100 Books Every Man Should Read

One of the earliest articles we published on the Art of Manliness was 100 Must-Read Books for Men. The
piece was a result of a collaboration between the AoM team and a few guest writers.

The list was certainly decent enough, but some of the guest picks werent books we would personally
recommend. So too, over the last nine years weve read some additional books worthy of inclusion.

So today we present a revamped list of 100 books every man should read over the course of his lifetime. Its
a library that centers not on sheer enjoyment (though youll find that too), but on the books that expand mind
and soul, build new mental models, and allow you to become more culturally literate and thus better able to
participate in the Great Conversation. These are the books youll keep thinking about long after youve
finished the last page (even when, or perhaps especially when, you disagree with their ideas), providing
cognitive leftovers youll be chewing on for years, and decades, to come.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set among New York City elites in the roaring 20s, this book is considered one of Americas great literary
products for a reason. Narrator Nick Carraway is befriended by his mysterious millionaire neighbor, Jay
Gatsby, and proves to be a crucial link in Jays quixotic obsession with Nicks cousin, Daisy. The
metaphors, the beautiful writing, and the lessons one can garner about reliving the past all make The Great
Gatsby worth reading, again and again. Our interview with NPRs Maureen Corrigan is worth a listen. She is
the author of So We Read On: How To Great Gatsby Came To Be and Why It Endures. We discussed her
research into why a novel written about Jazz Age New York that resonates with Americans nearly a century
later.
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

Written in the early 1500s, this is the classic guide on how to acquire and maintain political power (even if
those methods are sometimes unsavory) a so-called primer for princes. Its precepts are direct, if not
disturbingly cold in their formulaic pragmatism. It asks the classic question: Do the ends justify the
means? A worthy read for any man wishing to better understand the motivations and actions that tend to
rule modern politics.
Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose

Stephen Ambrose, who passed far before his time, has given us some of the best histories of WWII out
there, with Band of Brothers being the best of the bunch. From their rigorous training in Georgia to the end
of the war, Ambrose tells the incredible story of the men of Easy Company. They were soldiers who went
hungry, froze, and died for each other, and whose inspiring story lives on not only in this book, but in
dozens of others, and of course, the popular HBO miniseries.
The Republic by Plato

The Republic is a Socratic dialogue, written by Plato around 380 BC, concerning the definition of justice and
how a just city-state should be ordered and characterized. It is the great philosophers best-known work and
has proven to be one of historys most influential works of philosophy and political theory. In it, Socrates
and other various interlocutors discuss the meaning of justice and examine whether or not the just man is
happier than the unjust man, as well as the theory of Forms, the immortality of the soul, and the role of the
philosopher in society.
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

The fundamental work on free market policies: It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer or
the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own self interest. We address ourselves,
not to their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their
advantages. Want an education in economics? This book is a great start.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The remarkable tale of Buck, a domesticated dog forced to adapt to a life of work in Alaska during the
Yukon gold rush, and told from his perspective. Over time, his soft exterior and manner hardens as he learns
the harsh realities of the cold. Survival replaces comfort, and toughness replaces laxity. Plus, Jack London
provides some of the punchiest, most virile writing youll ever come across.
Theodore Roosevelt Trilogy by Edmund Morris

Over the course of three volumes and about 2,500 pages, Edmund Morris takes us through the
unprecedented and never duplicated life of AoMs patron saint, President Theodore Roosevelt. Nobody
accomplished more or lived as vigorously as TR. From his younger days as a weakling who learned to hone
his body, to his final forays in politics and through the Amazon, Morris really covers it all. While beastly,
this trilogy is well worth the time of any man whos ever felt a tinge of restlessness; reading about TR will
turn that anxiety into action!
1984 by George Orwell

Set in a future dystopian world of perpetual war and constant government surveillance, our protagonist,
Winston, is a quintessential everyman who works for the Ministry of Truth rewriting history to the
governments party lines rhetoric. He comes upon a secret organization which seeks to destroy the state, and
together with a mysterious woman, joins the cause to fight against Big Brother. Although published in the
late 1940s, it resonates today more strongly than ever. Will you be a lemming? Or will you be an
independent thinker and actor?
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Similar to 1984, but whereas that novel portends changes in governmental rule, Aldous Huxleys 1931
classic looks at technological changes that would change society babies are born in laboratories,
entertainment is formulaic rather than narrative, individuality is frowned up, and society is hugely stratified.
Bernard Marx is on the top levels of society, but cant seem to fit in. So he takes an ill-advised vacation,
only to discover some unsettling things about the world he left behind.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

The granddad of books about people skills, the advice found in How to Win Friends and Influence People is
still sound and applicable 80 years later. Carnegie writes about skills like making people feel valued and
appreciated, ensuring you dont come across as manipulative (which happens unintentionally more than we
think!), and essentially, winning people to your viewpoints and ideas. While it can sound a little
disingenuous in its description, these are truly skills that people use every day, and this book is a great
resource for boning up your social game.
Roman Honor by Carlin Barton

