The Greatest Greek, Austrian "Nonfiction" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Nonfiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Greek

Austrian

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 26. The Logic of Scientific Discovery by Karl Popper

    This book is a significant work in the philosophy of science, proposing a methodology for scientific discovery that challenges traditional inductive reasoning. The author argues that scientific theories can never be proven definitively, but can only be corroborated or falsified through empirical testing. He introduces the concept of falsifiability as the key criterion for distinguishing scientific theories from non-scientific ones. The book also delves into the problems of induction, demarcation, and the relationship between theory and observation in scientific practice.

    The 1525th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Crito by Plato

    "Crito" is a philosophical dialogue where the main character, a renowned philosopher, is in prison awaiting execution and is visited by his friend, Crito, who urges him to escape. The philosopher argues that since the laws of Athens have given him life, education, and many other benefits, it would be unjust for him to break those laws by escaping. The dialogue explores themes of justice, law, obligation, and the social contract.

    The 1542nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Uses of Enchantment by Bruno Bettelheim

    "The Uses of Enchantment" is a psychological analysis of fairy tales and their importance in childhood development. The book argues that these stories allow children to navigate their emotions and understand aspects of life they are yet to experience. By exploring various themes, such as separation anxiety, oedipal conflict, and sibling rivalry, through well-known fairy tales, the author demonstrates how these narratives contribute to a child's moral education and understanding of the human nature.

    The 1777th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. On Aggression by Konrad Lorenz

    "On Aggression" is a scientific study that explores the concept of aggression in both animals and humans from an ethological (study of animal behavior) perspective. The author argues that aggression is an innate and necessary instinct that has helped species survive and evolve. However, he also emphasizes that this instinct, when unchecked or misdirected, can lead to destructive behavior and violence. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the biological roots of aggression, its role in the evolution and survival of species, and its implications for human society.

    The 1814th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer

    This book is a travel memoir that recounts the author's escape from a British internment camp in India during World War II and his subsequent journey through the Himalayas to Tibet, where he becomes a tutor and friend to the Dalai Lama. The book provides a detailed account of Tibetan culture, customs, and the political turmoil leading up to the Chinese invasion, as seen through the eyes of a foreigner who spent seven years living there.

    The 1828th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Euthyphro by Plato

    "Euthyphro" is a philosophical dialogue that takes place in the weeks leading up to the trial of Socrates, where Socrates and Euthyphro engage in a conversation about the nature of piety. The dialogue begins with Socrates questioning Euthyphro about his decision to prosecute his own father for the murder of a slave. This leads to a discussion about what is considered holy and the nature of the gods. Despite their lengthy conversation, the two philosophers never arrive at a definitive answer, leaving the question of what constitutes true piety unresolved.

    The 1958th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Discourses Of Epictetus by Epictetus

    "Discourses of Epictetus" is a philosophical work that compiles the teachings of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, as recorded by his pupil Arrian. The text is a practical guide for applying philosophy to daily life, emphasizing ethics, personal freedom, and mental strength. It explores how to live virtuously in accordance with nature, control one's emotions, and maintain tranquility by focusing only on what is within one's control. The discourses delve into discussions about the nature of human beings, the purpose of life, and the path to happiness, offering insights that aim to equip individuals with the resilience and wisdom necessary to lead fulfilling lives.

    The 1958th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. What Is Life? by Erwin Schrödinger

    "What is Life?" is a scientific exploration that delves into the intersection of physics and biology. The book presents the idea that life, at its most basic level, operates according to the laws of physics and chemistry. It introduces the concept of an "aperiodic crystal" that contains genetic information in its configuration of covalent chemical bonds, which later inspired the discovery of the structure of DNA. The book also discusses entropy and negentropy, suggesting that life feeds on negentropy to counteract the natural process of increasing entropy.

