The Greatest Australian, American Books of All Time

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 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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Countries

Australian

American

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. 4676. An Unkindness Of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon

    The novel explores the harsh life aboard the HSS Matilda, a spaceship organized much like the antebellum South, where the lower decks are populated by dark-skinned sharecroppers ruled by white overseers. The protagonist, a neurodivergent, queer black woman, serves as the ship's healer and navigates the oppressive social structure while uncovering the secrets of her mother's past and the ship's mysterious journey. Her search for truth leads to revelations that could alter the fate of the Matilda's segregated society, as she grapples with the complexities of identity, autonomy, and resistance against a backdrop of systemic injustice and intergenerational trauma.

    The 11220th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 4677. A Conjuring Of Light by V. E. Schwab

    In this thrilling conclusion to a dark fantasy trilogy, the magical city of Red London is under threat from a malevolent force that has already wreaked havoc in neighboring worlds. The story follows a group of heroes, including a roguish pirate, a stubborn prince, and a powerful magician, as they band together to protect their home from the encroaching darkness. With high stakes and a blend of adventure, romance, and sorcery, the characters must navigate treacherous politics, personal demons, and an epic confrontation with an ancient enemy. The fate of multiple worlds hangs in the balance as they attempt to perform a dangerous act of magic—a conjuring of light—to vanquish the shadow once and for all.

    The 11220th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 4678. Down Among The Sticks And Bones by Seanan McGuire

    This dark fantasy novella delves into the backstory of Jack and Jill, twin sisters who, discontent with their strict upbringing, stumble through a portal into a grim otherworld. In this realm, they find themselves on divergent paths: one sister apprentices under a mad scientist, embracing logic and science, while the other is swept into the world of a vampire, seduced by the promise of power and belonging. As they navigate this eerie and dangerous world, their bond is tested, and they confront the harsh realities of choice, consequence, and the deeply ingrained desire to find a place where they truly fit in.

    The 11220th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4679. City Of Miracles by Robert Jackson Bennett

    In the concluding volume of a genre-blending trilogy, a once-powerful minister, now a reclusive fugitive, is thrust back into the chaotic world of political intrigue and divine magic following the murder of his old friend. Seeking vengeance, he navigates a city teeming with divine entities and their earthly agendas. As he uncovers secrets that could reshape the world, he finds himself becoming a linchpin in the struggle for power among the gods and their human conduits. The narrative weaves a tale of redemption, the cost of power, and the nature of miracles in a reality where the divine walk among men, and the fate of all rests on the brink of monumental change.

    The 11220th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 4680. Been in the Storm So Long by Leon F. Litwack

    "Been in the Storm So Long" provides an in-depth look into the experiences of African Americans during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The book vividly illustrates the transition from slavery to freedom, focusing on the struggles and resilience of former slaves as they sought to establish their place in a society that had long oppressed them. It delves into the emotional, economic, and political changes that took place during this period and how they affected the lives of African Americans, both individually and collectively.

    The 11227th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 4681. Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert K. Massie

    The book is a detailed biography of Peter the Great, the Tsar of Russia from 1682 until his death in 1725. It explores his life, his reign, and the profound impact he had on Russia and the world. The book delves into his efforts to modernize Russia, his military campaigns, his efforts to expand Russia's territory, and his creation of a new capital, St. Petersburg. It also examines his personal life, including his marriages, his children, and his complex personality. The book paints a vivid picture of a man who was a towering figure in Russian history and a transformative leader.

    The 11228th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 4682. American Education: The National Experience, 1783-1876 by Lawrence A. Cremin

    This book provides a comprehensive history of American education from the period of 1783 to 1876. It delves into the development of educational institutions and ideologies during this time, exploring the influence of various social, political, and economic factors. The narrative chronicles the transformation of American education from a primarily local and private endeavor to a more centralized and public system, highlighting the role of key figures and movements in this process. The book also analyzes the impact of these changes on American society and culture at large.

    The 11228th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 4683. Grant: A Biography by William S. McFeely

    This biography provides an in-depth look into the life of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and a commanding general during the Civil War. The book explores Grant's military career, his presidency, and his personal life, including his struggles with alcoholism. The author presents a balanced view of Grant, highlighting both his achievements and his flaws, and offers a detailed account of his role in shaping the United States during a critical period in its history.