The best book on honor bar none. Barton masterfully explores how honor shaped the lives of ancient
Rome from the early days of the Republic and all the way through the fall of the empire. She shows how
small, intimate groups are vital for honor to survive and how imperialism kills it. This book is a hard read,
but its well worth the effort. The insights are so brilliant that its almost startling, and even the footnotes are
packed with fascinating asides.
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Set in Italy during World War II, Catch-22 is the story of malingering bombardier John Yossarian. Hes a
hero, but also enraged at the idea that there are multitudes of people he has never met who are trying to kill
him. Beyond that, his own army has enacted Catch-22 a bureaucratic rule which states a man is insane if
he willingly continues to fly dangerous combat missions, yet if he makes a request to be removed from duty,
he is sane and therefore ineligible to be relieved. And so a military satire, and a phrase synonymous with the
word conundrum, is born.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

This absurdist, unconventional novel tells the tale of Billy Pilgrim, a fellow whos become unstuck from the
boundaries of time when hes abducted by aliens. We see all of Billys life, primarily focusing on his
experiences as a prisoner of war in Dresden, Germany in 1945 during the towns infamous firebombing (a
story shared by Vonnegut himself). Using part sci-fi, part humor, and part autobiography, Vonnegut takes
the reader on a sometimes uncomfortable journey through the realities and absurdities of war.
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

While the books plot centers on an aging, disinterested father and his three adult children, the substance
found within goes much beyond that. Dostoevskys final and greatest novel, this book also involves spiritual
and moral dramas and debates regarding God, free will, ethics, morality, judgment, doubt, reason, and more.
Its a philosophical work clothed as a novel which of course makes Dostoevskys weighty ideas easier to
digest. The McDuff translation gets rave reviews.
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

The novel that catapulted Hemingway to worldwide fame and success. The Sun Also Rises follows Jake
Barnes and a group of ex-patriot friends through Spain and France, with plenty of wine-drinking and bull-
fighting. The novel is a bit semi-autobiographical in that the main character is trying to deal with his war
wounds both physical and emotional and escape to the supposed romanticism of traveling and eating
and drinking to your hearts content. Does Jake find happiness? Youll have to read to find out.
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

Robert Jordan is a young dynamiter in the Spanish Civil War. Hes an American whos volunteered to fight
against Francos fascists, and is sent behind enemy lines to take out an important bridge to impede enemy
forces from advancing. He lives in a rudimentary camp with anti-fascist Spanish guerillas, and comes to
embrace their hearty way of life and love. And of course, there are some incredible battle scenes, which
were informed by Hemingways own time as a correspondent in the Spanish Civil War.
Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

After a terrible storm, the Swiss family Robinson becomes shipwrecked on a deserted island. With
teamwork, ingenuity, and a bit of pluck, the group strives to overcome natures obstacles and create some
semblance of community and civility within their new environs. A truly classic survival and adventure tale.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac

A defining novel of the Beat generation, On the Road is a fictional, but semi-autobiographical account of
two friends road trips across America, against the backdrop of a counter-culture of jazz, poetry, drug use,
and the drunken revelry of back-alley bars. Along their travels, theyre searching for what many young men
are: freedom, ambition, hope, and authenticity.
The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac

First published in 1958, a year after On the Road put the Beat Generation on the map, The Dharma Bums
stands as one of Jack Kerouacs most powerful and influential novels. The story focuses on two ebullient
young Americans mountaineer, poet, and Zen Buddhist Japhy Ryder, and Ray Smith, a zestful, innocent
writer whose quest for Truth leads them on a heroic odyssey, from marathon parties and poetry jam
sessions in San Franciscos Bohemia to solitude and mountain climbing in the High Sierras.
The Iliad & The Odyssey by Homer

These epic poems are some of the worlds oldest pieces of literature. Theyve been read, enjoyed, and
studied for thousands of years, and for good reason. They are not only beautiful to the ear, but contain
lessons that every man can learn about heroism, courage, and manliness. The Iliad takes place during a few
weeks of the final year of the Trojan War, and details the heroic deeds of both Achilles and Hector, as well
as a variety of other legends and stories. The Odyssey, a sequel of sorts, is about the great warrior Odysseus
voyage home after the Trojan War. He faces various obstacles in his return to Greece, and we also see how
his family back home dealt with his assumed death.
Walden by Henry David Thoreau

First published in 1854, Walden details Henry David Thoreaus experiences over the course of two years,
two months, and two days in a cabin he built near Walden Pond, amidst woodland owned by friend and
mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson. The book is a philosophical reflection on simple living and shedding the
trivial ties that bind one to society. Thoreau explains how separating oneself from the world of men can truly
awaken the sleeping self.
The Lord of the Flies by William Golding

A novel about primal instincts and self-governance, set inside the story of a group of ordinary boys stuck on
an uninhabited island. While fun at first, things devolve quickly when it comes time to actually think about
long-term survival. Its equal parts parable, political treatise, morality tale, and apocalyptic warning. Though
published in 1954, its lessons and sentiments ring just as true today.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

While theres plenty of political, moral, and economic philosophy in this book, its coated in an action
thriller of a story. Set in the near future, our protagonists are Dagny Taggart, heir to a transcontinental
railroad empire, and Hank Rearden, the head of a steel company whos invented a revolutionary new alloy.
Together, they battle against evil government bureaucrats and socialists to hold civilization together, while
all the while powerful industrialists are mysteriously disappearing, leaving behind only the cryptic phrase
Who is John Galt? Though this book is associated with passionate libertarianism, the story is an
interesting one to ponder no matter ones political persuasions.
The Boy Scout Handbook (1st Edition)

