The Greatest Greek, American "Surrealism" 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

Surrealism

Surrealism is a genre of literature that explores the subconscious mind and the irrational aspects of human experience. It often features dreamlike imagery, unexpected juxtapositions, and a sense of the uncanny. Surrealist literature seeks to challenge conventional thinking and push the boundaries of reality, often blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. It is a genre that celebrates the power of the imagination and encourages readers to question their perceptions of the world around them.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Greek

American

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. 1. The Three Stigmata Of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick

    "The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch" is a mind-bending science fiction novel set in a future where humanity has colonized other planets. The story follows a group of individuals who become entangled in the mysterious and hallucinatory world of a powerful drug called Chew-Z. As they navigate through the blurred lines between reality and illusion, they must confront their deepest fears and question the nature of existence itself. With its thought-provoking themes and intricate plot twists, the book explores the boundaries of perception, identity, and the human condition.

    The 1396th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Pricksongs and Descants by Robert Coover

    This book is a collection of short stories that blend elements of American folklore, historical realities, and contemporary life into a unique, surreal, and often disturbing narrative. The author uses a mix of traditional and experimental storytelling techniques to explore themes such as love, death, and the nature of reality. The stories often feature bizarre, dreamlike scenarios and characters, challenging readers to question their assumptions and perceptions.

    The 1420th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Sixty Stories by Donald Barthelme

    "Sixty Stories" is a collection of short narratives that use unconventional, experimental structures to explore a range of themes. The book is known for its absurdist and postmodern style, and the stories often feature elements of parody, surrealism, and satire. The tales cover a wide array of topics, including art, literature, philosophy, and the human condition, all presented with a unique blend of humor, wit, and intellectual depth.

    The 1534th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Cities of the Red Night: A Novel by William S. Burroughs

    "Cities of the Red Night: A Novel" is a surreal, hallucinatory narrative that intertwines three storylines: an 18th-century pirate crew seeking utopia, a detective investigating a series of grotesque murders, and a pandemic causing spontaneous orgasms. The novel explores themes of homosexuality, anarchism, and the occult, using its disjointed narrative structure to challenge traditional understandings of time, space, and reality.

    The 2352nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. VALIS by Philip K. Dick

    The novel follows a mentally unstable man who begins to experience visions after being hit by a mysterious pink light. Convinced the light is a divine entity named VALIS, he and his friends embark on a quest to understand and communicate with it. As they delve into philosophy, religion, and science, the boundaries between reality and delusion begin to blur, leaving both the characters and the reader questioning the nature of existence.

    The 2821st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Her Body and Other Parties: Stories by Carmen Maria Machado

    "Her Body and Other Parties: Stories" is a collection of short stories that weave elements of psychological realism and science fiction to explore the realities of women's lives and the violence inflicted upon their bodies. The narratives range from a woman refusing to let her husband remove a green ribbon from around her neck, to a salesclerk in a mall making a horrifying discovery within the seams of the store's prom dresses. The book centers on women's experiences in their bodies, touching on themes of sexuality, gender, and the dynamics of power.

    The 3354th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Fourth Mansions by R. A. Lafferty

    In this novel, readers are plunged into a surreal and allegorical narrative that explores the intersection of mysticism, philosophy, and science fiction. The story follows a journalist who becomes entangled in a complex web of conspiracies involving secret societies, otherworldly creatures, and metaphysical battles. As he delves deeper into this enigmatic world, he encounters a series of bizarre characters and experiences that challenge his understanding of reality. The novel draws on the mystical structure of the seven mansions of the soul, derived from the work of Saint Teresa of Ávila, to craft a tale that is both intellectually provocative and richly imaginative, questioning the very nature of human progress and spiritual evolution.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Kassandra And The Wolf by Margarita Karapanou

    This novel presents a surreal and disturbing journey through the eyes of a six-year-old girl named Kassandra. Through fragmented, dreamlike episodes, the narrative delves into her experiences of violence, sexuality, and the complexities of her inner world. The story oscillates between reality and fantasy, revealing the dark and often perplexing aspects of childhood and the process of coming of age. The protagonist's interactions with her surroundings and the people in her life are depicted with a stark, unsettling vividness, challenging the reader's perceptions of innocence and the nature of reality itself. This work is a provocative exploration of the darker sides of human nature and the intricacies of a child's imagination.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Υψικαμινος by Andreas Embiricos

