ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

25 books that shaped the 20th century

publication · 2026-05-22

A curated list of 25 books that defined the 20th century, spanning from George Orwell's dystopian visions to Chinua Achebe's postcolonial narratives. The selection highlights works that not only reflected their era but also influenced subsequent cultural and intellectual movements. The list includes novels, essays, and non-fiction that tackled themes of totalitarianism, identity, and social change.

Key facts

  • 25 books are featured
  • Includes works by George Orwell and Chinua Achebe
  • Books span the 20th century
  • Focus on books that changed what came after
  • Covers themes of totalitarianism and postcolonialism

Entities

Artists

  • George Orwell
  • Chinua Achebe

Sources