The Greatest Saint Lucian, Roman "Fiction" 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 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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  1. 1. The Aeneid by Virgil

    This epic poem tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan who travels to Italy, where he becomes the ancestor of the Romans. It includes a series of prophecies about Rome's future and the deeds of heroic individuals, and is divided into two sections, the first illustrating the hero's journey and the second detailing the wars and battles that ensue as Aeneas attempts to establish a new home in Italy. The narrative is deeply imbued with themes of duty, fate, and divine intervention.

    The 75th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Metamorphoses by Ovid

    "Metamorphoses" is a classical epic poem that narrates the history of the world from its creation to the deification of Julius Caesar within a loose mythico-historical framework. The narrative is filled with stories of transformation, focusing on myths and legends of the Greek and Roman world. The tales, which include the stories of Daedalus and Icarus, King Midas, and Pyramus and Thisbe, among others, are all linked by the common theme of transformation, often as a punishment or reward from the gods.

    The 331st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Golden Ass (Metamorphoses): Or Metamorphoses by Apuleius

    This classic novel follows the protagonist, a young man who is transformed into a donkey after meddling with magic he doesn't understand. His journey takes him through a series of adventures, where he encounters a variety of characters from different walks of life and gets into all sorts of trouble. Through his experiences, he gains a deeper understanding of the human condition and the world around him. The narrative also includes several mythological tales and allegories, including the famous story of Cupid and Psyche. Eventually, the protagonist regains his human form through divine intervention, having learned valuable lessons about life, love, and humanity.

    The 636th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Omeros by Derek Walcott

    "Omeros" is an epic poem that explores the lives of a small community in the Caribbean. The narrative intertwines the lives of characters such as fishermen, a housemaid, and a disabled veteran, all of whom embody various aspects of Caribbean history and culture. Drawing inspiration from Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, the narrative is not only a vivid portrayal of post-colonial Caribbean life but also a profound meditation on identity, civilization, and the human condition.

    The 1944th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Attis And Other Poems by Catullus

    "Attis and Other Poems" is a collection of lyrical works that delve into themes of love, desire, and personal anguish. The poems are characterized by their emotional intensity and vivid imagery, often reflecting the poet's own tumultuous love affairs and inner turmoil. The titular poem, "Attis," stands out with its mythological narrative and exploration of themes such as identity and transformation. Throughout the collection, the poet's mastery of language and form is evident, as he skillfully weaves together personal experiences with broader reflections on human nature and the complexities of the human heart.

    The 2900th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Thyestes by Seneca

    "Thyestes" is a classic tragedy that centers around the mythological figures of the House of Atreus. The story unfolds as Atreus, the King of Mycenae, seeks revenge on his brother Thyestes for committing adultery with his wife. In a gruesome act of vengeance, Atreus kills Thyestes' sons and serves them to him at a feast. The narrative explores themes of power, betrayal, revenge, and the horrific consequences of unchecked ambition.

    The 5751st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Amphitryon by Plautus

    The play is a comedic tale set in ancient Greece, where the god Jupiter, enamored with Alcmena, the wife of the general Amphitryon, takes on her husband's form to seduce her while Amphitryon is away at war. Meanwhile, Mercury, the messenger god, assists Jupiter by disguising himself as Amphitryon's slave, Sosia. The resulting confusion and mistaken identities lead to a series of humorous situations, as the real Amphitryon returns home to find his place usurped by the god. The play explores themes of deception, infidelity, and the interplay between gods and mortals, all wrapped up in a farcical package that entertains while it provokes thought about the nature of identity and trust.

    The 5910th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Rope by Plautus

    "The Rope" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the mishaps and misunderstandings that ensue when a young man's plan to rescue his lover from a life of servitude goes awry. The play humorously depicts the lengths to which characters will go for love and freedom, featuring a cast of cunning slaves, mistaken identities, and a twist of fate. As the plot unfolds, the young man's father becomes entangled in the scheme, leading to a series of comic situations that culminate in an unexpected resolution. The work is a testament to the enduring nature of farce and the skillful use of dramatic irony to entertain and engage the audience.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Braggart Soldier by Plautus

    "The Braggart Soldier" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the farcical misadventures of a pompous and cowardly military man who boasts about his exploits in love and war. The play unfolds with a clever slave scheming to outwit his master and help his friend, a young lover, reunite with his kidnapped beloved, who is being held by the braggart soldier. Through a series of humorous deceptions, mistaken identities, and slapstick humor, the characters navigate a world of social hierarchies and romantic entanglements, leading to a resolution that ridicules the soldier's arrogance and celebrates the cunning of the underdog.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Girl From Andros by Terence

