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The Legacy of the Oldest Manuscripts: Dust to Discovery

For centuries, the only form of information sharing was verbal – conveying ideas and teaching skills with the use of spoken words alone. Communities around the world pass down folklore, cultural practices, and even religious teachings through the generations without having ever documented their practices. 

It took a great number of years for ancient civilizations to finally adopt a written script that corresponded to their spoken language effectively. This was first introduced for economic reasons – used primarily in matters of law, finance, and trade. With time, however, people began developing manuscripts to document all kinds of information. Using leaves, rocks, or the bones of dead animals as their scroll, citizens would record their knowledge for others to read. 

Today, let us take a look back at some of these oldest manuscripts and discover just how much information they preserve.

5. The Dispilio Tablet – Approximately 7,282 years old

The Dispilio Tablet which is made from wood.
Image by: The Archaeologist

In 1993, professor of archaeology George Hourmouziadis was participating in an excavation of a Neolithic lake settlement near Kastoria, Greece. He unearthed several old artifacts during the excavation, the most interesting being a large wooden tablet. 

This tablet was engraved with several symbols. These appear to be different from Sumerian writing, which was believed to be the earliest form of writing but did not exist until 3100 BC – nearly 2000 years after this tablet was written. This means that the symbols engraved on the Dispilio tablet may be the oldest form of writing known to man (so far).

No one knows what the symbols on this wooden tablet mean, though Hourmouziadis guessed it may be a record of inventory of ancient possessions.

4. Dead Sea Scrolls – Approximately 5,000 years old

Image of the Dead Sea Scrolls from 5000 years ago.
Image by: History

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of nearly 15,000 scrolls unearthed from 11 different caves near the ancient settlement of Qumran. They were first discovered by accident by Bedouin teenagers in 1946 who tended to their sheep near the modern-day West Bank off the northern shore of the Dead Sea.

Most of the content of the Dead Sea Scrolls is written in Hebrew, though some scrolls are written in Aramaic, the language used by Jews living in the area during that period (including, most likely, Jesus himself). The text is also largely religious, with almost the entire Bible preserved in the script. 

Some portions of the manuscript, however, refer to areas of the region where treasure may be hidden for safekeeping. Known as the Copper Scroll, it outlines 64 possible locations where riches may be found. 

To date, no treasure has been found.

3. Instructions of Ptahotep – Approximately 4,397 years old

Picture of the oldest book in the world, known as the Instructions of Ptahotep.
Image By: Wikipedia

Often referred to as “the oldest book in the world”, The Instructions of Ptahotep is an ancient literary composition formulated by the Egyptian vizier Ptahotep in 2375 BC. It is 18 pages long and consists largely of proverbs designed to teach young men belonging to noble families about how best to fulfill their duties.

The Prisse Papyrus contains the only complete copy of these instructions, discovered inside the coffin of pharaoh Sekhemre-Wepmaat Intef of Egypt. It discusses matters like pursuing justice, admonishing greed, and obeying elders and superiors.

2. Kesh Temple Hymn – Approximately 4,622 years old

Image of the Kesh Temple Hymm.
Image By: World History

Discovered in the 1800s among the ruins of Nippur, which would be part of modern-day Iraq, the Kesh Temple Hymn is regarded as being the oldest manuscript of a surviving religious poem in the world. It is written in Ancient Sumerian and was first translated in 1909.

The Kesh Temple Hymn consists of 134 lines broken up into eight different songs, each one bestowing praise onto the city of Kesh, which housed a temple chosen as the assembly for gods. Several gods and goddesses are praised in the poem, including the goddess of vegetation Nisaba, the Ruler of Gods Enhil, as well as the goddess of the stony ground Ninhursag.

1. Pyramid Texts – Approximately 4,422 years old

Texts on Egyptian pyramids in the form of symbols.
Image By: History of Information

Perhaps the most interesting manuscript, the Pyramid Texts were discovered on the walls of the pyramids in Egypt as well as the coffins of pharaohs whose bodies had been preserved. Written in Old Egyptian, the text detailed an account of the religious beliefs of the Egyptians during the 5th and 6th dynasties of the Old Kingdom (2400-2600 BCE).

