The Greatest Swedish, Austrian "Plays, 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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Plays

Plays are a category of literature that consists of written works intended for performance on stage. They typically feature dialogue between characters and are structured into acts and scenes. Plays can be comedic, tragic, or a combination of both, and often explore themes such as love, power, and morality. They are meant to be performed by actors in front of an audience, and can be enjoyed both as written works and as live performances.

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  1. 1. The Last Days of Mankind by Karl Kraus

    "The Last Days of Mankind" is a satirical play that provides a critical commentary on the socio-political climate during World War I. The narrative presents a stark portrayal of the absurdity of war and the destructive forces of propaganda, bureaucracy, and nationalism. The author uses a variety of literary techniques, including parody, satire, and direct quotes from contemporary sources, to highlight the folly and tragedy of war. The play is known for its unique style, rich language, and its profound critique of society and culture during a time of great upheaval and conflict.

    The 4688th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Kaspar and Other Plays by Peter Handke

    "Kaspar and Other Plays" is a collection of avant-garde, thought-provoking plays that explore deep philosophical questions about language, reality, and the human condition. The titular play tells the story of a young man who learns to speak and, in doing so, is manipulated and controlled by society. The other plays in the collection continue to challenge conventional ideas and push boundaries, offering a unique and profound commentary on the world.

    The 5738th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Ghost Sonata by August Strindberg

    The play delves into the dark and mysterious world of a young student who, after a chance encounter, becomes entangled in the lives of the residents of a haunted house. As he becomes more involved, he is exposed to the deceit, betrayal, and moral decay that lie beneath the surface of the seemingly respectable household. The narrative unfolds through a series of surreal and ghostly events, revealing the psychological and existential struggles of the characters as they grapple with their past sins, illusions of love, and the search for redemption and truth in a world filled with secrets and specters.

    The 5889th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Poems And Verse Plays by Hugo von Hofmannsthal

    This collection brings together an exquisite array of poetry and dramatic works by a prominent figure in the literary world, known for his pivotal role in the development of modernist literature in the German-speaking world. The book showcases the author's linguistic virtuosity and deep understanding of the human condition, with poems that range from the lyrical to the symbolic, and verse plays that explore themes of identity, existential angst, and the interplay between reality and illusion. The works within this compilation reflect the author's evolution as a writer and his ability to blend classical motifs with contemporary concerns, offering readers a rich tapestry of introspective and philosophical musings.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Selected Plays And Libretti by Hugo von Hofmannsthal

    This collection brings together a selection of dramatic works by a prominent figure in the early 20th-century literary world, showcasing his talent for blending poetic language with profound psychological insight. The plays and libretti included span various genres, from historical dramas to adaptations of classic myths, each marked by the author's exploration of themes such as identity, transformation, and the human condition. The works also reflect the author's collaboration with influential composers of his time, contributing to the evolution of opera and theater through his innovative approach to storytelling and character development.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Plays And Stories by Arthur Schnitzler

    "Plays and Stories" is a collection that showcases the work of a prominent writer known for his incisive exploration of psychology and morality in turn-of-the-century Viennese society. The book brings together a selection of his dramatic and narrative pieces, each delving into the complex lives and intimate struggles of its characters. Through a blend of sharp dialogue, intricate character studies, and a keen observation of social mores, the collection reveals the subtle forces at play in love, desire, and power, often highlighting the ironic twists of fate that can alter the course of an individual's life. The writer's work is celebrated for its nuanced depiction of the human condition and its influence on modernist literature.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Dance Of Death by August Strindberg

    "The Dance of Death" is a darkly comedic play that delves into the tumultuous and decaying marriage of Edgar and Alice, an aging military captain and his wife, who are living in an isolated fortress. As they engage in psychological warfare, their toxic relationship is laid bare, revealing deep-seated resentment, bitterness, and a twisted dependency on one another. The arrival of Kurt, Alice's cousin, further intensifies the situation, as old wounds are reopened and the characters are forced to confront the reality of their lives and the destructive nature of their bond. The play is a stark exploration of marital strife, the human condition, and the intricate and often destructive dance that is human relationships.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. A Dream Play by August Strindberg

    In the play, the audience is taken on a surreal journey through the dreamlike experiences of the daughter of a god who descends to Earth to better understand human suffering. The narrative defies conventional time and space, weaving together a series of disjointed scenes that reflect the illogical and fluid nature of dreams. The characters she encounters are trapped in their own cycles of misery, their lives marked by frustration, disappointment, and the futility of their pursuits. The dreamer navigates this shifting landscape, attempting to find meaning and compassion within the chaos, ultimately revealing the universal struggles of the human condition.

    The 7168th 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