    The 11230th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 4684. The Monster Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

    In this dark and intricate fantasy sequel, the protagonist continues her complex and ruthless quest for vengeance against the empire that destroyed her homeland. Now a high-ranking official within the very empire she aims to topple, she must navigate a treacherous web of politics, economics, and betrayal, while wrestling with her own identity and the moral compromises required to wield power. As she manipulates markets, deploys spies, and forms uneasy alliances, she is drawn deeper into a conspiracy that threatens not just her goals, but her very life. Her intellectual prowess is her greatest weapon, but it might not be enough to survive the monstrous cost of her ambition.

    The 11231st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 4685. The Fated Sky by Mary Robinette Kowal

    Set in an alternate 1961 where a meteorite has devastated the Earth and accelerated the space race, the narrative follows an astronaut as she navigates the complexities of space exploration and her role in the international effort to colonize Mars. Facing both technical challenges and social dynamics within the crew, she must contend with the era's pervasive sexism and political tensions, all while dealing with the personal sacrifices required for humanity's survival. The book blends historical detail with speculative fiction, exploring themes of duty, ambition, and the drive for scientific advancement against the backdrop of an alternate history of the space program.

    The 11231st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 4686. Beneath The Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

    In this fantastical novella, readers return to a whimsical world where doors lead to magical lands reflecting the true nature of the children who find them. The narrative follows a diverse group of friends who embark on a quest across these fantastical realms to resurrect a friend who has died before her time. Their journey is one of self-discovery, facing the complexities of identity and belonging, and challenging the very rules of life and death. With its vivid world-building and poignant exploration of what it means to find one's place in the world, the story weaves a tale of adventure, friendship, and the lengths one will go to right the balance of the universe.

    The 11231st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 4687. The Consuming Fire by John Scalzi

    In this science fiction novel, the sequel to a space opera series, an interstellar empire is on the brink of collapse due to the failure of the extradimensional Flow, the sole means of interstellar travel. As political intrigue and rebellion threaten to tear the empire apart, the emperox must confront internal and external enemies while seeking a way to save humanity from impending isolation and the subsequent downfall of civilization. With the help of a brilliant scientist and a cunning diplomat, the emperox navigates the treacherous political landscape, racing against time to uncover the secrets of the Flow before it's too late.

    The 11231st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 4688. The Transformation of Virginia, 1740-1790 by Rhys L. Isaac

    "The Transformation of Virginia, 1740-1790" explores the social, cultural, and political changes in Virginia during the second half of the 18th century. The book provides a detailed account of how the state evolved from a British colony with a rigid social hierarchy and an economy based on tobacco farming and slavery, to a more democratic society with a more diversified economy. It also examines the impact of the American Revolution on Virginia, including the disestablishment of the Anglican Church, the end of primogeniture, and the gradual abolition of slavery.

    The 11236th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 4689. Booker T. Washington: The Wizard of Tuskegee, 1901–1915 by Louis R. Harlan

    This book delves into the life and influence of Booker T. Washington during his time as the head of Tuskegee Institute from 1901 to 1915. The narrative explores Washington's political and social strategies, as well as his controversial policies, as he navigated the complexities of post-Reconstruction America. It also examines his relationships with key figures of the era, his efforts to promote African American education and economic self-reliance, and his enduring legacy in the fight for civil rights.

    The 11237th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 4690. Prophets of Regulation by Thomas K. McCraw

    "Prophets of Regulation" delves into the history and evolution of regulatory policy in the United States. The book focuses on the lives and contributions of four influential figures in regulatory theory and practice: Charles Francis Adams, Louis D. Brandeis, James M. Landis, and Alfred E. Kahn. The author explores their ideologies, their impact on policy, and the lasting implications of their work on the American regulatory landscape. The book presents a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between economics, politics, and law in shaping regulatory policies.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 4691. The Life and Times of Cotton Mather by Kenneth Silverman

    This biography delves into the life of Cotton Mather, a prominent figure in colonial New England's Puritan society. It explores his role in the infamous Salem witch trials, his efforts to reconcile science and religion, and his deep-seated belief in the supernatural. The book also examines Mather's personal life, highlighting his relationships, health struggles, and his own internal conflicts between faith and reason. It provides an in-depth look at a man often seen as a symbol of the rigid and superstitious early American mindset.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 4692. The Kingdom Of Copper by S. A. Chakraborty

