The Faculty of Useless Knowledge by Yuri Dombrovsky

"The Faculty of Useless Knowledge" delves into the life of a historian caught in the oppressive atmosphere of Stalinist Russia. The narrative explores the intellectual and emotional turmoil of the protagonist, who is ensnared in the brutal machinery of the Soviet state's ideological and bureaucratic control. Through his experiences and reflections, the book examines themes of memory, history, and the struggle to maintain intellectual integrity in a repressive society. The protagonist's journey is a poignant commentary on the value of knowledge and the human spirit's resilience against totalitarian forces.

The 4067th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 103

Since this book was first published in 1976, there is a penalty of 3.2%. The age adjusted score is 99.7.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.