    "Υψικαμινος" is a groundbreaking work of modernist literature that delves into the depths of human consciousness and the complexities of sexual desire. Through a series of vivid, often surreal vignettes, the narrative explores the inner lives of its characters, weaving together themes of freedom, existential despair, and the search for meaning. The author employs a rich, poetic language and a non-linear structure to challenge traditional narrative forms and to invite readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. This novel stands as a bold experiment in literary form and a profound inquiry into the human psyche and the nature of eroticism.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Ενδοχωρα by Andreas Embiricos

    The book is a groundbreaking work of surrealism that delves into the depths of human consciousness and the complexities of desire. Through a series of dreamlike narratives and erotic adventures, it explores the boundaries of reality and imagination, challenging conventional norms and societal taboos. The narrative weaves through various dimensions of time and space, presenting a kaleidoscopic view of human experience. Rich in symbolism and characterized by its bold, imaginative prose, this literary piece is a significant contribution to modernist literature, reflecting the author's fascination with the unconscious mind and the liberating potential of sexual liberation.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Μπολιβαρ by Nikos Engonopoulos

    This book is a poetic exploration that intertwines surrealism with historical narrative, focusing on the life and exploits of Simón Bolívar, the liberator of South America. Through a unique blend of Greek cultural references and the rich history of Latin American independence, the text presents a dreamlike journey that transcends the boundaries of time and geography. The author's imaginative use of language and imagery invites readers into a world where myth and reality converge, offering a fresh perspective on the legacy of a historical figure who continues to inspire the quest for freedom and identity across continents.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Στην Κοιλαδα Με Τους Ροδωνες by Nikos Engonopoulos

    This book is a captivating journey through the surreal and the real, blending elements of Greek mythology, history, and modern life. The narrative unfolds in a dreamlike valley filled with rosebushes, where the protagonist embarks on a quest that is both personal and universal. Through a series of poetic and vividly described encounters with mythical creatures, historical figures, and symbols of Greek culture, the text explores themes of identity, love, and the search for meaning. Rich in allegory and symbolism, the work invites readers to reflect on the nature of reality, the power of imagination, and the enduring influence of Greek heritage on contemporary consciousness.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Oktana by Andreas Embiricos

    "Oktana" is a groundbreaking work of surrealism that delves into the depths of human consciousness and the complexities of sexual desire. Through a series of dreamlike sequences and vivid, often erotic imagery, the narrative explores the life and adventures of its eponymous heroine, Oktana. Set against a backdrop that blends elements of myth, fantasy, and reality, the book challenges traditional narrative structures and societal norms, inviting readers into a world where the boundaries of time, identity, and morality are fluid and open to interpretation. This provocative and imaginative work pushes the boundaries of literary convention, offering a unique and mesmerizing exploration of the human psyche and the liberating potential of desire.

    The 4042nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Nova Express by William S. Burroughs

    In this experimental novel, the protagonist, a detective, navigates a dystopian world where control systems manipulate human behavior. The narrative is a complex interweaving of hallucinatory landscapes and seedy characters, punctuated by the author's unique 'cut-up' technique. The book is a critique of societal control mechanisms, exploring themes of addiction, sexuality, and the human condition. It is part of a larger series that uses science fiction and satire to challenge conventional narrative structures and societal norms.

    The 4502nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Ticket That Exploded by William S. Burroughs

    This novel explores the concept of language as a virus and the use of sound and visual editing techniques to create nonlinear narratives. It follows a secret agent who is part of an organization that manipulates and controls human behavior through the use of language and media. The agent becomes disillusioned with the organization's methods and seeks to undermine them. The book is known for its experimental style, including the use of the "cut-up" technique, which involves rearranging words and phrases to create new meanings.

    The 5636th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Soft Machine by William S. Burroughs

    "The Soft Machine" is a surreal and experimental novel that employs a non-linear narrative and the cut-up technique, a method of rearranging or juxtaposing text to create new meaning. The book explores themes of control, conformity, and corruption in society, using a variety of characters and settings, including a junkie, a time traveler, and various dystopian societies. The narrative is marked by its explicit content and its critique of traditional societal structures, making it a notable work of the Beat Generation.

