100 writers name 'Don Quixote' best book ever from all-time list

A unique literary project, initiated two decades ago, has identified the 100 most significant books in history. In 2002, the Norwegian book club Bokklubben invited 100 distinguished writers from 54 nations to contribute to "The 100 Best Books of All Time." This endeavor did not establish a ranked order but rather recognized all chosen works as equally important to global culture.

The compilation features a diverse range of influential titles, including "War and Peace," "Anna Karenina," "Crime and Punishment," "The Brothers Karamazov," "The Trial," "Ulysses," "One Hundred Years of Solitude," "The Great Gatsby," "Pride and Prejudice," "Hamlet," "The Divine Comedy," "The Odyssey," "The Iliad," and "In Search of Lost Time."

While all selections hold significant cultural value, Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote" was singled out for special recognition. The novel was honored for its profound impact on the development of world literature, with Cervantes credited for creating what is considered the first modern novel. This groundbreaking work broke from previous conventions, paving the way for future authors and exploring themes of imagination, disillusionment, and the journey toward understanding the world.