    The 2031st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. King Solomon's Ring by Konrad Lorenz

    This book is a fascinating exploration of animal behavior by a renowned zoologist. It delves into the author's personal experiences and observations of animals in their natural habitats, focusing particularly on birds, dogs, and jackdaws. The author uses these observations to draw conclusions about animal psychology and behavior, often comparing it to human behavior. The book is named after the biblical King Solomon, who was said to have a ring that allowed him to understand the language of animals.

    The 2046th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Hippocratic Corpus by Hippocrates

    The "Hippocratic Corpus" is a collection of around 70 early medical works from ancient Greece, written in Ionic Greek. The texts are of varying content and length, covering a wide range of medical topics, including clinical descriptions of disease, surgical procedures, medical ethics, and philosophical reflections. Although traditionally attributed to Hippocrates, modern scholars believe that many of the works were not written by him and instead represent the work of several different authors over several decades. Despite this, the collection remains an invaluable resource for understanding the beginnings of Western medicine.

    The 2107th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Enneads by Plotinus

    "Enneads" is a collection of 54 philosophical treatises by Plotinus, a prominent philosopher of the ancient world. The work is a cornerstone of Neoplatonism, a school of Hellenistic philosophy that sought to reconcile Greek philosophy with religious mysticism. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of reality, the self, the universe, and the divine. The author argues for the existence of a transcendent One from which all existence emanates, and that the goal of human life is to strive for unity with this divine principle.

    The 2151st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra

    The book explores the parallels between modern physics and eastern mysticism. It draws connections between quantum mechanics, relativity theory and concepts in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Zen. The author argues that the two seemingly disparate areas of study - physics and mysticism - both seek to understand the fundamental nature of the universe and that they do so in strikingly similar ways. The book challenges conventional thinking and encourages readers to see the world from a more holistic, interconnected perspective.

    The 2434th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Three Case Histories by Sigmund Freud

    "Three Case Histories" is a compilation of three of the most famous case studies by a renowned psychoanalyst, exploring the complexities of the human mind. The book includes the cases of 'Little Hans', a boy with a phobia of horses, 'The Rat Man', an obsessive-compulsive patient, and 'The Wolf Man', a wealthy Russian aristocrat suffering from a variety of psychoneurotic symptoms. The author uses these cases to demonstrate his theories on psychoanalysis, childhood sexuality, the interpretation of dreams, and the subconscious.

    The 2668th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Bureaucracy by Ludwig von Mises

    "Bureaucracy" is a critical examination of the structure and function of bureaucracies in both the public and private sectors. The author argues that bureaucratic management, with its focus on rules and regulations, is not only inefficient but also stifles innovation and individual initiative. He further contends that these problems are inherent in the nature of bureaucracy itself and are not simply due to poor management or corruption. The book also explores the impact of bureaucracy on economics, politics, and society as a whole.

    The 2694th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Balzac by Stefan Zweig

    This book offers a comprehensive biography of the famed French novelist and playwright, Honore de Balzac. The author delves deep into Balzac's life, exploring both his personal and professional experiences. The narrative sheds light on Balzac's tumultuous relationships, his relentless work ethic, and his extraordinary ability to depict the society and people of his time through his literature. Balzac's passion, determination, and genius are vividly presented, giving readers an intimate understanding of the man behind some of the most influential works in French literature.

    The 2696th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Phaedrus by Plato

    Phaedrus is a Socratic dialogue that discusses topics such as love, the nature of the soul, and the art of rhetoric. The narrative begins with a myth about the chariot of the soul, then moves on to a discussion about the nature of love, particularly focusing on the concept of divine madness. The dialogue then transitions into a discussion about rhetoric and writing, debating the merits and pitfalls of both. The dialogue concludes with a critique of the art of rhetoric, arguing that true rhetoric must be based on truth and knowledge rather than manipulation and deceit.

