Spqr by Mary Beard

This book is a sweeping historical narrative that delves into the heart of ancient Rome, exploring its rise from an insignificant village in central Italy to a world-dominating superpower that lasted for centuries. The author, a renowned classicist, examines not just the famous emperors and battles, but also the lives of the everyday people, the political and social structures, and the complexities of Roman culture. Through a blend of historical analysis, anecdotal evidence, and a fresh perspective, the book challenges preconceived notions about Roman history and provides a nuanced understanding of how this vast empire's legacy continues to influence the modern world.

The 9987th greatest book of all time

Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 57

Since this book was first published in 2015, there is a penalty of 65.6%. The age adjusted score is 19.61.

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.