What is the best book ever made?

Determining the "best book ever made" is highly subjective and can vary greatly depending on personal tastes, literary critiques, and historical impact. Here are some insights from various sources that highlight several novels often considered among the greatest:

Historical and Literary Significance

• "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes: Often regarded as the first modern novel, it has had a profound influence on Western literature since its publication in 161524.
• "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy: Frequently cited as one of the greatest novels ever written, it chronicles the French invasion of Russia and follows the lives of several aristocratic families during this period4.

Critical Acclaim and Impact

• "Ulysses" by James Joyce: Known for its innovative stream-of-consciousness style, it is often ranked at the top of lists of the greatest novels, such as the Modern Library's Top 1003.
• "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A classic of American literature, it critiques the American Dream and is widely studied and admired234.

Social and Cultural Influence

• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: This novel has had a significant impact on American society, particularly in its portrayal of racism and its influence on social justice discussions2.
• "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez: A seminal work of magical realism, it has been widely acclaimed and is often included in lists of the greatest novels25.

Global Recognition

• A list compiled by Norwegian Book Clubs in 2002, which included votes from 100 writers in 54 countries, ranked "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, "1984" by George Orwell, and "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky among the top books of all time5.

Given the diverse opinions and criteria, there is no single book that can be universally declared the "best." Each of these works has its own unique contributions to literature and continues to be celebrated for different reasons.