The Greatest British "Humor, Satire, Fiction" Books Since 1980

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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.

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Humor

Humor is a category of books that is characterized by its ability to make readers laugh or feel amused. These books often contain witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and humorous situations that are designed to entertain and delight readers. Humor can be found in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and graphic novels, and can range from light-hearted and silly to dark and satirical. Whether you're looking for a quick laugh or a more in-depth exploration of the human condition through humor, there is something for everyone in the world of humorous books.

Satire

Satire is a genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize and ridicule human vices, follies, and shortcomings. It is a form of social commentary that aims to expose the flaws and absurdities of society, politics, and culture. Satirical books often employ sarcasm, wit, and parody to challenge the status quo and provoke thought and reflection in readers. Satire can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it has been used throughout history as a powerful tool for social and political critique.

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  1. 1. White Teeth by Zadie Smith

    This novel follows the lives of two friends, a working-class Englishman and a Bangladeshi Muslim, living in London. The story explores the complex relationships between people of different races, cultures, and generations in modern Britain, with themes of identity, immigration, and the cultural and social changes that have shaped the country. The narrative is enriched by the characters' personal histories and the historical events that have shaped their lives.

    The 216th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Money by Martin Amis

    "Money" is a darkly humorous novel that follows the life of John Self, a hedonistic, self-destructive director of commercials, as he navigates the excesses and depravities of 1980s New York and London. His life is filled with overindulgence in food, alcohol, drugs, and women, leading to a downward spiral of self-destruction. The novel is a satire on the excesses of capitalism and the obsession with wealth and materialism, and it also explores themes of identity, self-loathing, and the destructive power of addiction.

    The 323rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett

    This book introduces readers to a flat, disc-shaped world balanced on the back of four elephants who stand on a giant turtle. The story follows an inept and cowardly wizard named Rincewind who is tasked with guiding a naive tourist through this chaotic and fantastical world filled with dragons, trolls, and magic. The narrative is a satirical take on fantasy genre clichés, with humorous and witty commentary throughout.

    The 556th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes

    The novel centers around a retired doctor's obsession with the life and works of Gustave Flaubert, a 19th-century French writer. The doctor's fascination leads him on a quest to find a stuffed parrot that once belonged to the writer. The novel is a blend of biography, literary criticism, and personal memoir, and it explores themes such as the nature of art and the difficulties of interpreting the past.

    The 629th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

    "Good Omens" is a humorous take on the biblical Apocalypse, following an angel and a demon who have grown fond of Earth and its inhabitants, and are not too keen on the impending end of the world. As they try to locate the misplaced Antichrist and prevent the Four Horsemen from bringing about Armageddon, they encounter an array of quirky characters, including witch-hunters, modern-day witches, and the Four Horsemen themselves. The novel combines comedy, fantasy, and philosophical themes, offering a satirical critique of religious prophecy and human nature.

    The 916th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. London Fields by Martin Amis

    The novel is a darkly comic, murder mystery set in London at the end of the 20th century. The story follows three main characters: a terminally ill American writer, a petty criminal, and a beautiful but doomed woman who predicts her own murder but not the murderer. The narrative is filled with satirical social commentary, exploring themes of love, lust, greed, and deception.

    The 970th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. What a Carve Up! by Jonathan Coe

    This satirical novel follows the story of the Winshaw family, a wealthy and corrupt British family who have a significant influence on British society in fields such as politics, business, media, and the arts. The narrative is presented through the eyes of a commissioned biographer who is trying to make sense of the family's history and their impact on society. As he delves deeper into the family's affairs, he uncovers dark secrets and becomes entangled in a complex web of deceit and murder.

    The 1189th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

    The book is a fantastical children's novel that explores the importance of storytelling. It follows the journey of a young boy named Haroun who sets out on a magical adventure to restore his father's ability to tell stories. Along the way, he encounters a vast array of colorful characters and strange lands, including a Sea of Stories. The narrative addresses themes of censorship, the power of storytelling, and the struggle between light and darkness.

