these norms and to embrace their own sexual liberation, arguing for the need for a revolution in the way women perceive themselves and their place in society.

  6. 6. Annals by Cornelius Tacitus

    "Annals" is a historical work that provides a comprehensive account of the Roman Empire from the reign of Tiberius in 14 AD to the death of Nero in 68 AD. The author, a senator and historian of the Roman Empire, explores the inner workings of Roman politics, military campaigns, and social culture during this period. The book offers an in-depth look at the political machinations, power struggles, and the moral decay of the Roman elite, providing a critical perspective on the Roman emperors and their rule.

  7. 7. Lives of the Caesars by Suetonius

    "Lives of the Caesars" is a historical narrative that provides a detailed account of the personal and public lives of the first twelve Roman emperors, from Julius Caesar to Domitian. The author presents a vivid depiction of their character, behavior, appearance, and private lives, as well as their political actions, military exploits, and administrative policies. The book is a valuable source of information about the Roman Empire's early days, offering a unique perspective on the power, corruption, and extravagance of the Roman elite.

  8. 8. The City of God by Augustine

    The book is a philosophical and theological masterpiece, written as a defense of Christianity after the sack of Rome in 410 AD. The author contrasts the earthly city, characterized by pride and love of self to the point of contempt for God, with the heavenly city, characterized by love of God to the point of contempt for self. He argues that though the earthly city may seem dominant in the present age, the heavenly city will ultimately triumph. The book is a profound exploration of history, philosophy, religion, and the human condition.

  9. 9. Letters from a Stoic by Seneca

    "Letters from a Stoic" is a collection of moral epistles written by a renowned Stoic philosopher. The letters provide practical guidance on everything from dealing with adversity and the pursuit of wisdom to the folly of consumerism and the nature of friendship. The author's stoic philosophy encourages peace of mind through understanding and accepting the natural order of the universe, and his letters offer timeless wisdom and insights that are still relevant today.

  10. 10. Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally

    The book is a historical novel based on the true story of a German industrialist who becomes an unlikely humanitarian amid the barbaric Nazi reign. When he witnesses the horrors inflicted upon the Jews, he is moved to save as many as he can by employing them in his factory. His actions, driven by courage and compassion, lead to the salvation of over a thousand Jewish workers from certain death in the Holocaust. The narrative explores themes of morality, survival, and the capacity for good in the face of overwhelming evil, as the protagonist navigates the complexities of war and the human spirit.

  11. 11. Histories by Cornelius Tacitus

    "Histories" is a comprehensive account of the Roman Empire from 69-96 AD, a period marked by significant political turmoil. It provides an in-depth look at the reigns of four emperors: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian, along with the social and political upheavals of the time. The narrative also covers the Jewish rebellion and the burning of the Jerusalem Temple, offering a rich historical context of the period. Despite some gaps in the record, it remains a crucial primary source for understanding this era of Roman history.

  12. 12. The Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway

    "The Road from Coorain" is a memoir that chronicles the author's journey from her childhood on a remote sheep station in Australia, through her adolescence in war-ravaged Sydney, and finally, to her departure for America. The narrative explores themes of self-discovery, gender roles, and the power of education while providing a vivid portrayal of life in the Australian outback. The memoir also delves into the author's complex relationship with her mother and the impact of her father's death on their family.

  13. 13. The Shock of the New by Robert Hughes

    "The Shock of the New" is an insightful exploration of modern art from the late 19th century to the present day. The book examines the cultural, social, and political forces that shaped and influenced the development of various art movements such as Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, and Pop Art. It also provides an in-depth analysis of the works of prominent artists who played pivotal roles in these movements. The book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities and nuances of modern art.

  14. 14. A Fortunate Life by A.B. Facey

    "A Fortunate Life" is a memoir that chronicles the extraordinary life of a man who overcame immense hardships and adversity to find happiness and contentment. From his humble beginnings in rural Australia to his experiences as a soldier in World War I, the author shares his remarkable journey filled with poverty, loss, and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remains optimistic and grateful for the opportunities life has presented him, ultimately proving that a fortunate life is not defined by material wealth, but by the strength of the human spirit.

  15. 15. Tracks by Robyn Davidson

    "Tracks" is a memoir that recounts the author's extraordinary journey across the Australian desert on camelback. The narrative provides vivid descriptions of the harsh desert landscape, the challenges faced during this nine-month, 1,700-mile trek, and the transformation of the author's personal character along the way. The book also explores her interactions with the indigenous Aboriginal people and their culture, and includes her reflections on solitude, self-discovery, and the human connection to nature.

