The Greatest French, British "Modernist, Satire, Fiction" Books Since 1900

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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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Modernist

Modernist literature is a category of books that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a break from traditional literary forms and a focus on individual experience and perception. Modernist writers experimented with language, form, and structure, often using stream-of-consciousness narration and fragmented storytelling to convey the complexity and ambiguity of modern life. Themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning are common in modernist literature, which reflects the cultural and social upheavals of the time. Overall, modernist literature is a challenging and thought-provoking genre that continues to influence contemporary literature and culture.

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. Journey to the End of The Night by Louis-Ferdinand Céline

    The novel is a semi-autobiographical work that explores the harsh realities of life through the cynical and disillusioned eyes of the protagonist. The narrative follows his experiences from the trenches of World War I, through the African jungles, to the streets of America and the slums of Paris, showcasing the horrors of war, colonialism, and the dark side of human nature. The protagonist's journey is marked by his struggle with despair, loneliness, and the absurdity of existence, offering a bleak yet profound commentary on the human condition.

    The 124th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Zazie in the Metro by Raymond Queneau

    A young, precocious girl named Zazie comes to Paris to stay with her flamboyant uncle, a professional female impersonator. She is obsessed with riding the Metro, but a strike thwarts her plans. As she explores the city on her own, she encounters a variety of eccentric characters, gets into mischief, and ultimately causes chaos in the city. The novel is a humorous and satirical look at Parisian life, filled with word play and surreal elements.

    The 734th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Froth on the daydream by Boris Vian

    "Froth on the Daydream" is a tragic love story set in a surreal world. The protagonist is a wealthy young man who marries a woman he loves deeply. However, their bliss is short-lived when she develops a strange illness - a water lily growing in her lung. As her health deteriorates, so does their wealth and social standing, leading to a bleak and heartbreaking end. This novel is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the harsh realities of life, all set within a fantastical and dreamlike landscape.

    The 934th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Death on Credit by Louis-Ferdinand Céline

    "Death on Credit" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the life of a young Frenchman in Paris during the early 20th century. The protagonist, a medical student from a poor family, struggles with the harsh realities of life, including poverty, sickness, and death. The narrative is marked by its dark humor, cynicism, and scathing critique of society, reflecting the author's own experiences and views. The protagonist's journey is a constant struggle against the absurdity and despair of existence, depicted through a series of episodic adventures and misadventures.

    The 1067th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Crome Yellow by Aldous Huxley

    "Crome Yellow" is a satirical novel set in an English country house, where a diverse group of guests gather for a summer holiday. The narrative explores various themes such as love, art, religion, and education through the conversations and interactions of the characters. The novel is known for its witty dialogue, social commentary, and for being an early example of the author's social criticism.

    The 1562nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Travesties by Tom Stoppard

    The play is a comedic and intellectual romp through Zurich during World War I, where the lives of historical figures like the Dadaist Tristan Tzara, the novelist James Joyce, and the communist revolutionary Lenin intersect through the unreliable memories of British consular official Henry Carr. The narrative is a playful, non-linear exploration of art, politics, and the nature of memory, blending slapstick humor with sharp wit and literary allusions. The work challenges the audience to consider the role of the artist in society and the impact of political upheaval on cultural expression, all while questioning the reliability of history and the very nature of truth itself.

    The 2304th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Tarr by Wyndham Lewis

    "Tarr" is a novel set in pre-World War I Paris and follows the story of an English artist, Frederick Tarr. The narrative explores the complex relationships between Tarr and his friends, including his German rival Kreisler and the woman they both love, Bertha. The novel delves into themes of modernism, masculinity, and the clash of cultures, while also providing a satirical critique of the bohemian lifestyle in early 20th century Paris.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Apes of God by Wyndham Lewis

    "The Apes of God" is a satirical novel that critiques the literary and artistic scene of 1920s London. The narrative follows a naive young man from the English countryside who becomes entangled in the pretentious and superficial world of London's modernist elite. The book is known for its biting wit, complex character portrayals, and intricate plot, providing a scathing critique of the cultural and intellectual pretensions of the time.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Point Counter Point by Aldous Huxley

    "Point Counter Point" is a satirical novel that explores the dilemmas of a group of intellectuals living in 1920s London. The narrative delves into their personal lives, affairs, and philosophical debates, presenting a vivid portrait of post-World War I society. The characters' diverse viewpoints on science, art, religion, and politics reflect the cultural and ideological conflicts of the time, with the author skillfully interweaving their stories to create a complex, multi-layered narrative. The novel is notable for its experimental structure, which mirrors the form of a musical counterpoint, with multiple plot lines unfolding simultaneously.

    The 2880th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Selected Works by Alfred Jarry

    "Selected Works" by Alfred Jarry is a compilation of the most significant writings from a French author known for his pioneering work in the Absurdist and Surrealist movements. The collection showcases a range of Jarry's literary output, including plays, essays, and novels, with his most famous character, Père Ubu, often taking center stage. Jarry's work is characterized by its satirical edge, inventive language, and the subversion of traditional literary forms. His influence extends beyond literature into the realms of theatre and the visual arts, where his ideas have continued to resonate with avant-garde movements throughout the 20th century and beyond.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Five Novels by Ronald Firbank

    "Five Novels" is a collection of early 20th-century works that are known for their wit, high camp, and stylistic innovation. The novels are characterized by their eccentric characters, satirical take on high society, and exploration of sexuality and spirituality. The author's distinctive narrative voice and his use of dialogue-driven storytelling create a unique literary experience that is both humorous and poignant. The collection serves as a showcase of the author's talent for capturing the frivolities and foibles of the social elite, as well as his ability to craft narratives that are ahead of their time in terms of thematic content and narrative structure.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Antic Hay by Aldous Huxley

    Set in the disillusioned post-World War I era in London, the novel is a satirical portrayal of the aimless lives of a group of hedonistic intellectuals. The story follows a disillusioned schoolteacher who, seeking meaning and excitement, becomes entangled with an eccentric group of characters, including an artist, a scientist working on a bizarre invention, and a seductive femme fatale. Through a series of comedic and ironic encounters, the narrative delves into themes of despair, the search for purpose, and the absurdity of modern life, all while painting a vivid picture of the Roaring Twenties' cultural and social milieu.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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