Several interesting rituals were outlined in these texts, including one in which holes were cut into the deceased mouth so he may breathe in the afterlife.

Conclusion

As you can see, old manuscripts are more than just aged pieces of paper. They are the windows to the wisdom of the ancient world. From rituals to religion to astrology, these texts discuss matters of great importance. Overall, they provide access to both the life of our ancestors as well as their guidance, preserved for generations to come.

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Books Historical Fiction History History Adventures Learning Materials

Discover the 7 Best Graphic Novels About Modern History

The world of comics isn’t limited to superhero battles or Archie and Jughead stories. They can be the gateway to learning about historical events that took place decades ago.

Graphic illustrations in comics about history can capture the essence of historical events, addressing prevalent issues by looking into the past visually.

If you want to dive into a history lesson without the boredom, take a look at the following best graphic novels about modern history, detailing historical events from a unique perspective.

1. MAUS

Image by Amazon

MAUS, by Art Spiegelman, depicts the events of the Holocaust from a survivor’s perspective. The author, however, takes a completely postmodern approach while trying to narrate his father’s story as a Polish Jew survivor of World War II.

Spiegelman uses animals such as Mice, Cats, Pigs, Dogs, etc., to depict different identities, such as Jews, Germans, Poles, and Americans, and recounts events of the War and Nazi concentration sites from 1933-1938. This makes the illustrations more captivating and unique.

2. Persepolis

Image by Readings

An autobiographical take visualizing the Islamic Revolution of 1978-79, Persepolis is written by Marjane Satrapi, who draws upon her life’s years in Iran and Austria. The title refers to the Persian Empire’s historical capital.

Through a series of black-and-white images, Satrapi lets readers picture her rebellious, alter-ego personality in Islamized and war-torn Iran. The series of comics follow her life’s journey to Europe, where she navigates Western life and then makes her way back to a Post-Islamic Revolution Iran.

3. They Called Us Enemy

mage by Amazon

This autobiographical memoir illustrates George Takei’s Japanese American identity subjected to legalized racism as his family gets imprisoned in American Concentration Camps during World War II in mid 1940s.

Takei retells his childhood and events in the camp surrounded by barbed wires, where he witnesses fights, arrests, and states of emergency. As Takei’s mother denounces her citizenship, the end of the war brings concerns of heightened racism.

Readers can get enthralled by visual depictions of conversations that stem from fear of persecution in this historically packed graphic novel.

4. Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts

Image by Amazon

In this graphic memoir, Rebecca Hall tells the story of Black women and their significant role in leading slave revolts. She employs research in archives to create a story that describes the lives of Adono and Alele, two black slave women who rebelled for freedom.

The comics utilize a superhero style of illustrations to depict stories of other enslaved women who were part of the rebellion of 1712 and led slave movements for freedom in New York. Hall uses her historical imagination to draw attention to their narratives.

5. Palestine

Image by Goodreads

This graphic novel by Joe Sacco sketches the events taking place on the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the early 90s, marked by the failure of the peace process initiated by the Clinton government before the end of the first Uprising.

The somewhat cartoonish illustrations deviate from mainstream perceptions of the conflict between Israel and Palestine and explain the stories of many Palestinians who have suffered tremendously due to it. Sacco’s storytelling is exceptionally comical but, at the same time, genuine and hard-hitting.

6. Mark: Trilogy

Image by Vox

John Lewis, a U.S. congressman and a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement, gives an account of his life’s story through this autobiographical comic trilogy. The black and white illustrations provide an insider view of protests raged by Civil Rights Activists in America as they confronted state troopers in the 1960s.

The illustrations in this trilogy sequentially follow Lewis’ life as a young boy in the fields of Alabama. It goes up to his role as an activist and finally as a U.S. congressman preparing for the inauguration of America’s first Black President.

7. Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood

Image by Amazon

This graphic novel by Nathan Hale engages readers in its true stories of World War I. Similar to ‘MAUS’, Hale uses animals for people to describe famous battles, world leaders, and various technological developments on the cusp of WWI from 1914-1918.

Focusing on the Western Front, the author portrays himself as a war spy about to be hanged and retells the war’s incidents to the provost and executioner. The comics use intelligent humor while adding complexity to unknown aspects of the past.

Final Word

These best historical comics that explore historical events from thought-provoking angles are perfect for people who want to add to their knowledge. Choose the ones you’re the most excited about, and let the fun begin.

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Books Characters History History Adventures Learning Materials

7 Best Graphic Novels About the Ancient World

The ancient world is full of interesting events, historical battles, centennial disputes, and classical themes hidden between boring old history books.

If you’re keen to learn about the happenings of the ancient world in a far more captivating way, graphic novels are your best bet. Alternate realities paired with enthralling visuals highlight historical events from various perspectives.

Here are some of the best graphic novels about the ancient world that will leave you mesmerized by the past:

1. Rome West

323 CE

Image by AIPTcomics

Exploring an alternate reality of the New World, a thousand years before Columbus, Rome West offers a vivid description of world events through the eyes of a Roman family. 

The engaging graphics cover themes of revolution and expansion as the Romans experience war in America. The authors make you deep dive into the ancient world through questions of ‘what if?’ as Romans change the course of America’s history, establishing a colony 1000 years before the arrival of Columbus.  

2. Perpetua’s Journey

203 CE

Image by Goodreads

Perpetua’s journey illustrates the tale of Vibia Perpetua, an openly declaring Christian mother residing in Roman Africa, ordered to death for professing her religion. The graphic novel offers a combination of powerful themes such as feminism and Christianity.

The detailed illustrations induce visual storytelling of the ancient Phoenician city of Carthage, where Christianity gains popularity. It moves readers into reimagining life as a Christian woman in Roman North Africa in 203 CE. 

3. 300

480 BC

Image by Amazon

If you enjoy fictional retelling of historical battles, the 300 comic series is the one for you. Adapted into the world-renowned film ‘The 300 Spartans’, this comic book depicts the Battle of Thermopylae and Sparta’s King Leonidas’ attempt to invade Persia.

With its gritty yet beautiful art, the 300 comic series engulfs the reader in the tale of Spartans as they launch themselves into battle. Hyper-violent scenes combined with well-written dialogue become enjoyable for readers interested in ancient wars.  

Frank Miller’s brilliant art and storytelling make the 300 comic series one of the best graphic novels about the ancient world.

4. The Book of Genesis

5th and 6th BC

Image by Wikipedia

A quite literal illustration of the original ‘Book of Genesis’, this graphic novel reproduces the Bible word by word. Albeit its controversial nature, Robert Crumb manages to lend the illustrations his unique perspective on the human condition.

Readers can appreciate Crumb’s signature scratchy and heavily cross-hatched drawing style for all illustrations that provide a humanizing effect to the characters. Instead of giving the religious text a satirical touch, the comics are a must-read, honest and genuine interpretation of the Bible.

5. The Pack

1351-1334 BC

Image by Amazon

The Pack is intense and full of action as it tells the story of two Nubian slave assassins in Ancient Egypt assigned to kill Pharaoh Seti of the Southern Kingdom. Their trials and tribulations are portrayed in a unique painterly style.

The author uses a combination of visual and verbal, including Egyptian hieroglyphs, to add variety and a nice ancient touch to the story. Instead of whitewashing the tale, the protagonists are shown to be dark-skinned Africans which adds even more dimension.

The Pack will transport you to an Ancient Egyptian Tale you won’t forget soon!

6. Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne

 Pre-history

Image by Wikipedia

In this action-packed, time-spanning graphic novel, Bruce Wayne finds himself at the dawn of history, fighting evil cavemen through the power of his famous utility belt. As he becomes engrossed in battle, he is transported first to Puritan times and then to the 18th Century.