  16. 16. Germania by Cornelius Tacitus

    "Germania" is a historical and ethnographic work that provides a detailed description of the lands, customs, and tribes of the Germanic people in the first century AD. The author, a Roman historian and senator, offers a comprehensive account of the geography, anthropology, social institutions, and military practices of the Germanic tribes, often comparing their culture and values to those of the Romans. The work is considered a valuable source of information about the ancient Germanic tribes, despite its possible biases and inaccuracies.

  17. 17. Titi Livi Ab urbe condita libri by Livy

    This historical work offers a comprehensive narrative of the history of Rome, from its mythical origins to the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus. The author chronicles the major political, military, and social events of the Roman Republic, including the founding of the city, the establishment of the Republic, the Punic Wars, and the rise of Julius Caesar. The book is a significant source of information about the early history of Rome and is often considered one of the most important works of Roman history.

  18. 18. Poetry by Quintus Lutatius Catulus

    This book is a collection of ancient Roman poetry by a renowned statesman and poet. The poems reflect the author's experiences, thoughts, and feelings about life, love, politics, and society during the Roman Republic era. The author's eloquent and vivid writing style, combined with his astute observations and insights, make this book a valuable resource for understanding Roman culture and history.

  19. 19. Catiline Orations by Marcus Tullius Cicero

    "Catiline Orations" is a series of speeches given by a renowned Roman statesman, which were aimed at exposing and condemning the conspiracy led by Lucius Sergius Catilina. The speeches, delivered in the Roman Senate, are a masterful display of oratory skills and political acumen, as the statesman successfully manages to turn the Senate against Catiline, ultimately leading to his downfall. The book offers an in-depth study of these speeches, providing valuable insights into Roman politics, rhetoric, and the art of persuasion.

  20. 20. Natural History by Pliny (the Elder)

    "Natural History" is an extensive work of literature that provides a comprehensive look at the knowledge of the natural world during the Roman era. The book is divided into 37 volumes, each focusing on different aspects such as geography, anthropology, zoology, botany, and mineralogy. The author's curiosity and fascination with the world are evident in his detailed observations and descriptions. The book also includes discussions on art, sculpture, and various other topics, providing a rich and detailed snapshot of the Roman understanding of the world.

  21. 21. The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius

    "The Consolation of Philosophy" is a philosophical work written in the 6th century, where the author, imprisoned and awaiting execution, engages in a series of dialogues with Lady Philosophy about the nature of life and human happiness. The author grapples with the harsh realities of his own life, including his fall from favor, his unjust imprisonment, and impending execution. Through these dialogues, the author learns to understand life from a philosophical and spiritual perspective, finding consolation and peace amidst his dire circumstances. The work is a profound meditation on fate, free will, time, and eternity.

  22. 22. Stradbroke Dreamtime by Oodgeroo Noonuccal

    "Stradbroke Dreamtime" is a collection of autobiographical stories and traditional Aboriginal tales that weave together the personal experiences of an Indigenous Australian woman with the cultural heritage of her people. The book offers a window into the author's childhood on Stradbroke Island, sharing memories of family life, the natural world, and the impact of colonialism. Alongside these reflections, the work preserves a number of Dreamtime stories, which are central to Aboriginal spirituality and identity, passing on the wisdom and traditions of her ancestors through narratives that celebrate the connection between the land and its inhabitants.

  23. 23. The Tyranny Of Distance by Geoffrey Blainey

    "The Tyranny of Distance" explores the impact of geographical isolation on Australia's history, economy, and society. Blainey delves into how the vastness of the continent has shaped the country's development, from the challenges faced by early settlers to the struggles of maintaining connections with the rest of the world. Through a comprehensive analysis, the book highlights the unique circumstances and opportunities that arise from Australia's geographical position, ultimately offering a thought-provoking perspective on the nation's past and future.

  24. 24. Man Made Language by Dale Spender

    The book in question explores the concept that language is not a neutral medium of communication but rather a man-made construct that reflects and perpetuates the patriarchal structure of society. It argues that the way language is used and structured inherently privileges male perspectives and marginalizes women, influencing perceptions and reinforcing gender inequalities. Through a critical examination of linguistic practices, the text challenges readers to recognize the biases embedded in everyday language and consider the implications these have on women's experiences and the broader social power dynamics.

  25. 25. On The Ends Of Good And Evil by Marcus Tullius Cicero

    "On the Ends of Good and Evil" is a philosophical work that explores the ethical theories of Hellenistic schools, including Stoicism, Epicureanism, and the Peripatetic tradition. Through a series of dialogues, the text delves into the nature of happiness and the ultimate end of human action, examining what constitutes the highest good. The author critiques and compares the doctrines of these schools, ultimately defending the Stoic view that virtue is the sole basis of happiness and the ultimate goal in life, while also acknowledging valuable insights from other philosophical traditions.

Reading Statistics

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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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