The Greatest "Picaresque, Discovery and exploration" 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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Picaresque

Picaresque is a genre of literature that typically features a rogue or anti-hero as the protagonist, who travels through various adventures and misadventures, often encountering a diverse cast of characters along the way. These stories are often humorous and satirical, and are known for their episodic structure and lack of a traditional plot. Picaresque novels are often set in the lower classes of society and provide a commentary on social issues of the time.

Discovery and exploration

The category of "Discovery and exploration" in books encompasses stories of individuals or groups who venture into unknown territories, whether it be physical or intellectual. These books often focus on the journey of discovery, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned along the way. They can range from historical accounts of explorers to fictional tales of characters embarking on personal journeys of self-discovery. The common thread among these books is the theme of discovery and the exploration of new frontiers.

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  1. 1. Water Music by T. C. Boyle

    "Water Music" is a historical fiction novel that follows the adventures of two men, an explorer and a petty criminal, during the late 18th century. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the explorer, who embarks on a quest to discover the source of the Niger River in Africa, and the criminal, who is trying to navigate the underbelly of London. The novel blends humor, rich historical detail, and adventure as it explores themes of ambition, survival, and the clash of cultures.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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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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