The Greatest Chilean, Swiss "Nonfiction" Books Since 1980

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Nonfiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Chilean

Swiss

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. Grid Systems In Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann

    This book is a seminal guide to graphic design and typographic composition, focusing on the use of grid systems as a foundational tool for ensuring visual coherence and hierarchy across various design projects. It provides designers with a methodical approach to organizing text and images in a clean, logical, and aesthetically pleasing manner. Through systematic arrangement, the grid serves as an essential framework that can be applied to a wide range of design work, from print media to digital interfaces. The book delves into the principles, applications, and benefits of grid systems, offering practical advice, examples, and clear illustrations to help designers harness the power of grids to create effective, impactful visual communications.

  2. 2. Scraps Of Life by Marjorie Agosín

    "Scraps of Life" is a poignant collection of testimonies and reflections on the harrowing experiences of Chilean women who endured the brutality of the Pinochet dictatorship. Through a tapestry of personal narratives, poems, and letters, the book gives voice to the pain, resilience, and unyielding hope of these women as they navigate the aftermath of political repression and personal loss. The work serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring quest for justice and memory in the face of unspeakable atrocities.

  3. 3. Paula by Isabel Allende

    The book is a deeply personal memoir in which the author recounts the tragic experience of her daughter falling into a coma due to a rare illness. As her daughter lies in the hospital, the author begins to write a poignant letter that evolves into a narrative of her family's history, her own life story, and the political and cultural upheavals that shaped her world. Through this intimate narrative, she explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, offering a raw and heartfelt reflection on the events that have defined her life and the unbreakable bonds of family.

  4. 4. Internal Ecology Morals For Xxi Century by Dario Salas Sommer

    This book delves into the intricate relationship between individual moral development and the broader ecological balance of our planet, proposing that the environmental crises of the 21st century are deeply intertwined with the moral and ethical decay observed in contemporary society. The author argues that by fostering a deeper understanding of our internal ecology—our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual well-being—we can cultivate a more harmonious relationship with the external world. Through a blend of philosophical insight and practical guidance, the text invites readers to embark on a journey of personal transformation as a foundational step towards addressing the global environmental challenges of our time, emphasizing the critical role of individual responsibility and ethical conduct in shaping a sustainable future.

  5. 5. The White Masai by Corinne Hofmann

    The book is a true story of a Swiss woman who, while on holiday in Kenya, falls in love with a Samburu warrior. Defying her family, friends, and cultural norms, she decides to leave her life in Switzerland behind to marry him and live in his remote village. The narrative delves into her challenging and transformative journey as she adapts to a vastly different culture, learns the local customs, and navigates the complexities of her interracial marriage and the community's expectations. Her story is one of love, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of extraordinary cultural differences.

  6. 6. The Cult Of Emptiness The Western Discovery Of Buddhist Thought And The Invention Of Oriental Philosophy by Urs App

    This book delves into the fascinating journey of how Buddhist thought was introduced and interpreted in the West, tracing the origins back to the encounters between European intellectuals and Asian cultures. It explores the notion of "Oriental Philosophy" as a construct of Western imagination, shaped by the translations and interpretations of texts that were often misunderstood or taken out of context. The author critically examines the romanticization and misconceptions that led to the creation of a mystical and exotic Eastern philosophy, highlighting the impact of these interpretations on both Western perceptions of Buddhism and the development of modern philosophy. Through a meticulous historical analysis, the book reveals the complex dynamics of cultural exchange, intellectual curiosity, and the quest for spiritual understanding, shedding light on the enduring fascination with the concept of emptiness and the cultural constructs that have emerged around it.

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