    In this enthralling fantasy sequel, the tale continues of a young con artist of Cairo who is immersed in a magical world she never knew existed. Now, trapped within the royal court of Daevabad, she faces a dire situation as old tensions between djinn tribes escalate, threatening to ignite a civil war. With a city brimming with unrest and her loved ones in peril, she must navigate treacherous political waters to protect her heritage and secure peace, all while grappling with her own powers and the haunting legacy of a long-lost city. As alliances shift and dangerous enemies emerge, the future of the magical kingdom hangs in the balance.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 4693. In An Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire

    This novel follows the journey of a young girl who discovers a magical doorway that leads her to the Goblin Market, a realm where fair value must be given for fair value received. As she navigates this enchanting yet strict world, she finds a place where she truly belongs, with rules that make sense to her. However, the girl must balance her life between the Market and her reality at home, grappling with the consequences of her choices and the price that must be paid for the life she desires. Her story is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices we make for the places we call home and the sometimes painful decisions involved in growing up and finding where we belong.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 4694. The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson

    The novel is a historical fantasy set during the reign of the last sultanate in the Iberian Peninsula. It follows the story of Fatima, a concubine in the royal court, and her friend Hassan, a mapmaker with the mystical ability to draw maps of places he's never seen and bend the shape of reality. When representatives of the Spanish Inquisition arrive to negotiate the sultan's surrender, they target Hassan for his abilities, seeing them as sorcery. Fearing for Hassan's life, Fatima helps him escape the palace. Together, they embark on a perilous journey in search of the mythical island of The Bird King, a place believed to be an earthly paradise. Along the way, they navigate the complexities of power, faith, and freedom while being pursued by forces determined to crush the last remnants of the Moorish empire.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 4695. Louise Bogan: A Portrait by Elizabeth Frank

    "Louise Bogan: A Portrait" is a comprehensive biography of the renowned American poet, Louise Bogan. The book explores Bogan's personal life, her struggles with mental health, her complex relationships, and her career as a poet. It provides a deep insight into Bogan's life, her poetry, and her role as a critic for The New Yorker, highlighting her contributions to American literature. The book also discusses the challenges Bogan faced as a woman in a male-dominated literary world and how she overcame them.

    The 11247th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 4696. The Heavens and the Earth by Walter A. McDougall

    "The Heavens and the Earth" explores the history of the Space Age, focusing on the political, cultural, and technological developments that led to the exploration of space. It delves into the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union and how it fueled the space race. The book also examines the role of governments, private industry, and popular opinion in shaping the trajectory of space exploration. It provides a comprehensive view of how the Space Age has influenced and been influenced by broader societal trends.

    The 11247th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 4697. Voyagers to the West: A Passage in the Peopling of America on the Eve of the Revolution by Bernard Bailyn

    This historical work delves into the mass migration from Britain to the American colonies during the 1770s, just prior to the American Revolution. Using sources such as ship registers, official reports, and personal letters, the book presents an in-depth study of the motivations, experiences, and impact of these immigrants on the shaping of early American society. The study also explores the British government's role in encouraging this migration and its impact on the impending revolution.

    The 11249th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 4698. Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by David J. Garrow

    "Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference" is a comprehensive biography of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on his leadership role in the Civil Rights Movement. The book provides an in-depth analysis of King's philosophy, political strategies, and his relationship with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. It also explores King's personal struggles, his moral courage, and his unwavering commitment to nonviolent protest in the face of extreme opposition. The book is based on extensive research, including interviews with King's closest associates, government investigations, and surveillance records.

    The 11249th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 4699. Oscar Wilde by Richard Ellmann

    This biography provides an in-depth look at the life of renowned playwright, poet, and novelist, Oscar Wilde. It covers his rise to fame, his relationships, his trial for homosexuality, and his time in prison. The book also delves into his works, philosophies, and the societal norms of his time. It presents a comprehensive and detailed account of Wilde's life, his wit, and his tragic downfall.

    The 11251st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 4700. The Launching of Modern American Science, 1846-1876 by Robert V. Bruce

    This book explores the birth and development of modern American science between 1846 and 1876. It details how the United States transformed from a scientifically backward nation into a world leader in scientific research and development. The author delves into the lives and contributions of key figures during this period, including naturalists, inventors, and industrialists. The book also examines the establishment of major scientific institutions and the impact of the Civil War on scientific progress.

    The 11251st 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