The Greatest Russian, British "Political, Historical 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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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.

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. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

    Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this classic novel explores themes of class struggle, sacrifice, and resurrection. The narrative follows the lives of several characters, including a dissipated English lawyer, a man who is a long-term prisoner in the Bastille, and a woman who becomes embroiled in the political turmoil of the time. The story is a riveting tale of love and sacrifice, with the infamous guillotine looming in the background, symbolizing the violence and unrest of the era.

    The 239th 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 461st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. 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 554th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 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 562nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Cancer Ward by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

    "Cancer Ward" is a poignant novel set in a Soviet cancer hospital in the mid-1950s. It follows the lives and struggles of patients and doctors, exploring their personal histories, relationships, and the political environment of the time. The hospital serves as a metaphor for the oppressive Soviet state, with cancer symbolizing the malignant growth of totalitarianism. The book also explores themes of mortality, the human spirit, and the will to survive.

    The 1046th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. 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 1566th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Mother by Maxim Gorky

    This novel centers around a working-class Russian woman who becomes involved in revolutionary activities after witnessing the struggles and injustices faced by her son and his comrades. Despite her initial fear and hesitation, she evolves into a dedicated activist, smuggling illegal literature and participating in strikes. The narrative provides a powerful exploration of the personal and societal transformations brought about by political activism, set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia.

    The 1566th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Phineas Finn by Anthony Trollope

    "Phineas Finn" is a novel about a young Irishman who moves to London to become a politician. Despite his lack of experience, he quickly rises in the ranks due to his charm and charisma. However, he struggles to balance his political career with his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships with several women. As he navigates the complex world of politics, he must also grapple with moral dilemmas and the consequences of his actions.

    The 1991st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Sybil: Or The Two Nations by Benjamin Disraeli

    "Sybil: Or The Two Nations" is a social and political novel that explores the dire conditions of the working class in England during the industrial revolution. The narrative follows the lives of two main characters from vastly different social backgrounds - Charles, a wealthy aristocrat, and Sybil, a poor yet noble woman. Their love story unfolds amidst the backdrop of societal unrest and class struggle, ultimately highlighting the vast divide between the rich and the poor, or the 'two nations'.

    The 2342nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Chevengur by Andrey Platonov

    The book is a complex and philosophical tale set in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, exploring the lives of various characters in a small town as they grapple with the utopian ideals of communism and the harsh realities of its implementation. Through the experiences of these characters, including a young revolutionary and a disenchanted wanderer, the narrative delves into themes of human nature, societal transformation, and the search for meaning in a world undergoing radical change. The story's blend of surrealism, poetic language, and political commentary creates a unique and often disquieting examination of the Soviet dream and the disillusionment that followed its pursuit.

    The 3655th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Burn: A Novel in Three Books : (late Sixties--early Seventies) by Vassily Aksyonov

    "The Burn: A Novel in Three Books : (late Sixties--early Seventies)" is a historical novel that explores the cultural and political landscape of the Soviet Union during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The book follows a group of intellectuals, artists, and dissidents who are striving to preserve their individuality and freedom in a society that is increasingly oppressive and conformist. The narrative is punctuated by surreal and fantastical elements, reflecting the characters' struggle to maintain their sanity and dignity in a world that seems to be spiraling into madness.

    The 4047th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. 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 5858th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Ten Thousand A Year by Samuel Warren

    The novel revolves around the life of Tittlebat Titmouse, a humble and somewhat vain shop clerk who unexpectedly inherits a fortune of ten thousand pounds a year. Thrust into high society, Titmouse must navigate the complexities and pitfalls of wealth, including unscrupulous lawyers, social climbers, and opportunists seeking to exploit his naivety. As he endures a series of legal battles and personal challenges, the story satirically explores themes of social mobility, justice, and the corrupting influence of money. The protagonist's journey is a cautionary tale that reflects the societal norms and legal intricacies of 19th-century England.

    The 6317th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. What Is To Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky

    The book in question is a novel that serves as a social and political commentary on the mid-19th century Russian society. It follows the lives of a group of young revolutionaries who advocate for the emancipation of serfs and the establishment of socialism through rational egoism and utilitarianism. The narrative focuses on the character development and ideological struggles of these individuals as they navigate love, marriage, and intellectual debates. The novel's didactic message promotes the idea that through education and hard work, a new social order can be achieved, one that is based on equality, reason, and the collective good. It became an influential piece of literature for Russian radicals and later, revolutionaries, inspiring political movements and change.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. 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 7972nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. 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 7972nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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.

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