A novelist's hundred best books, chosen “frankly subjective” in 1916 — with an essay on reading that picks a fight with every other such list.

P

1 book in this part of One Hundred Best Books.

Paul Bourget

Le Disciple. "Le Disciple" is perhaps the best work of this voluminous and interesting writer. Devoid of irony, deficient in humor, lacking…

Rights & ReuseThe complete text of One Hundred Best Books (1916) is in the public domain in the United States — like all works published before 1928 — and is free to read, download, quote, teach from, and reuse. This digital edition (its transcription, restored images, and site design) is © 2026 PhotoOpAI, and any editorial commentary we add is clearly marked as ours; the underlying public-domain text carries no such restriction.