This is the book that started the Boy Scout movement. Youll be amazed at the amount of useful information
the first edition manual has compared to Scout manuals today. In addition to teaching essential scouting
skills, the first edition also includes stories of adventure, bravery, and virtue that will excite and inspire any
man. True first editions can be hard to find and super expensive, but inexpensive reprints are fortunately
readily available.
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Mt. Everests 1996 climbing season went down as one of the deadliest in the history of mountaineering.
Author and journalist Jon Krakauer was there to write a story about Everest, and ended up smack dab in the
middle of a devastating and unexpected storm. The book is not only a remarkable adventure tale (made even
more dramatic by its reality), but a story of mountains, and the great ordeals people go through to get the top
of them, even when looking death in the face.
King Solomons Mines by H. Rider Haggard

Fictional adventurer Allan Quatermain is drafted into a search and rescue party that leads into the great
unknown of unexplored Africa, where entire civilizations are discovered and rumors of the location of the
mines of King Solomon lead the team on one of the greatest adventures in all of literature.
A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean

While this a collection of three stories, the title story garners the most attention as a love letter to the art of
fly fishing, with metaphysical and philosophical questions taking root while knee-deep in the water. While
technically fiction, like many of the other stories on this list, they are rooted deeply in the authors own
experiences. After its original publication 40 years ago, connecting fishing to life and philosophy became a
common trope in pop culture.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Malcolm X is one of the most controversial public figures from the Civil Rights Movement. His
autobiography shows what a complex man he was. In it, we see his transformation from ignorance and
despair to knowledge and spiritual awakening. His emphasis on the principle of self-reliance and taking a
stand for your rights can resonate with every man, especially in turbulent political and social times.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas

The ultimate tale of betrayal and revenge. Edmund Dantes, days before marrying his beloved Mercedes, is
brutally betrayed, arrested for treason, and consequently taken to a prison on an island off the French coast.
The story goes on to tell of his escape from prison (dont worry, its early in the novel and doesnt ruin
anything) and his becoming wealthy and re-entering society as an educated and sophisticated Count. He
plots his revenge, eyes reclaiming his love, and ultimatelywell, youll just have to read it.
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

Banned in Germany shortly after its publication, All Quiet on the Western Front is the sobering story of
German soldiers in the trenches of WWI. We see the extreme physical and mental stress they felt during the
war, as well as the detachment from civilian life many of these soldiers experienced upon returning home. It
was one of the first novels to depict the modern brutalities of battle and the way technological advances had
destroyed wars heroic romanticism.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Austen has a reputation as chick lit but her classic works are worthwhile and enjoyable reads for men
too. Start with Pride and Prejudice: the romance tells the story of the Bennet family, especially its eldest
daughter, Elizabeth. She faces mounting pressure to marry, and when shes introduced to the handsome and
upper-class Mr. Darcy, sparks fly. As with all relationships though, its not so simple, and nobody quite
seems to be who they appear to be on the outside. Austens wit, sarcasm, and observations about the
hypocrisies of life make this book eminently readable and relatable.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu

The Art of War remains the classic text on strategic warfare. Written in the 6th century, its been influencing
military leaders, as well as businessmen and politicians among others, ever since. Its themes and ideas have
been studied and re-studied over many centuries, and it would do a man well in all facets of life to read
through the books proverbs every now and then as a refresher on tactical prowess.
Lives by Plutarch

If you wish to be a great man, you must learn from great men. One of the best ways to do that is through
reading biographies. Plutarchs massive collection, Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans, profiles some of
historys greatest men up through that time, and illuminates their shared virtues and shortcomings. His
biography of Alexander the Great is especially compelling.
The Bible

Despite being one of the most religious industrialized nations, Americas religious literacy is grossly
impoverished. Whats the problem with that, you ask? Well, half the books on this list (probably more,
actually) make Biblical references that must be known by the reader in order to fully understand the
message. If a Western man desires to understand the culture that surrounds him, he needs to have a thorough
understanding of one of the books that most influenced it. Beyond that, the Bible is full of ancient counsel
and advice that is applicable to any modern man, whether hes a Jew, a Christian, or not religious at all.
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

Lonesome Dove is quite possibly the greatest Western novel ever written. The story follows two long-time
friends on a cattle drive from the Rio Grande to Montana. Along the way they encounter outlaws, Indians,
and old flames. Be warned, this book is a beast. But reading it (and re-reading it) is definitely worth it. After
youre done, make sure to watch the mini-series.
After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre

MacIntyre, a Scottish philosopher, argues that the language of virtue and a true understanding of morality
has been lost to us in the modern age; while we think we know what morality is, were simply riffing on the
fragmentary pieces that remain. The result is an irrational, unintelligible mess, where arguments over moral
issues are shrill and impossible to resolve. What is needed is a unity of virtues and a why a shared end
goal of human life such as is provided in Aristotelian philosophy. The book is heavy and deep, and takes
several reads to begin to understand and to mine out the rich insights. But once you do, youll reflect on it
often as you observe the stagnation and entanglements of modern culture.
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