The comics follow the superhero across different ancient time zones as he builds himself an identity and fights crime. The time-traveling Bruce Wayne is featured in the spotlight through a signature superhero style. 

7. Batman Ninja

1185-1603 CE

Image by Amazon

This animated feature places the Dark Knight in feudal Japan, where the hero’s worst enemies take the form of feudal lords. Combining the Hero vs. Villain action with an ancient setting, Batman Ninja is one of the finest renditions in the Batman series.

Incorporating an anime style into the visuals, the story becomes even more interesting for fans. This animation imparts a unique touch to the Batman franchise, capturing the heroic nature of Batman within a land ruled by sword-yielding Samurais and Ninjas as assassins.

Final Word

The ancient world is filled with fascinating events waiting to be discovered. All of these amazing graphic novels are a must-read to dive into history. 

Additionally, you can also check out History Adventure’s Chrome browser web app, Global Pandemics: Plague of Athens, which tells the story of Nikos of Athens, a physician during the Plague of Athens, 429 BCE, who struggles to treat the multitude who fall ill during this world-upending ordeal, causing him to question everything he holds dear, from his faith in Apollo, healer under the gods, to the meaning of his Hippocratic Oath, and what is truly at stake in medical ethics.

Make sure to add these best graphic novels about the ancient world to your reading list and get enlightened about history in a captivating and exciting way. 

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Books Characters History

5 Facts You Didn’t Know About William Shakespeare!

  1. During his lifetime William Shakespeare is said to have written 37 plays and 150 poems; however, no one can tell the exact number still because a lot of his work has been lost over time.

2. Nobody knows what Shakespeare did from 1585 to 1592. Shakespeare disappeared from the records for 7 years and historians usually refer to this period as “the lost years.”

3. Then in 1592 William Shakespeare magically reappeared in London as an actor and a playwright. However, his rivals criticized him and made fun of his work. Robert Greene, who was another writer, referred to Shakespeare as ‘an upstart crow.’

4. Shakespeare’s parents and children were illiterate. Shakespeare’s father had a lot of different jobs and at one point also got paid to drink beer!

5. Shakespeare did not know how to spell his name right but then again can we blame him?

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Books History History Adventures

15 Best History Books Of All Time

It is a common saying that history is what we make out of it, however, now it may seem like a very elegant thing to say rather than a realistic one. But one thing is pretty sure, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it (George Santayana).  

It is without a doubt that this civilization has evolved over thousands of years, and a lot of historic events took place during this course. If we ought to achieve greatness and success in life then it’s compulsory to know and learn the history and one of the easiest ways to do it is to read about it. 

Here is our guide to some of the greatest history books that you can read and learn from.

1.  History Adventures, World of Characters, Revolutions & Industrialization, 1750 – 1900

Creator: Spencer Striker, PhD

Looking for the best way to learn World History? Travel back in time to 1750–1900 with award-winning History Adventures and experience the stories of 5 amazing characters who lived during this dynamic period—brought to life with the help of animation, interactivity, and visual effects.

Developed by Spencer Striker, PhD, History Adventures is taking world history education to a whole new level with 3D experiences, data visualizations, sound effects, and amazing graphics. Importantly, you will also be able to test your comprehension by taking multimedia, rich assessments at the end of each character narrative.

2. The Guns of August

Author: Barbara W. Tuchman

The first major conflict in the modern world which is often referred to as World War I is one the longest and most brutal international conflicts that ever occurred in human history. Its atrocities left almost 17 million people dead and countless affected all around the globe. There will be many books written about this War, but the ‘Guns of August’ gives you a closer look at the set of events that triggered this war.

3.  The Liberation Trilogy

Author: Rick Atkinson

This book revolves around World War II, especially the European and African Fronts. It is one of the best trilogies that covers almost all the aspects of the 2nd world war in Europe. Written by Rick Atkinson, these books take us to battlefronts in North Africa, Italy, and western Europe.