    The 5636th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Double Or Nothing by Raymond Federman

    "Double Or Nothing" is an experimental novel that explores the life of a young man trying to pen a novel about his experiences as a Holocaust survivor. The book is unique in its format, with the protagonist's thoughts, ideas, and narrative presented in various graphic and typographical forms. The narrative is nonlinear and fragmented, reflecting the protagonist's struggle to make sense of his traumatic past and his attempts to express it through writing.

    The 5681st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Nog by Rudy Wurlitzer

    "Nog" is a surreal and psychedelic tale of a man's journey through a chaotic and disorienting world. The protagonist, Nog, embarks on an existential adventure across America, encountering a series of bizarre characters and situations along the way. The narrative is often nonlinear and disjointed, reflecting Nog's fragmented perception of reality. The book is a critique of the American Dream and explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a seemingly senseless world.

    The 5738th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Stain: A Novel by Rikki Ducornet

    "The Stain" is a gothic, surreal novel set in a small French village during the 19th century. The plot revolves around a girl named Charlotte who is born with an unusual birthmark and is subsequently ostracized by her superstitious community. As Charlotte grows older, she develops a unique understanding of the world around her, which is both a gift and a curse. The book is a blend of fantasy and reality, exploring themes of difference, otherness, and the human capacity for cruelty and kindness.

    The 6405th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Entering Fire by Rikki Ducornet

    "Entering Fire" is a dark, surreal exploration of the human psyche, set against the backdrop of 19th-century France. The story follows the life of a man obsessed with the bizarre and grotesque, as he delves into the world of sexual obsession, madness, and the grotesque. His journey takes him from the underbelly of Paris to the exotic landscapes of North Africa, as he seeks to understand the nature of desire and the limits of the human mind. The narrative is rich with historical detail and vivid, dreamlike imagery, creating a world that is at once fascinating and deeply disturbing.

    The 6502nd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Event Factory by Renee Gladman

    "Event Factory" is a novel that transports the reader to the fictional city of Ravicka, a place where language and landscape are disorientingly intertwined. The narrator, a foreign visitor, navigates through this enigmatic city, attempting to understand its complex linguistic and cultural cues while grappling with the gradual disappearance of the city itself. The narrative explores themes of communication, perception, and the feeling of otherness in a foreign land, all set against the backdrop of a city that seems to be vanishing before her eyes. The book challenges the boundaries of language and narrative structure, creating a surreal and immersive experience.

    The 6643rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Fountains of Neptune by Rikki Ducornet

    The novel centers around a character named Nicky, who wakes up from a coma after a shipwreck with no memory of his past. As the story unfolds, he starts to recall fragments of his life, his obsessions, and his encounters with strange and eccentric characters. The book is filled with surreal and dreamlike sequences, exploring themes of memory, obsession, and the power of the imagination. It is set in a coastal town filled with quirky inhabitants and is rich in maritime and nautical imagery.

    The 6841st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Jade Cabinet by Rikki Ducornet

    "The Jade Cabinet" is a surreal, historical novel set in 19th century England. The story follows Etheria, a girl born with the ability to communicate with the inanimate, who is raised by her eccentric uncle and aunt after her parents' death. The narrative explores themes of obsession, madness, and the blurred line between reality and imagination, as Etheria's life intertwines with a taxidermist and a mad scientist. The novel is renowned for its rich, poetic language and vivid, dream-like imagery.

    The 6890th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Age of Wire and String by Ben Marcus

    This book is a collection of short, interconnected stories that challenges the conventions of narrative and language. The stories are set in an alternative America and are filled with surreal and bizarre elements, often defying logic and meaning. The author uses a unique, poetic language to describe this world, creating a strange and disorienting effect. The book is divided into different sections, each dealing with a different aspect of this world, such as food, sleep, or animals. It's a challenging and thought-provoking read that pushes the boundaries of fiction.

    The 7080th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Spanking The Maid by Robert Coover

    The book is a surreal and repetitive narrative that delves into the complex power dynamics between a maid and her employer. Each day, the maid attempts to perform her duties perfectly, cleaning her employer's house, but invariably fails, leading to her being spanked for her transgressions. The story unfolds in a cyclical pattern, exploring themes of obsession, ritual, dominance, and submission. The interactions between the characters are charged with psychological tension, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, as the reader is drawn into the strange, dream-like world of the maid's never-ending struggle for perfection and the employer's insatiable need for control.

    The 8214th 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