    The 2760th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. I and Thou by Martin Buber

    This philosophical work explores the concept of relationships and the nature of dialogue. The author suggests that human life finds its meaningfulness in relationships, which he divides into two categories: "I-It" and "I-Thou". The "I-It" relationship is characterized by a detached and objective perspective, while the "I-Thou" relationship involves a deep sense of connection and mutual existence. The book argues that modern society, with its emphasis on individualism and materialism, often neglects the "I-Thou" relationship, leading to a loss of genuine human connection.

    The 2779th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Metaphysics by Aristotle

    "Metaphysics" is a philosophical work that delves into the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between matter and substance, potentiality and actuality, form and matter, existence and essence, and the underlying principles of being. It also explores the concept of 'first philosophy' or 'wisdom', and the existence of God as an unmoved mover. The book is a profound exploration of ontology, causality, and the abstract concepts of being and knowing.

    The 2803rd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Unconscious by Sigmund Freud

    This book delves into the complex workings of the human mind, exploring the concept of the unconscious. The author posits that our conscious mind is only a small fraction of who we are, and that a vast part of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are driven by unconscious processes. He discusses theories on dreams, slips of the tongue, and neuroses, arguing that these are all manifestations of unconscious desires and conflicts. The book provides a foundation for understanding psychoanalysis and the author's influential theories on the human psyche.

    The 2845th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Geography by Ptolemy

    "Geography" is a seminal work in the field of geography and cartography, written by a renowned ancient Greek scholar. The book provides comprehensive details about the world as known during the Roman Empire. It contains a wealth of information about various countries, cities, landmarks, and geographical features, along with instructions on how to create maps. The author also introduces the concept of longitude and latitude, making this work a significant contribution to the field of geography.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Wittgenstein's Nephew by Thomas Bernhard

    "Wittgenstein's Nephew" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the friendship between the narrator and his friend Paul, who is the nephew of the famous philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. The story takes place in Vienna and is set against the backdrop of the Austrian mental health system. The novel delves into themes of sanity, insanity, and the fine line that separates the two, while also offering a critique of Austrian society. It is a meditation on the nature of illness, both physical and mental, and the impact it has on personal relationships and one's perception of the world.

    The 3003rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Tongue Set Free by Elias Canetti

    "Tongue Set Free" is a captivating memoir that explores the author's personal journey of self-discovery and identity formation. Through vivid and introspective storytelling, the book delves into the complexities of Canetti's multicultural upbringing, his struggles with language and communication, and his quest for freedom and belonging. With poetic prose and profound insights, the author reflects on the power of words, the influence of cultural heritage, and the transformative nature of embracing one's true self.

    The 3447th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Anabasis by Xenophon

    "Anabasis" is a historical narrative detailing the journey of 10,000 Greek mercenaries who are hired by Cyrus the Younger to help him seize the Persian throne from his brother, Artaxerxes II. After Cyrus's death in battle, the Greeks are stranded deep in enemy territory with no supplies or means of escape. The narrative follows their perilous journey home through hostile lands, under the leadership of one of their own, a young soldier who emerges as a capable and inspiring leader.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Function of the Orgasm by Wilhelm Reich

    This book presents a groundbreaking exploration of human sexuality, arguing that sexual repression leads to various psychological disorders. The author, a psychoanalyst, introduces the concept of "orgastic potency", which is an individual's ability to fully surrender and discharge pent-up sexual energy during the sexual act. He contends that societal norms and moralistic attitudes towards sex often hinder this release, leading to various neuroses and other psychological issues.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Study of Organic Inferiority and Its Physical Compensation: A Contribution to Clinical Medicine by Alfred Adler

    This book delves into the concept of organic inferiority and how it physically manifests itself, providing significant contributions to the field of clinical medicine. It discusses the theory that certain physical and mental health issues arise from an individual's perceived inferiority and their subsequent attempts to compensate for it. The book provides a comprehensive study of this theory, exploring its implications for understanding human behavior and its potential applications in therapeutic settings.

    The 4151st 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