4.  1776

Author: David McCullough

This historic masterpiece was written by David McCullough, a Picasso of American History. His ‘1776’ brought the War of Independence and the formation of America into life. The book gives us the hint that G. Washington was not a mythical character but a human being and his counterpart, the British General Willian Howe, was a formidable adversary. It is without a doubt one of the best books in American literature.

5.  1491

Author: Charles C. Mann

As the name suggests itself, the history of America just before Columbus discovered it and then unveiled it to the rest of the world. This book by Charles C. Mann covers the civilizations in North America before the European occupation.

6.  The Crusades

The Crusades: Thomas Asbridge

The name says it all, this masterpiece covers one the most sensitive yet the most important events that shaped the world to what we see today. This book covers the Crusades for the Holy City from the 11th to 13th centuries.

7.  Caesar and Christ

Author: Will Durant

Roman Civilization is perhaps one of the first modern civilizations ever created. This book by Will Durant takes us through the highs and lows of the Roman Empire, particularly revolving around its leaders and how religion played a vital role in its collapse.

8.  A History of American People

Author: Paul Johnson

This masterpiece was written by the world-renowned author Paul Johnson. A History of American People takes its readers from the formation of America to 20th century America while shedding light on important events that took place throughout American History which made America the powerful.

9.  Churchill: A Life and the Second World War

Author: Martin Gilbert

This book by Martin Gilbert focuses on the Second World War and its atrocities. The book educates its readers about the casualty (cause and effects) of the war and how Winston Churchill stepped up to it and became the leader as we know him today.

10.  Guns, Germs, and Steel

Author: Jared Diamond

This book by Jared Diamond is in a league of its own. Unlike the other history books, it doesn’t reflect any particular set of people, region, or race rather than it focuses on general history and circumstances into which an event occurred.

11.  Genghis Khan: The Making Of The Modern World

Author: Jack Weatherford

As the title says the book covers the life story of Genghis Khan, the notorious Mongol leader, and the founder of the Mongolian Empire of 13 and 14th centuries. The Book covers how Genghis Khan and Mongolia rose to power and how it affected the world as a whole and Europe in particular.

12.  Europe: A History 

Author: Norman Davies

Written by Norman Davies and published in 1996, the book covers the ups and downs of Europian political, economical and territorial aspects. Primarily focusing on Modern Europe, the book is a treat for someone who ought to learn about Europian History.

13.  The Rise And Fall Of The Third Reich

Author: William L. Shirer

The book focuses on the rise and fall of German, and particularly the Nazi empire. The book was written by a renowned journalist William L. Shirer. It takes us through the period of history starting with the birth of Hitler in 1889 to the ultimate demise of his Empire in 1945. The book covers the important aspects of Nazi Germany through its highs and lows.

14.  Postwar: A History of Europe

Author: Tony Judt

This book was written by British author Tony Judt, a world-renowned and award-winning author who specialized in European History. The book covers Europe in the aftermath of World War II through its economic, territorial, and political highs and lows.

15.  The Communist Manifesto

Author:  Karl Marx

It may have been the most famous book in this list that not only too many people must have heard about, but quite a few of them must have even read it. This book was written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and as the title suggests it focuses on communism. The first-ever written document about communism, some even believe that it signified the start of communism.

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Books History

10 Best Books To Read During Coronavirus Quarantine

It is no longer news that we are amidst a global pandemic; many countries in the world are on total lockdown. The implication being that people spend all day at home. 

Though there is a limit to the number of video games and movies you can watch in a day before boredom inevitably kicks in. Some others have found several other activities like making videos online, but end up feeling stressed out later. 

The solution? Books. Yes, books. Reading is a perfect, stress-free way of whiling away your time.

The general perception that reading is boring is untrue; you only get bored when you read the wrong books. Which is why we have compiled a list of good books you can burу yourself in during this quarantine period. 