Theres nothing better than a good hard-boiled detective novel. And like any great work in the genre, moral
ambiguities abound. Sam Spade, the main character, is a hardened and cynical private eye with his own code
of ethics. Enter a grifter, a beautiful woman whose loyalties shift at the drop of dime, and a valuable missing
falcon statue and youre primed for a wonderful romp of a story.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This perennially school-assigned novel by Harper Lee is a classic for a reason. Six-year-old Scout and her
older brother Jem spend their days riding bikes, spying on neighbors, and hanging out with their friends.
Things in town become much more serious, though, when their widowed father, Atticus, comes to defend a
black man whos been accused of raping a white girl. Suddenly, kids are thrust into a very adult world, and
lean on their dad to help put things in perspective.
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

The Killer Angels is a historical novel of the four days of the Battle of Gettysburg. It recounts the bloody
affair from the men who played a key role in it as told from various perspectives. Shaara attempts to get in
the minds of General Lee and Colonel Longstreet to decipher their thoughts and motivations leading up to
the fateful battle. Love, fear, pride we see all the emotions a soldier and leader might feel in the days
leading up to, and during, the gruesome fighting.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

This autobiography is considered by many to be Americas first self-help book. In addition to sharing his life
story, Franklin explains how a man can make himself a success, in large part through sharing his own
tactics. The story begins with Franklin as a boy, walking around barefoot and with rolls in his pocket, and
ends with him being a successful businessman, scientist, and statesman. Woven throughout are numerous
tips on actionable productivity and personal development.
The Histories by Herodotus

If we dont learn from the past, were doomed to repeat it. Herodotus Histories is considered the founding
work of history in Western literature, and established the genre as we know it today. It serves as a record of
the ancient traditions, politics, geography, and clashes of various cultures in Western Asia, Northern Africa,
and Greece. The Founding Fathers looked to Histories to learn from the mistakes that the ancient Greeks
made with democracy, and not repeat them.
From Here to Eternity by James Jones

In this magnificent but brutal classic of a soldiers life, James Jones portrays the courage, violence, and
passions of men and women who live by unspoken codes and with unutterable despair. Private Robert E.
Lee Prewitt is a champion welterweight and a fine bugler, but he refuses to join the companys boxing team.
First Sergeant Milton Anthony Warden knows how to soldier better than almost anyone, yet hes risking his
career to have an affair with the commanding officers wife. Hawaii may be paradise on the outside, but not
all is rainbows and butterflies.
The Thin Red Line by James Jones

James Jones fictional depiction of the Guadalcanal Campaign during WWII. The men of Charlie company
are about to land, grim and white-faced, on the Guadalcanal atoll in the Pacific. As one reviewer noted:
This is their story, a shatteringly realistic walk into hell and back. Some soldiers earn medals, others do
anything they can to get sent home before landing in a grave. And they all find that theres a thin red line
which divides the sane from the insane.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

Part memoir and part philosophy, Zen dubiously holds the Guinness World Record for being rejected by 121
publishers before being published and becoming a perennial bestseller. Published in 1974, it chronicles a 17-
day father-son motorcycle journey from Minnesota to California. In the midst of this journey, our narrator
(along with his son) explore several philosophical questions, with the main theme being the meaning of
quality, and what good work really looks like in our modern world ideas that still apply equally well 40+
years later.
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler

The Long Goodbye is the last book in Raymond Chandlers Philip Marlowe detective series. In it, Marlowe
befriends a down-on-his-luck war veteran, Terry Lennox, with the scars to prove it. Then he finds out that
Terry has a very wealthy wife, who hes divorced and re-married, and who ends up dead. Now Lennox is on
the lam, and the cops are after Marlowe. Full of gangsters and beautiful femme fatales, this is a hard-boiled
novel at its best.
Self-Reliance & Other Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Self-Reliance contains the most prominent of Ralph Waldo Emersons philosophies: the need for each
individual to avoid conformity and personal inconsistencies, and to follow their own instincts and ideas.
Youre to rely on your own self versus going with the ebbs and flows of culture at large. Other essays in the
collection focus on friendship, history, experience, and more.
Ulysses by James Joyce

This notoriously hard-to-read novel chronicles the wandering appointments and encounters of main
character Leopold Bloom in Dublin during the course of an ordinary day, June 16, 1904. Ulysses is the
Latinized version of Odysseus, the famed Homeric hero, and Joyce establishes a connection between the
characters and experiences of the two. Using stream-of-consciousness writing, and plenty of puns and
allusions, its just about guaranteed you wont fully get it on the first read. Just do your best and make it
through.
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

There is nothing more manly than a bout with the Devil. Mikhail Bulgakov wrote this entertaining
commentary on the social bureaucracy in Moscow during the height of Stalins reign. Lucifer himself pays
the atheistic city a visit to make light of the peoples skepticism regarding the spiritual realm. The novel also
visits ancient Jerusalem under Pontius Pilates rule. Even for the non-religious, this book will provide plenty
of food for thought.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Road has been called by some a love story between father and son, and nothing could better describe it.
The book powerfully puts the beauty and sorrow of fatherhood in stark perspective, revealing paternal love
intensely close to the bone. An unnamed father and his son pilgrimage across a dreary, ashen, post-
apocalyptic America, pushing a shopping cart of their supplies and perpetually scavenging for their next
meal. As the father watches out for the bad guys (savage tribes of baby-eating men who maraud across the
landscape), he teaches his son to remain one of the good guys to always carry the fire.
Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse

Steppenwolf, one of Herman Hesses best known works, follows a sad and lonely intellectual for whom life
brings no joy. Harry Haller has within himself both a rational man, and a wild primeval wolf, and he has
trouble reconciling these two natures. But then he meets a carefree and elusive woman, Hermine, who shows
him that lifes pleasures arent necessarily as hollow as he once believed.
The Book of Deeds of Arms and Chivalry by Christine de Pizan

In any era, you wouldnt necessarily expect a book about warfare to come from the pen of a woman. You
might be even more surprised to learn that a woman named Christine de Pizan wrote and published such a
manual in the early 1400s. It conveys a great deal regarding strategy, tactics, and the technological advances
of medieval warfare. It includes important source material about early gunpowder weaponry, as well as
many thoughts about Just War. A classic work that simply doesnt get much attention, The Book of Deeds of
Arms and Chivalry deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Its all well and good to be a dreamer, but a man must also be grounded in reality. Its a lesson that Don
Quixote comes to learn in the 17th century eponymous book, which is widely considered to be the worlds
first novel. Quixote, along with his squire Sancho Panza, travels the world in search of grand adventures and
heroic deeds which would earn him the title of Knight. He continues against all odds, and in some cases,
against all common sense. Its funny, surprisingly easy to read given the fact that its over 400 years old, and
can provide a man many lessons on the aspirations of heroism.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

The story of a nameless black man in New York City who grows up in the South, but moves north to be part
of the Brotherhood, a society that supposedly fights for justice and equality. He soon realizes the political
motivations behind the movement though, and retreats in an attempt to figure out who he is as a black man
in white America. A novel about race, identity, acceptance, and being comfortable with who you are its
a book everyone should read.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

A classic American work, Huck Finn is often required reading in middle school, and for good reason. One of
the first books to be written in vernacular (that is, with language of a particular region), it can be seen as
both scathing satire of the antebellum South, or as a coming-of-age story for the young Huck Finn. Finn a
white boy teams up with fugitive adult slave Jim as they flee by raft on the Mississippi River, and float
into many an adventure together.
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes

Written during the English Civil War of the mid-1600s, Hobbes work is one of the foremost authorities in
political theory. The books primary concern is the centralized power of the sovereign state existing to
maintain order and peace. How is society to be structured? How are people to be governed? Its an
influential example of the social contract theory, which states that individuals, by simply being part of a
society, agree to give up some rights in order to maintain others. In our modern political turmoil, any classic
work of societal theory is worth reading for greater perspective.
Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

The central work of Aristotles thoughts on ethics, it details how a man should best live. Topics covered are
virtue, right actions, and specific qualities men should strive after like courage, justice, magnanimity,
temperance, etc. A classic philosophical work which every man should have an understanding of.
Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand

This 1897 play follows French cadet Cyrano de Bergerac. Hes a poet, musician, and expert swordsman a
true Renaissance Man. Unfortunately, Cyrano has a tragically large nose, which hinders his confidence to
the point that hes unable to profess his feelings to Roxane and feels he isnt worthy of anyones love. What
is a man to do in such a situation? Read and find out.
The Last Lion Trilogy by William Manchester

Quite possibly the best biography youll ever read. Epic in scale about 3,000 pages split over 3 volumes
Manchester takes you on an enjoyable and edifying ride through Winston Churchills legendary life. Its
hard to call any biography a page-turner, since you know what happens, but The Last Lion comes awfully
close. Tragically, Manchester died before being able to finish the last volume, and another author stepped in
to complete it. The third volume thus falls slightly short of the first two, but all are eminently worth reading.
The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer

As with many WWII novels written in the late 40s and 50s, The Naked and the Dead pulls much from
author Norman Mailers own experiences as a soldier in the Philippines. The story focuses on American
troops who are faced with driving out the Japanese on a fictional south Pacific island so that they can
advance into the Philippines. Between character dialogue, and time machine sections which focus on
soldiers backstories, we get a realistic glimpse at being an American warrior in the Pacific campaign of
WWII. As with most novels of the era, its usually not a pretty picture.
This Boys Life by Tobias Wolff

A classic memoir of adolescence and growing up without a present father. The parents of author Tobias
Wolff divorce, and he ends up in his mothers custody, traveling all over the country and constantly on the
move. They develop a very close relationship, but Wolff also has to fight to create his own identity and self-
respect when a new step-dad enters the picture. Between adolescent frustrations and schemes, he finds a path
towards self-invention that ultimately changes his life.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

The basic plot is this: A teenage city boy named Brian Robeson crashes in the middle of the Canadian
wilderness while flying in a bush plane. The pilot dies, and the boy lives. All alone in the wilderness, Brian
must learn how to survive in the wild for 54 days with nothing but a hatchet. No real twists and turns, but the
lessons a man can glean on survival and self-reliance are as enjoyable and instructive to boys as grown men.
Resilience by Eric Greitens

Resilience is series of letters between now Governor-elect of Missouri Eric Greitens and a SEAL buddy who
was going through a rough time in his life after returning home from service and struggling with alcoholism,
job loss, and PTSD. Greitens calls upon his background in philosophy to provide insights and advice for his
friend on how to develop resilience in the face of adversity. This is a book that should be read, and re-read,
and re-read again by everyone who could use a little more resilience in their life. In other words, everyone.
Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs

