https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/g39358054/best-sci-fi-books/
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/g39385874/best-fantasy-books/
I recently came across these lists of the “Best” SF and Fantasy books. I’m skeptical about some of the books included, but it’s clearly a conversation starter to argue which books belong and which don’t.
How many of these books have you read? How many do you own? Any favorites here?
Interesting list. Of the science fiction ones, I’ve read 22 and there are a few more on my “want to read” list, but I was surprised at how many I never heard of.
On the fantasy list (not really my thing), I’ve only read 3 out of 50, with an even higher percentage of “never heard of” books.
Jeff, 22 SF books is an impressive number. Like you, I found a number of titles I wasn’t familiar with.
Sorry George, I got tired of scrolling the endless, ad-filled pages, Didn’t help that I’ve heard of virtually none of the ones I did see. I wonder how many of these I’d actually like.
Fred, I wanted to just generate a list of titles, but that got to be tedious. Sorry for the ad-filled pages.
My ad-blocker might explain why only 60 of the 75 sf titles came up for me. This isn’t the most ignorant nor best-informed pair of such lists, but it sure is keyed to what is currently admired.
Todd, you’re right about “keyed to what is currently admired.” Some of these lists focus on the current SF and Fantasy fashions.
Thanks for these lists!
I’ve read (and I own …) around 40 of the SF – mainly older books of course since I Haven’
t had the chance/time to go shopping in London Or NYC in the last 20 years after I met the new love of my life.
Can’t say much about thr fantasy titles though.
Wolf, I thought you would do well with the SF titles! 40 is a nice number!
Thanks for sharing the lists, George. It is always interesting to go through such lists in the hope that you might find a forgotten gem. Incidentally, I have posted a Sci-fi list on my blog. Plz have a look and recommend.
Neeru, I checked out your 1970 SF list. I’d read all but four. I highly recommend THE PNUME by Jack Vance, but it’s the final volume in the PLANET OF ADVENTURE series.