    "The Girl From Andros" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the complexities of love and mistaken identity. The plot centers on a young Athenian man who falls in love with a girl believed to be a courtesan from the island of Andros, but who is, in fact, a freeborn woman. As he seeks to marry her, he must navigate the social expectations of his status, the interference of his slave who tries to help him with a cunning plan, and the revelation of the girl's true identity. The play humorously explores themes of class, romance, and the roles of women in ancient society, all while employing the typical misunderstandings and deceptions of comedic storytelling.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Mother In Law by Terence

    The play is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the convoluted love lives and familial disputes of its characters. The central plot focuses on a young man who impregnates his lover, the daughter of his neighbor. The situation is further complicated by the young man's domineering mother-in-law, who is unaware of the relationship and pregnancy. The narrative unfolds with a series of misunderstandings, schemes, and comic relief provided by a cunning slave, ultimately leading to resolutions that restore harmony and social order. The work explores themes of love, deception, and the dynamics of power within family structures, all while offering a satirical look at Roman society.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Pseudolus by Plautus

    "Pseudolus" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the clever and scheming slave Pseudolus, who aims to help his young master Calidorus win the heart of his beloved Phoenicium, a courtesan who is about to be sold to a Macedonian soldier. The play unfolds as Pseudolus concocts a series of intricate and humorous plans to deceive the pimp Ballio, outwit the soldier, and secure Phoenicium's freedom, all while promising his master the impossible. The narrative is filled with witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and satirical commentary on social relations, showcasing the slave's cunning and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Pharsalia by Lucan

    "Pharsalia," also known as "The Civil War," is an epic poem that delves into the intense and tumultuous period of the Roman Republic's downfall, focusing on the conflict between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. The narrative, rich in rhetorical and dramatic elements, presents a grim and philosophical reflection on the nature of power, the moral decay of Rome, and the catastrophic consequences of civil strife. Through its vivid and often gruesome depictions of battles, political intrigue, and the personal ambitions that drive men to treachery and violence, the poem serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of political systems and the human cost of war.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Art Of Love by Ovid

    The book in question is a didactic poem that explores the intricacies of love and seduction from the perspective of ancient Roman society. It offers a series of instructions and advice on how to attract and retain lovers, presented in a playful and often ironic tone. The work is divided into three books, with the first two primarily addressing men and teaching them how to find, win, and keep a woman's love, while the third book is directed at women, advising them on how to secure and captivate a man's affection. Throughout the text, the author interweaves mythological references and personal anecdotes, creating a rich tapestry of amorous strategies that reflect the social and moral attitudes towards love and relationships of his time.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Heroides by Ovid

    The book is a collection of fifteen epistolary poems presented as though written by various mythological heroines of Greek and Roman lore to their absent lovers. These letters express the women's emotions as they lament their separation, recount their memories, and plead for their lovers' return. The work explores themes of love, betrayal, and the female perspective within the context of classical myths, offering a unique insight into the emotional lives of characters such as Penelope, Dido, and Medea, who are traditionally depicted through the eyes of male heroes and writers.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Six Tragedies by Seneca

    "Six Tragedies" is a collection of dramatic works that delve into the darker aspects of human nature and the tragic consequences of hubris, revenge, and passion. These classical plays, written in the Roman Imperial period, reimagine ancient myths and historical events, exploring themes of power, madness, and moral corruption. The narratives often feature protagonists who face overwhelming internal and external conflicts, leading to catastrophic outcomes. The plays are notable for their intense emotional expression, philosophical insights, and the playwright's masterful use of language to probe the complexities of the human condition.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Brothers Menaechmus by Plautus

    "The Brothers Menaechmus" is a classic Roman comedy that revolves around the hilarious misunderstandings and chaotic events that ensue from a case of mistaken identity. The plot follows the story of two long-lost twin brothers, Menaechmus of Epidamnus and Menaechmus of Syracuse, who were separated in childhood. Unbeknownst to each other, they end up in the same city, where their identical appearances lead to a series of comedic mishaps. Friends, family, and even a wife are all deceived as the twins inadvertently swap places, causing confusion and prompting a comical investigation into apparent infidelity, theft, and madness before the truth is finally revealed and the siblings are joyously reunited.

    The 10971st 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