The timeless title character, first introduced here, inspired over twenty sequels and several feature films.
Raised by gorillas, Tarzan seeks out the truth of his origins and finds himself at odds with the gorilla king
that murdered his father. In Tarzan, Edgar Rice Burroughs well captures the wild longings and primal
abilities typically hidden underneath the trappings of civilization.
Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche

God is dead. The bermensch. Eternal recurrence. Will to power. Many of Friedrich Nietzsches most well-
known and controversial ideas are explored in this philosophical novel that follows a fictional wandering
prophet named Zarathustra (named after the founder of Zoroastrianism). Through Zarathustra, Nietzsche
attacks modern philosophy and morality and provides a philosophical framework for approaching life in a
post-religious world. Whether youre a believer or non-believer, if you want to understand todays cultural
milieu, this is a must read.
The Federalist Papers

Composed of 85 articles, The Federalist Papers served to explain and encourage the ratification of the U.S.
Constitution. The majority of the essays were penned by Alexander Hamilton and originally published in
The Independent Journal and The New York Packet. While the Constitution lays out the laws of the land,
these essays provide the 18th century version of the ballot/blue books we get the mail around election time,
explaining the laws that are being proposed. It is essential reading for any civically minded American
(which should be every American!).
The Godfather by Mario Puzo

While the famed movies get more acclaim, the book is a masterwork in its own right. Author Mario Puzo
shows us both the good and bad sides of family and community loyalty. While the Corleones obviously do
some really bad stuff, theyre a group of guys who are good at being men. They protect their family at all
costs, theyre extraordinarily generous to those in their inner circle, and they never stop fighting. Plus, its
just a darn entertaining read.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville

The book that inspired a gazillion white whale metaphors, and really, needs no description. However, heres
a brief one: Moby-Dick is Herman Melvilles 19th century masterpiece concerning whaler Captain Ahabs
insatiable quest to exact revenge on the great white whale that crippled him, as told by Ishmael, a sailor
aboard Ahabs ship. Also, its inspired by a true story, which makes it even more awesome.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

This short, but ever-popular tale is a young womans take on humanity and horror. Mary Shelley was just 21
when Frankenstein was first published in 1818, and the book is widely regarded as the first popular science
fiction/horror novel. While you surely know the monster and the story of mad scientist Victor Frankenstein
bringing him to life, its a much darker and more philosophical book than what pop culture has made it out
to be. You learn about science, ego, pride, and ultimately, what it means to be human.
Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Every man needs to read some Shakespeare during his lifetime. Hamlet is a great place to start. You know
the line: to be or not to be, but do you know the context and real meaning behind it? Doubtful. The cliff
notes intro to the story: Prince Hamlet is summoned home from school to attend his fathers funeral, and is
shocked to learn his mother already remarried. The Queen has wed Hamlets Uncle Claudius, his fathers
brother. And worse, Claudius has crowned himself King despite the fact that Hamlet was meant to be the
heir to the throne. Hamlet suspects foul play. *Cue dramatic music.*
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Dickens should be a part of every mans reading life, and A Tale of Two Cities is a good starter. Its set in
London and Paris during the French Revolution and depicts the plight of the French peasantry, their turn to
violence towards the aristocrats who marginalized them, and the parallels to London society during the same
period.
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

This is the story of a marriage. The Wheelers appear to be a model suburban couple in the 1950s. But did
they marry too young? And start a family too soon? Franks job is dull and April never saw herself as a
housewife. Below the placid surface, both of these self-absorbed partners struggle with desires to escape and
to become their true selves, and cant find happiness with their ordinary lives as they are. Somethings gotta
give.
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

This 14th century epic poem by Dante Alighieri offers a dive into his singular vision of the afterlife. Dante
travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise (or Heaven) and gives glimpses of what he sees. Allegorically,
it also serves to represent mans journey to God and the various stages he goes through along that journey.
This work is to be read if for nothing else than the cultural literacy of knowing where many of our modern
conceptions of heaven and hell arise.
The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn

What is a mans library without some literature on Americas favorite pastime? Dubbed The finest
American book on sports, The Boys of Summer is an account of the Brooklyn Dodgers leading up to their
1955 World Series title. Kahns depiction of some of the games greatest legends like Gil Hodges and Duke
Snyder is inspiring enough to make a man hope for another shot on the diamond and join up with a local
softball crew. Dont say we didnt warn you.
A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Set at a boys prep school on the eve of World War II, A Separate Peace centers on the friendship of Phineas
and Gene. Phineas seeming perfection creates a jealously in Gene that results in a tragedy that will forever
change both of their lives. A piercing look at both the light and the shadows of friendship and humanity.
Every boy wishes he were Finny but knows hes more like Gene. This book will stick with you no matter
your age.
The Stranger by Albert Camus

Perhaps the most popular piece of 20th century existential literature. Frenchman Meursault attends his
mothers funeral, and through a series of events, becomes drawn into a senseless murder. The Stranger
addresses murder and remorse (or lack thereof), God and atheism, destiny and justice, and the absurdity of
life. Youll come away remembering much more than just the plot points.
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