Moreover, there are countless benefits to reading good books. It enables you to prime your reading and writing skills. You learn a lot оf nеw thіngѕ about history, lоvе, romance, fісtіоn, hоrrоr and lоtѕ mоrе. Reading can, therefore, be a fun and educative way of enjoying yourself during this quarantine period.

  1.  History Adventures, Wоrld оf Chаrасtеrѕ, Rеvоlutіоnѕ & Induѕtrіаlіzаtіоn, 1750 – 1900, by Sреnсеr Strіkеr

Publication date: April 2020

History Adventures, Wоrld оf Chаrасtеrѕ, Rеvоlutіоnѕ & Induѕtrіаlіzаtіоn, is the first book of the History Adventures series, which will make you travel back in time to 1750–1900 and relive the stories of 5 inspiring characters who lived during this period.

But this book is not like any books you read before. First of all, it provides you wіth 3D еxреrіеnсе alongside music, аnіmаtіоn, ѕоund еffесtѕ аnd mоtіоn, which makes it feel more like an application, rather than a book. Secondly, it makes the learning experience much more engaging and interactive. Trust us, learning history has never been so exciting!

Developed by Spencer Striker, PhD, the book was published in April 2020 and is currently available for free on iOS in 51 countries across the globe. 

  1. Amеrісаnаh by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Publication date: May 2013

Thіѕ bооk is about a powerful ѕtоrу оf rасе and іdеntіtу by Chimamanda Ngоzі Adісhіе, thе wіnnеr of thе National Book Critics Circle Fiction award іn 2013 аmоngѕt many оthеr аwаrdѕ. It has also been added to the list of “The 10 Best Books of 2013” by The New York Times.

Americanization and migration are the main themes of Americanah. Thе novel tells the story оf Ifеmеlu and Obіnzе, two young people thаt fell іn lоvе аftеr leaving a mіlіtаrу-rulеd Nіgеrіа fоr thе West. Ifemelu ѕtudіеs іn the United States whеrеаѕ Obinze рlungеѕ іntо a perilous life in Lоndоn. 

Having spent 78 weeks on NPR’s Paperback Best-Seller list, this novel will definitely change your perspective and the perception of the world.

  1. Frankenstein by Mary Shеllеу

Publication date: January 1818

Thе аnguіѕhеd monster оf Mary Shеllеу’ѕ Frаnkеnѕtеіn has been сарtіvаting rеаdеrѕ mіnds for over 200 years now. Containing elements of both Gothic and Romantic novels, Frаnkеnѕtеіn is also considered to be one of the first examples of the science fiction novel. The book tells thе story about Vісtоr Frаnkеnѕtеіn, a tеrrіblе creature that he has developed in the course of a scientific experiment, аnd the problems іt саuѕеd.

The book is present in school curricula across the globe and this quarantine period can be used to familiarize or re-familiarize yourself with it. And we promise the book is nothing like any movie adaptations that you might have seen. 

  1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Publication date: January 1813

Thіѕ a bооk published bу аn Englіѕh nоvеlіѕt, Jаnе Austen, іn 1813. Thе ѕtоrу is аbоut Elіzаbеth Bеnnеt who dеаlѕ wіth іѕѕuеѕ оf uрbrіngіng, mаnnеr, mоrаlіtу, аnd education durіng thе Rеgеnсу era in Great Britain. 

Pride and Prejudice has been studied in schools for years now. Among thе rеаdеrѕ аnd lіtеrаrу ѕсhоlаrѕ, it has always been one оf thе mоѕt-lоvеd bооkѕ with over 20 mіllіоn соріеѕ sold. While it is a very romantic book, it gives some great marriage lessons that are absolutely relevant even in the XXI century, emphasizing the importance of marrying for love, not for wealth or social prestige.

  1. The Sесrеt Hіѕtоrу by Donna Tartt

Publication date: September 1992

The Secret History is the first novel written by Dоnnа Tartt. Originally titled The God of Illusions, the book is about a group of 6 college students who feel that the normal rules of society don’t apply to them and, as a result, have to deal with horrifying repercussions.

