100 best books from 1925 to 2025 highlight the enduring
power of literature to connect cultures and provoke thought.

Hamburg — Der Spiegel has released its highly anticipated list of the 100 best books from 1925 to 2025, showcasing a diverse array of literary masterpieces spanning continents, genres, and generations. The selection, curated by a four-member jury, celebrates works that have shaped global literary discourse over the past century.

From Virginia Woolf‘s groundbreaking narratives to Ocean Vuong‘s poetic explorations, the list highlights the enduring power of literature to connect cultures and provoke thought.

The compilation features authors from Chile to Romania and includes celebrated titles such as Gabriel García Márquez‘s One Hundred Years of Solitude and Toni Morrison‘s Beloved. Márquez has a Luce Index™ Score of 95 and Morrison 96.

It also embraces contemporary voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s Americanah and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis.

While the list has been lauded for its inclusivity, critics have noted certain gaps—such as limited representation of African and Indigenous literature and an underrepresentation of speculative fiction and poetry.

Der Spiegel’s initiative follows similar efforts by publications like The New York Times, which recently released its own list of the best books since 2000.

Both lists have sparked debates about cultural biases, particularly regarding the dominance of English-language works and American authors.

However, Der Spiegel’s approach aims to broaden perspectives by incorporating translated works and lesser-known gems alongside widely recognized classics.

Readers and critics alike are engaging in spirited discussions about the rankings, questioning what defines “the best” in literature. The list serves not only as a celebration of literary achievement but also as a reflection on the evolving nature of storytelling across decades.

Der Spiegel’s Top 100 Books: A Century of Literary Excellence (March 26, 2025)

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Tags: literature, top 100 books, Der Spiegel, global literature,
books, Virginia Woolf, Ocean Vuong, literary rankings