Robinson Crusoe is the autobiography of a castaway who spent 30 years on a remote tropical island. He
encounters difficult terrain, less-than-friendly natives, and a variety of other obstacles. It was described and
written so realistically the name Robinson Crusoe was even listed as the author that many people
thought it was about actual events rather than being a novel from the mind of Daniel Defoe. Almost 300
years later, it still holds up.
The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People by Stephen Covey

This book has been a bestseller for nearly three decades, and for good reason. It not only explains the
importance of living your life with purpose, but also provides tools to help you actually do it. The planning
and goal-setting methods laid out in Coveys most celebrated work have been used by countless world
leaders, businessmen, and influential people, as well as millions of ordinary folks whose lives have been
changed by implementing the 7 habits. Include the Art of Manliness team among them.
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

No matter his class or situation in life, a man needs a healthy appreciation for the simple folk who help make
the world go round. John Steinbecks Cannery Row depicts a cross-section of this community, located on a
strip of sardine canneries, in the late Depression era. This area has a life of its own, and is as much a
character of the book as any of the community members themselves. The novel not only paints a picture of a
difficult time that has passed, but gives honest, timeless insight into the human condition.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Pretty much everything we think of when we think of pirates comes not from the pages of history but from
this book: treasure maps with X marking the spot, deserted islands, peg legs, parrots, and more. Published
as a childrens tale (and a rather adult one at that), American novelist Henry James praised it as perfect as a
well-played boys game.
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

This New Orleans-based novel won author John Kennedy Toole the Pulitzer Prize. Its perfect comedy of
errors is centered around the character of Ignatius J. Reilly, a lazy and socially ignorant, but very intelligent
man, who still lives with his mother at the age of 30. A Confederacy of Dunces serves as a guide for what a
man ought not to be, while providing sound entertainment all the while.
Native Son by Richard Wright

This novel tells the story of 20-year-old Bigger Thomas, a young African-American living in utter poverty
in Chicagos South Side in the 1930s. He, inevitably (as argued by the novel), ends up in jail for a crime he
did in fact commit. Was it his character which drove him to it, though, or was it society, by placing him in a
certain social stratum? Race, identity, social status, societys pressures this novel offers an important read
on the black experience.
The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

In this travelogue Paul Theroux recounts his 4-month journey through Europe, the Middle East, India, and
Southeast Asia on the continents fabled trains: the Orient Express, the Golden Arrow to Kuala Lumpur, the
Mandalay Express and the Trans-Siberian Express. His well-documented and entertaining adventures have
come to be considered a classic in the travel literature genre. This journal satisfies the vicarious traveler and
inspires the adventurous man.
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper

The Last of the Mohicans was the second book in Coopers Leatherstocking Tales pentalogy and is set in
1757 during the French and Indian War. The French were particularly dependent on Native Americans for
help in the fight. Primarily set in the New York wilderness, a colonels two daughters, Alice and Cora, need
to be transported to a safe destination. Among the caravan guarding the women are a group of frontiersman
and Indians including Chingachgook (the last chief of the Mohicans) and Uncas. The characterization of
these protagonists would become an enduring part of the archetypes of frontiersmen and Indians that remain
within the popular consciousness today.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

One of the great American novels, The Grapes of Wrath is set in the Dust Bowl-era Midwest. Forced to
move, the Joad family drives westward with thousands of other down-on-their-luck Okies in order to try to
find a better life for themselves in California. Theres perhaps no better snapshot of this time period of
American history than Steinbecks masterpiece. Plus, the final scene is one that will stick with you for a long
time to come.
Education of a Wandering Man by Louis LAmour

Western writer Louis LAmour was one of the most prolific authors of all time, cranking out over 100
published works (all of which were still in print when he died in 1988). Education of a Wandering Man is
his autobiography, which could also be called a love letter to learning. He left school at age 15 to roam the
world. His various experiences include: hobo on the railroads, Texas cattle skinner, seaman in Singapore and
the West Indies, itinerant bare-knuckled boxer, and more. Through it all, he taught himself to read and write,
and was never far from a book. Inspiring as all get out, LAmours example will have you asking what on
Earth youre doing with all your free time.
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

One of the great musicals of all time, Les Miserables was first a great novel. Ex-convict Jean Valjean tries to
remake himself after getting out of prison, and seeks revenge on the forces which put him there in the first
place. Through a large cast of memorable characters, and the French Revolution in the background, author
Victor Hugo takes us on a rolling epic that will likely leave you exhausted yet hopeful by the time
youre through.
Mans Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl was a psychotherapist and brain surgeon who specialized in treating depression, but being a
Jew in Nazi Germany, was sent to Auschwitz. Upon entering the concentration camp, they took the last of
his belongings, including his clothes, his wedding ring, and the manuscript of a book he was writing. By
leaning on his rich inner life and helping other prisoners, along with some strokes of good luck, he lived to
tell his story, which is a lesson about the control one has to make a bad situation not necessarily good, but
survivable. Its sure to put your own suffering in perspective and inspire you to live with greater purpose.
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