The Secret History is filled with drama and twists while Tartt’s writing is incredibly rich in detail. By the way, Dоnnа Tartt was also included in Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list of 2014.

Overall, the book is definitely a great choice for lovers of psychological thrillers.

  1. The Cаtсhеr іn the Rуе by J. D. Salinger

Publication date: July 1951

The Cаtсhеr іn the Rуе is a masterpiece bу J.D. Sаlіngеr, a lеаdіng vоісе іn American lіtеrаturе who hаѕ fostered a lifelong lоvе for reading іn mіllіоnѕ оf people аll оvеr thе world. While being initially targeted at the adult audience, the book is all about teenage rebellion and alienation, therefore, it is extremely popular among adolescents.

With total sales of more than 65 million books, around one million copies of The Cаtсhеr іn the Rуe are being sold every year. The book has also received lots of literary awards and was listed in ‘100 best English-language novels written since 1923’ by Time Magazine and ‘100 best English-language novels of the 20th century’ by Modern Library.

  1. One Hundrеd Years Of Sоlіtudе by Gabriel Garcia Mаrquеz

Publication date: 1967

One Hundrеd Years Of Sоlіtudе is a fаntаѕtіс and оrіgіnаl novel bу Gabriel Garcia Mаrԛuеz, who won a Nobel Prіzе in Literature.

The book tells the story of 7 generations of the Buendia family and the town they built – Macondo. The book tells the story of 7 generations of the Buendia family and the town they built – Macondo. 

It іѕ a must-read bу еvеrуbоdу, еѕресіаllу if уоu аrе a fan оf fiction. Even if you have read it in the past – some books teach you something new each time you reread them, and this is definitely about One Hundrеd Years Of Sоlіtudе.

  1. Mіdnіght’ѕ Chіldrеn by Sаlmаn Rushdie

Publication date: 1981 

Similar to One Hundrеd Years Of Sоlіtudе, Mіdnіght’ѕ Chіldrеn is a great example of magical realism, including fantastical elements in the real-world setting.

Written by Sаlmаn Rushdie, a British Indian novelist, the story features Sаlееm Sіnаі who wаѕ bоrn аt the stroke оf mіdnіght оn Auguѕt 15, 1947, thе еxасt tіmе Indіа gаіnеd independence. Sаlееm lаtеr grew uр tо lеаrn оf the unfоrtunаtе соnѕеԛuеnсеѕ of thіѕ соіnсіdеnсе, a whole life, a lіfе bоund tо the nаtіоn. Saleem is endowed with telepathic powers and a connection to other kids born at the dawn of the modern nation of India.

Midnight’s Children was awarded the Booker Prize in 1981, the James Tait Prize and the English Speaking Union Literary Award.

  1. Thе God of Smаll Thіngѕ by Arundhati Roy

Publication date: 1997

A family saga, рrоhіbіtеd lоvе ѕtоrу, аnd political drama. Yes, it all describes the next novel on our list – Thе God of Smаll Thіngѕ, written by Arundhati Roy.

Being a political activist, Arundhati Roy made Indian history, politics, social discrimination, misogyny, caste and class relations the main themes of the novel.

This bооk has become the New York Times bestseller and the winner of the Man Booker Prize. 

  1. The Big Slеер by Raymond Chandler

Publication date: 1939

The Big Slеер is the first novel bу thе master рrасtіtіоnеr of Amеrісаn hаrd-bоіlеd сrіmе fісtіоn, Raymond Chandler. 

It іѕ a crime fісtіоn novel thаt fеаturеѕ Phіlір Mаrlоwе, a рrіvаtе investigator, hired by an elderly millionaire tо deal with thе blасkmаіlеr оf his dаughtеr. But there is much more to it than еxtоrtіоn…  

All in all, worth reading if you love detective novels and mystery books.