12 Novels That Shaped World Literature: Author, Year, Themes & Importance

Curious about the best novels in history? In this article, we explore the 12 novels considered the greatest book ever written. From global literary masterpieces to famous novels in English for students, discover the must-read books that left an indelible mark on readers and critics worldwide. Whether you're building your reading list or seeking inspiration, this guide covers it all.

Overview: 12 Novels Considered the Greatest Book Ever Written

These selections represent the top 10 best books of all time and two more widely celebrated novels, combining global influence and timeless themes. Let’s dive deeper into each one to understand what makes these works extraordinary.

Anna Karenina: Among the 12 Novels Considered the Greatest Book Ever Written

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy stands out on every list of the 100 best novels of all time. The narrative explores the difficulties faced by Anna, a woman caught between society's rules and her own desires. During its publication, the book sparked conversations about marriage, gender, and morality. Tolstoy’s realistic characters and philosophical questions still resonate with readers worldwide.

• Explores human emotions with depth and authenticity.

• Frequently cited in "Top 10 books to read before you die" lists.

• Influenced literature, film, and theatre.

To Kill a Mockingbird: A Landmark in World Literature

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is often discussed when asking, "what is considered the greatest novel of all time?" This American classic delves into racial injustice and moral growth. Through the eyes of Scout and her father Atticus Finch, the story addresses empathy and standing up for what is right, making it a staple among best novels to read for students.

• Won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961.

• Frequently appears in New York Times top 100 books of all time.

• Inspired generations with themes of courage and fairness.

The Great Gatsby: The American Dream Reimagined

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald offers sharp insights into ambition and society. This novel, beloved by literature students and teachers, invites young readers to question the meaning of success and fulfillment. The story’s symbols, such as the green light and Gatsby’s lavish parties, give readers much to interpret and discuss.

• Set in the glamorous 1920s America.

• Examines friendship, love, and loss.

• A top contender in lists of the greatest novels ever written.

One Hundred Years of Solitude: The Magic of Generations

Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude is an award-winning novel universally regarded for its magical realism. Chronicling the Buendía family for over a century, it intertwines history, myth, and reality—a key reason it appears on every top 10 12 novels considered the greatest book ever written list.

• Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature (1982).

• Highlights the power of storytelling and cultural identity.

A Passage to India: Navigating Culture and Conflict

A Passage to India by E.M. Forster provides a nuanced view of colonial India, exploring friendship, prejudice, and misunderstanding. The novel is noted for its exploration of civil tension and cross-cultural challenges, addressing what was the greatest book ever written about imperialism and social division.

Invisible Man: Unveiling Identity and Invisibility

Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man delves into the experiences of an unnamed African American narrator struggling with identity. Its innovative style and powerful messages about society, race, and belonging secure its reputation as one of the best novels to read and study.

Don Quixote: The Pursuit of Chivalry and Dreams

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, originally published in the early 17th century, is often called the first modern novel. Its themes of idealism, reality, and adventure set a foundation for future literary works, and many consider it the answer to "which book is the greatest book in the world?".

Beloved: Confronting History with Heart

Toni Morrison’s Beloved offers a haunting exploration of slavery’s lasting effects. The complex narrative blends supernatural elements with real-life trauma, earning critical acclaim and recognition in 12 greatest books ever written lists and literature courses worldwide.

Mrs. Dalloway: A Day in the Life, A Reflection on Consciousness

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf stands out with its stream-of-consciousness style, capturing the inner lives of its characters over a single day. This immersive technique makes the reader reflect on time, memory, and social norms.

Things Fall Apart: The Rise and Fall of Traditions

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe explores the transformation of Igbo society in Nigeria. It highlights the impact of colonialism from the perspective of the colonized, making it a frequently referenced text in conversations about what is considered the best book ever written.

Jane Eyre: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is a beloved classic in famous novels in English for students. Spanning from Jane’s orphaned childhood to her fight for independence, the novel is praised for its strong female protagonist and progressive ideas about gender and morality.

The Color Purple: Strength, Sisterhood, and Survival

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is an epistolary novel filled with emotion, resilience, and transformation. It highlights the lives of African American women in the early 20th century and remains a vital narrative for understanding human dignity and hope.

Why These Novels Are Regarded as the Best Novels to Read

The 12 novels considered the greatest book ever written explore human experiences, challenge societal norms, and present new ways of seeing the world. These works appear on the New York Times top 100 books of all time and are featured in classroom reading lists, recommended for readers eager to find the top 10 books to read before you die. Their enduring influence and critical acclaim highlight their universal importance and appeal.

How to Choose the Best novels to read from the List

Think about your interests—history, society, self-discovery, or cultural change. Whether you want stories set in distant lands or introspective journeys, there is something here for every reader. Remember, Vedantu offers resources that can deepen your understanding and appreciation of literature through engaging content and quizzes.

This guide to the 12 novels considered the greatest book ever written provides an essential reading pathway for literary enthusiasts. From classic tales to transformative modern works, these novels remain relevant for students and adults alike, inspiring dialogue, creativity, and empathy across generations.