Top Five Books of 2014

dmsteyn: A work of astounding genius that shows up the lack of ambition in most modern writing.

dmsteyn: Misanthropic? In a sense, but Swift's satire is so sharp, it still cuts across the centuries.

dmsteyn: Powys's most famous work, and a good introduction to his idiosyncratic style.

dmsteyn: The conclusions (and some of the facts) might not be viewed as de rigeur anymore, but read it for the brilliant writing.

dmsteyn: Had to add one modern novel to the list, and this was the best one I read this year. Not perfect, but presents an effective juxtaposition between visceral action and cool cogitation.