    The 1398th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Wise Children by Angela Carter

    "Wise Children" follows the lives of twin chorus girls, Dora and Nora Chance, as they navigate the ups and downs of their theatrical family in south London. The narrative, told from Dora's perspective, weaves in and out of time, recounting their experiences with their illegitimate father Melchior Hazard, a renowned Shakespearean actor, and his legitimate family. The novel explores themes of family, identity, legitimacy, and the magic of theater, all while maintaining a humorous and irreverent tone.

    The 1455th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams

    This humorous science fiction novel follows the eccentric detective Dirk Gently, who operates based on the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. His cases involve time travel, ghosts, and an Electric Monk, a labor-saving device that believes things for you. Dirk's current investigation revolves around the disappearance of a cat, a multimillionaire, and a horse in a bathroom, all seemingly unrelated events, but in Dirk's holistic world, everything is connected.

    The 1514th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Life And Loves Of A She Devil by Fay Weldon

    The novel follows the story of a scorned wife who embarks on a transformative journey of revenge against her adulterous husband and his mistress. After being belittled for her appearance and discarded for a more beautiful woman, she decides to reinvent herself completely, both physically and socially, to exact retribution. Her quest for vengeance leads her down a dark path where she manipulates and destroys the lives of those who wronged her. As she assumes control of her destiny, the protagonist challenges societal expectations of femininity and power, ultimately questioning the true nature of identity and the cost of her unyielding pursuit of justice.

    The 1521st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Bad News by Edward St Aubyn

    "Bad News" is the second novel in a series that follows the life of Patrick Melrose, a man from a wealthy but deeply troubled family. In this installment, Patrick, now 22, must travel to New York to collect his father's ashes. As he navigates the city, he struggles with his addiction to drugs and alcohol, and grapples with the traumatic memories of his abusive father. The narrative provides a darkly comic and deeply poignant exploration of addiction, trauma, and the struggle for redemption.

    The 2147th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Some Hope by Edward St Aubyn

    "Some Hope" is a darkly humorous novel that delves into the life of a man who struggles to overcome his traumatic past and drug addiction. He is invited to a lavish party filled with Britain's aristocracy, where he must confront his past and deal with the pretentious and shallow society he is part of. The narrative explores themes of abuse, recovery, and the struggle to find redemption and hope amidst despair.

    The 2227th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Small Gods by Terry Pratchett

    In a satirical fantasy world, a once-powerful god finds himself nearly forgotten, his power diminished to almost nothing as he's left with a single believer, a novice monk. This unlikely duo embarks on a journey to confront the corrupt religious institution that has lost sight of true faith, challenging dogma and hypocrisy. Along the way, they encounter a host of quirky characters and navigate philosophical quandaries, ultimately seeking to restore genuine belief and the god's rightful place in the hearts of the people. The narrative cleverly explores themes of religion, belief, and the nature of power through a humorous and thought-provoking lens.

    The 2228th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Night Watch by Terry Pratchett

    "Night Watch" is a satirical fantasy novel that follows the story of Sam Vimes, a city watch commander who is transported back in time. He must navigate the complexities of the past, assume the identity of his old mentor, and prevent a violent revolution, all while trying to find a way back to his own time. The book is filled with humor, social commentary, and a detailed fantasy world.

    The 2738th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Truth by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, the story revolves around the accidental establishment of the city's first newspaper by a young entrepreneur and his talking dog. As the newspaper begins to uncover and report the truth, it finds itself entangled in a plot involving political intrigue, murder, and the machinations of the city's elite. The protagonist must navigate the treacherous waters of news and information, dealing with the moral dilemmas of journalism and the power of the written word, all while the very fabric of the city's society is threatened by the stories his paper brings to light. The novel humorously explores themes of media power, truth, and the responsibility of those who control the flow of information.

    The 2747th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

    In a fantastical satire of holiday traditions, the very existence of the Discworld's version of Santa Claus, known as the Hogfather, is threatened when a sinister plot is hatched to eliminate him. As belief in the Hogfather wanes, the personification of Death steps in to fill his boots, delivering presents to the children of the Discworld in an attempt to keep the spirit of the holiday alive. Meanwhile, Death's granddaughter, a plucky and resourceful young woman, works to unravel the conspiracy and restore the natural order. The story humorously explores themes of belief, tradition, and the nature of reality through a quirky and whimsical narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    The 3353rd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. There But For The by Ali Smith

    There But For The is a novel that explores the interconnectedness of people's lives through the story of a man who locks himself in a room of a house he was invited to for dinner, and refuses to come out. The man's actions cause a media frenzy and bring together four individuals who have links to him, each revealing their own stories and perspectives. The book is a commentary on contemporary life, exploring themes of identity, memory, time, and the nature of connection and disconnection in society.