Published when author S. E. Hinton was just 18 years old, The Outsiders is the story of two rival gangs
the Greasers and the Socs who are divided by their socioeconomic status. Its a classic coming-of-age
tale, and set the stage for the young adult genre as we know it today. Though the storys characters are just
teenagers, theres much to be taken from it about family, honor, sacrifice, and class dynamics.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Often called the masterpiece of Spanish literature, One Hundred Years of Solitude is an epic family story
which tells the tale of the fall, birth and death of the town of Macondo. Marquez introduces us to seven
generations of Buendias, whose patriarch founded the town. The family is unable to escape their regular
misfortunes, though. Is history bound to repeat itself, or can the Buendias free themselves from their
familys history?
Gates of Fire by Stephen Pressfield

A fictional account of the Spartan 300 and the Battle of Thermopylae, which pitted a few thousand Greek
men against at least 100,000 Persians. In Gates of Fire, we see the battle through the eyes of a warrior
named Xeones. We learn about Spartan life, training, discipline, battle strategy, courageand much, much
more. Reading it will fill you with manly thumos.
Paradise Lost by John Milton

Paradise Lost is an epic poem which tells the Biblical story of the Fall of Man in verse: the temptation of
Adam and Eve, the role of Satan, and their banishment from the Garden of Eden. Rather than just re-telling
whats in the Bible though, author John Milton explores and imagines the possible backstory. What was
going on behind the scenes in the heavenly realm, how did Adam and Eve react to their sin, what did they
feel upon being banned from the the garden? From paradise?
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Author Ray Bradbury brings readers to a dystopian future in which books are banned, and firemen are
charged with destroying any they find. Fireman Guy Montag is our main character, and every day hes
tasked with setting printed literature aflame. At the end of the day, he returns to his home and family, where
the TV is central to their bland existence. Even in the 1950s, Bradbury was concerned about the effect that
television and other forms of mass media would have on humanitys relationship to books and literature.
Relevant still? You bet your bottom it is.
Oil! by Upton Sinclair

Upton Sinclairs novel of the 1920s oil industry should be read if for no other reason than that it served as
the inspiration for one of the greatest movies of this century, There Will Be Blood. The book is told through
the eyes of Bunny, an oil tycoons son. His sympathies towards oil field workers and socialist leanings
create a lot of discord with dear old dad. What Sinclairs The Jungle did for the meatpacking industry, this
book did for oil.
Fear and Trembling by Soren Kierkegaard

Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard creates a case study from the (in)famous Bible story of Abraham being
commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac. He uses the story as an opportunity to question philosophys
relationship to religion, along with the nature of God, faiths relationship with ethics and morality, and the
difficulty of being authentically religious. It asks the big questions that every man should wrestle with
throughout life.
The Code of Man by Waller Newell

What does it mean to be a man, not just biologically, but philosophically? Waller Newell lays out one of the
most compelling answers to the question of how a man should live in this book. He argues that many
modern men have lost touch with the values and virtues that defined manliness for thousands of years, and
consequently feel lost, confused, and angry. Newell believes that the road to recovery is taken along the five
paths to manliness: love, courage, pride, family, and country. Using Western writers and thinkers like
Aristotle and Hemingway, among others, Newell offers important guidance on the path to achieving a
manly heart.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Joseph Conrads novella is the story of a man named Marlow traveling up the Congo River in the heart of
Africa. In telling the tale, Conrad compares the savages of Africa to the so-called civilized people of
London. Is there really much difference? Themes of race, barbarism, colonialism, and first-world society are
central.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Ryan Holidays description of the Meditations in his list of 36 books every young and ambitious man should
read, cant much be improved upon: I would call this the greatest book ever written. It is the definitive text
on self-discipline, personal ethics, humility, self-actualization, and strength. Bill Clinton reads it every year,
and so have countless other leaders, statesmen, and soldiers. It is a book written by one of the most powerful
men who ever lived on the lessons that power, responsibility, and philosophy teach us. This book will make
you a better person and better able to manage the success you desire.
The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

These four books are making the list as one, because theyre really a single, epic story. Youve no doubt
seen the movies, which are great, but the books are even better. Follow Frodo Baggins and his trustworthy
friend Samwise Gamgee and learn about friendship, loyalty, dedication to a good cause, and many other
manly virtues. Youll also find one of the wisest characters in literature in Gandalf. J.R.R. Tolkien had one
of the greatest imaginations in the history of literature and created an entire universe, complete with new
languages, maps of various lands, and even histories of how these lands came to be. No other author has
come close to the world-making capabilities of Tolkien, which alone makes the series worth reading.
With the Old Breed by Eugene Sledge

You may think you understand the gritty nature of the Pacific War, but until you read With the Old
Breed, you cant fully grasp its full horrors. With rich and haunting prose, Sledge takes you right into the
battles of Peleliu and Okinawa and allows you to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the
nightmarish scenes on a very visceral level. This is surely one of the best books on war, period, and is a
must-read for every American who wants to fully understand the sacrifices their forebearers made for them.
Self-Control: Its Kingship and Majesty by William George Jordan

The turn of the 20th century was the golden age of personal development books. In contrast to the self-help
books of today, which are filled with flattering, empty, cliche platitudes, theyre direct, masterfully written,
and full of profound and challenging insights that center on the development of good character. Even in this
golden age, one author stands supreme: William George Jordan. His Self-Control: Its Kingship and Majesty
has been the source of many of our most popular manvotionals, and is full of beautifully written wisdom on
self-reliance, calmness, gratitude, and more.