The Greatest French, British "Political, Fiction, Historical 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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Genres

Political

The "Political" category of books encompasses works that explore the theory, practice, and history of government and politics. These books may cover topics such as political ideologies, political systems, political institutions, political movements, and political leaders. They may also examine the relationship between politics and other areas of society, such as economics, culture, and international relations. Political books can be both informative and thought-provoking, offering readers insights into the complexities of the political world and the challenges of governing in a democratic society.

Fiction

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. Nostromo by Joseph Conrad

    Set in the fictional South American country of Costaguana, the novel explores the turbulent political and social changes of the era through the eyes of Nostromo, a respected and resourceful Italian expatriate. Nostromo's loyalty and heroism are tested when he is tasked with hiding a cache of silver from a revolutionary government. As the political landscape shifts, he finds himself caught in a web of moral dilemmas and life-altering decisions. The novel is a profound examination of power, corruption, and the human condition.

    The 194th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Man's Fate by Andre Malraux

    Set in 1920s Shanghai during a time of political upheaval, the novel explores the existential themes of life, death, and the human condition through the experiences of a group of revolutionaries. The narrative follows their struggles and sacrifices for their cause, the Communist revolution, and their inevitable confrontation with their own mortality and the harsh realities of life. The book delves into the complexities of political ideologies, human relationships and the constant struggle between hope and despair.

    The 247th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad

    "The Secret Agent" is a dark political satire set in London in the late 19th century, revolving around a secret agent who is also a shopkeeper, his anarchist friends, and his family. The story unfolds as the agent is coerced by his foreign employers to orchestrate a bombing in a bid to provoke a political response, but the plan goes disastrously wrong, leading to tragic consequences and a deep exploration of themes such as anarchism, espionage, terrorism, and betrayal.

    The 459th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Mandarins by Simone de Beauvoir

    "The Mandarins" is a novel that explores the personal and political lives of a group of intellectuals in post-World War II France. The narrative delves into their struggles with ethical dilemmas, political ideologies, and personal relationships in a rapidly changing world. The book is known for its exploration of existentialism and feminism, providing a vivid portrayal of the human condition and the complexities of freedom.

    The 542nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford

    The novel chronicles the life of Christopher Tietjens, an officer in the British Army during World War I, and his complex relationships with two women: his adulterous wife Sylvia and a young suffragette named Valentine. The story is set against the backdrop of a changing society and the devastation of war, exploring themes of duty, honor, and the struggle between traditional values and modernism.

    The 551st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Quiet American by Graham Greene

    Set during the French colonial war in Vietnam, this novel follows a British journalist and a young American idealist who become friends and find themselves in a love triangle with a Vietnamese woman. As the war escalates, the journalist becomes disillusioned with the American's naïve political views and the destructive impact of foreign intervention. The story is a critique of American involvement in Vietnam, exploring themes of love, friendship, and moral ambiguity.

    The 668th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Case of Comrade Tulayev by Victor Serge

    "The Case of Comrade Tulayev" is a political novel set in the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. The story begins with the murder of a high-ranking Soviet official, Comrade Tulayev, which sets off a series of events leading to the arrest and execution of innocent people. It provides an in-depth exploration of the paranoia, fear, and injustice that characterized Stalin's regime, showing the human cost of political purges and the absurdity of the bureaucratic system.

    The 826th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Mr Norris Changes Trains by Christopher Isherwood

    This novel follows the story of a young Englishman living in Berlin during the early 1930s, who meets and befriends the charming yet mysterious Mr. Norris. As their friendship develops, the protagonist becomes entangled in Mr. Norris's world of political intrigue, espionage, and shady business dealings. The novel is a vivid portrayal of the decadence, political tension, and looming danger of Berlin on the brink of Nazi rule.

    The 1562nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Beat the Devil by Claud Cockburn

    "Beat the Devil" is a satirical novel that follows the adventures of its protagonist, a British journalist, who becomes entangled in a complex plot involving a group of eccentric characters, including a fraudulent tycoon, a femme fatale, and a mysterious Italian prince. The story, set in post-war Italy, is a humorous and biting critique of capitalism, greed, and political corruption, and it is filled with intrigue, deception, and unexpected twists.

    The 5845th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Man's Hope by Andre Malraux

    Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, the novel delves into the complexities of political and personal struggle, following a diverse group of individuals united by their commitment to the Republican cause. These characters, ranging from idealistic volunteers to seasoned militants, grapple with the brutal realities of warfare, the ideological conflicts within their own ranks, and the sacrifices demanded by their shared pursuit of a hopeful vision for humanity. Through their intertwined stories, the narrative explores themes of courage, camaraderie, and the often tragic nature of revolutionary fervor, painting a vivid portrait of a pivotal moment in 20th-century history.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The New Men by C. P. Snow

    "The New Men" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the lives of two brilliant scientists, Mark and David, who are caught in a complex web of personal and professional challenges. As they navigate the intricacies of academia, politics, and personal relationships, they face moral dilemmas and existential questions that force them to confront their own values and ambitions. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War era, this gripping tale explores the clash between scientific progress and ethical responsibility, leaving readers pondering the consequences of human ambition and the pursuit of knowledge.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Mandelbaum Gate by Muriel Spark

    "The Mandelbaum Gate" is a gripping novel set in Jerusalem during the tense period of the 1960s. The story follows Barbara Vaughan, a young Englishwoman who becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue and personal turmoil as she navigates the complex and dangerous landscape of the divided city. With vivid descriptions and a keen eye for detail, the author explores themes of identity, religion, and the clash of cultures, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers captivated until the very end.

    The 7960th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. This Blinding Absence Of Light by Tahar Ben Jelloun

    The novel delves into the harrowing experience of a man who, after participating in a failed coup, is sentenced to life imprisonment in a Moroccan desert concentration camp. In this hellish environment, he and his fellow inmates endure unimaginable suffering, with the narrative exploring themes of survival, hope, and the human spirit's resilience. Through the protagonist's eyes, the reader witnesses the brutality of his conditions, the struggle to maintain sanity in the face of relentless darkness, and the power of storytelling as a means of preserving one's identity and humanity amidst the most oppressive circumstances.

    The 9086th 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