    The 3656th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. A Good Man In Africa by William Boyd

    This novel is a darkly comedic tale set in the fictional West African country of Kinjanja, where we follow the misadventures of Morgan Leafy, a morally ambiguous British diplomat. Struggling with his own vices, bureaucratic absurdities, and the complexities of colonial politics, Leafy's life spirals out of control as he attempts to navigate a series of personal and professional crises. Through a blend of satire and tragedy, the narrative explores themes of corruption, power, and the human condition, presenting a vivid, if not always flattering, picture of life in post-colonial Africa.

    The 4872nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Going Postal by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, a notorious con artist is given a second chance at life by being forced to revive the defunct Ankh-Morpork Post Office. As the new Postmaster, he must contend with outdated mail systems, a haunted post office, and the competition from a powerful, unscrupulous clacks communication company. Using his wits and a motley crew of postal employees, he embarks on a madcap journey to restore the postal service, outmaneuver the corporate villains, and ultimately redefine the meaning of communication in a city teeming with magic and mayhem.

    The 5398th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

    In a fantastical realm where witches hold sway over the common folk's superstitions and destinies, three eccentric crones find themselves entangled in royal intrigue after a throne is usurped by a power-hungry duke. The trio, guided by their own peculiar brand of wisdom and the manipulative hands of fate, must navigate the treacherous waters of politics and prophecy to restore the rightful heir to the crown. With a cauldron bubbling with satire and wit, the story cleverly subverts the tropes of Shakespearean drama, fairy tales, and fantasy conventions, all while exploring themes of power, destiny, and the nature of storytelling itself.

    The 6077th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett

    In a satirical twist on the fantasy genre, the story unfolds in a chaotic city where the inept and often ignored Night Watch finds itself facing an unexpected challenge when a secret society summons a dragon to achieve their political ambitions. The motley crew of guards, including a naive new recruit, a cynical captain, and a nobleman in disguise, must navigate through absurdity, corruption, and incompetence to save the city from fiery destruction. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including a formidable lady librarian and a magical swamp dragon, all while poking fun at the tropes of fantasy novels and exploring themes of duty, heroism, and the nature of power.

    The 6101st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Witches Abroad by Terry Pratchett

    In this satirical fantasy novel, three witches embark on a journey to a distant land to prevent a fairy godmother from forcibly creating a "happy ending," regardless of the consequences. The witches, each with their own distinct personality and approach to magic, navigate through a world filled with twisted fairy tale tropes, encountering talking animals, voodoo, and the power of stories along the way. As they travel, they grapple with the nature of destiny and the importance of free will, ultimately aiming to subvert the godmother's manipulative narrative and allow the people to shape their own lives. The novel humorously explores themes of fate, storytelling, and the subversion of traditional fairy tale conventions.

    The 6271st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

    This charming novella explores the whimsical scenario in which the Queen of England becomes an avid reader, a hobby that begins quite by accident when she stumbles upon a mobile library parked at Buckingham Palace. Her newfound passion for books leads her on a journey of self-discovery, changing her outlook on life and her role as a monarch. As her reading list grows, so does her questioning of the status quo, much to the dismay of her courtiers. The narrative humorously and poignantly examines the transformative power of literature and its ability to inspire introspection, empathy, and an insatiable curiosity about the world.

    The 6281st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. The Restraint Of Beasts by Magnus Mills

    This darkly comic novel follows the misadventures of an unnamed English foreman tasked with supervising two Scottish fence builders, Tam and Richie, in rural England. The trio's mundane job of erecting high-tension fences takes a series of bizarre and increasingly grim turns, leading them on a journey across the British countryside and eventually to mainland Europe. The narrative is marked by the author's minimalist style, blending deadpan humor with an undercurrent of menace, as the mundane reality of manual labor collides with surreal and unsettling events. The story explores themes of freedom, the absurdity of modern life, and the thin veneer of civilization that masks humanity's darker impulses.

    The 6418th 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