Nothing speaks to the heart of man like a good tale of adventure. Whether in the form of a bedtime story read to young boys or a nail biting page turner that keeps you up at night, the adventure story is one genre of literature that stays with you for a lifetime. The very mention of such novels brings to mind images of buried treasure, hidden deep in the jungle of a deserted island, protected by dastardly pirates and the local cannibal population. Or perhaps the mind jumps instead to the image of a forgotten world, complete with lost civilization and monstrous creatures of a bygone era.
Whatever your personal adventure fantasy, there are some stories we all can relate to. Listed here, in no particular order, are fifty adventure novels that no man should go a lifetime without reading. This is not considered a complete list of all the great adventure novels, so please take advantage of the comments section to share what other adventure novels you recommend to your fellow men. Also, be sure to stay tuned for the upcoming second part of this series, The Essential Man’s Library: 50 Nonfiction Adventure Books Edition.
And now, to jump into the world of high adventure….
(Note to RSS and Email readers: Because of the length of this post we had to break it up into sections in order for it to appear in your reader or inbox. So, you’ll have to come to site to click through past the first 10. Sorry for the inconvenience.)
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
A tale of survival, Hatchet traces the story of young Brian, who is left stranded in the Canadian wilderness when his plane crashes. Forced to survive with little food or gear, Brian’s will to live is put to the test.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Easily the best known adventure novel, this is Stevenson’s masterpiece. The son of an innkeeper, young Jim Hawkins finds himself thrust into the world of piracy as he joins Long John Silver in the search for buried treasure.
Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
Stranded on a desert island as a result of a catastrophic shipwreck, a family is forced to survive with nothing but the natural resources available. Eventually, they are able to create an impressive compound within which they are able to live at ease in their jungle surroundings.
Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling
Follow the adventures of Harvey Cheyne, son of a railroad tycoon, as he is thrown overboard on a steamship journey, only to be rescued by fishermen who eventually mold him into a true seafarer.
She by H. Rider Haggard
A college professor and his young apprentice follow instructions on a broken pottery shard that lead them to a fabled lost city in the jungles of Africa, where they encounter She Who Must Be Obeyed, the seemingly immortal ruler of the land.
Ayesha: The Return of She by H. Rider Haggard
Set sixteen years after the events of She, this novels follows the same characters as they travel to the far reaches of the earth seeking out a reincarnation of She Who Must Be Obeyed.
King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard
Adventurer Allan Quatermain is drafted into a search and rescue party that leads into the great unknown of unexplored Africa, where entire civilizations are discovered and rumors of the location of the mines of King Solomon lead the team on one of the greatest adventures in all of literature.
Out of the dark we came, into the dark we go. Like a storm-driven bird at night we fly out of the Nowhere; for a moment our wings are seen in the light of the fire, and, lo! we are gone again into the Nowhere.
Southern Mail/Night Flight by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
A two for one deal, this book chronicles the dangerous lives of the early mail pilots as told by Saint-Exupery, author of Wind, Sand and Stars and himself an accomplished pilot.
The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle
This timeless classic by Arthur Conan Doyle inspired the imagination of countless young boys and spawned what is now known as the Lost World genre. Inside its pages the protagonist, Professor Challenger, plays tour guide on an undiscovered plateau in South America, filled with dinosaurs and other mystical creatures that time seemingly forgot.
The Man Who Would Be King by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling’s famous short story about two wandering British adventurers who somehow manage to become kings of Kafiristan, only to suffer a drastic fall from power.
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{ 129 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m glad to see Hatchet is the first one on the list. That was by far my favorite book when I was younger.
My personal favorite in the manly tales of adventure category is definitely Jack London’s “The Sea Wolf”.
Great list! Hachet is probably my all-time favorite book from grade school.
Just minor correction: the fishermen in Captains Courageous were from Massachusetts. One guy happened to be Portuguese.
More fantastic manly adventure fiction include Robert E. Howard’s original Conan Stories (all later tales pale in comparison) and Edgar RIce Burroughs’ (Creator of Tarzan) John Carter of Mars series.
I’ve read nine of the titles on this list. Having enjoyed them all, it’s clear the editor has good taste. I’ll have to check out some more of his suggestions.
One neat thing is that my copy of “The Jungle Book” is the same edition as the one in the photo above
Awesome – every time I thought of a book, it was there. The only one that came time mind (that I didn’t see, but I might have missed it) was the Great Gatsby.
An excellent list! I’ve read many books on this list and will add those I haven’t to my reading queue.
Here are a few of my Adventure genre picks that didn’t make your cut:
Last of the Breed by Louis L’Amour
Known mostly for his library of cowboy books, L’Amour tackles the cold war genre. Fun, satisfying, and unlike anything you’ve ever read or heard about him.
The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov
What deceptively starts out as a series about an Encyclopedia turns out to be one heck of an inter-stellar adventure as the most brilliant man ever known lays the groundwork for preventing the total degeneration of mankind and the rise of a new galactic empire.
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
For me, this is the definitive cyberpunk novel. Also, main character Hiro Protagonist may have the greatest name in all of literature.
Louis L’Amour’s The Walking Drum is a great adventure book.
Brett,
You should check out “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George. I remember really enjoying that book when I was younger.
moby dick!
David,
“My Side of the Mountain” was one of my favorite books when I was younger. I must have read it five times.
I also recommend “Watership Down” by Richard Adams. Another childhood favorite that I still can look back on as a quality piece of literature. And of course, the “HIs Dark Materials” series, by Phillip Pullman, is excellent. I don’t even consider those young adult books; they should be read by any educated adult as well.
The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers. Is seen as the first modern spy novel and had heavy influence on John Buchan and Ian Flemming. Was such a powerful story and lesson that Winston Churchill and other British leaders used its premise in British Naval defense planning prior to WWI. Great read for anyone into sailing as well.
I’m glad some of Clive Cussler’s books were included. I have been a fan for thiry years. An interesting read is his book on his actual searches for missing ships and other artifacts. I can’t remember the title, but I’m sure it could be easily found via a good search engine.
Finally, after months of waiting I get an addendum to the original Man’s Library that I have been whittling away.
Some of these are duplicate’s but I am hearted by the addition of a few new books that I have always thought as Classics
Thanks for expanding the list!
I’ve read many of these titles. Some other great adventure novels not on this list are Ivanhoe, Don Quixote and one of my personal favorites, Moonfleet by John Meade Falkner.
These are great books. Call of the Wild was a definite favorite of mine as a kid. I even named my dog Buck! If I might make a few more suggestions, Jack London’s Sea Wolf is one of the manliest books concievable. Shogun, Tai Pan, and Noble House are increadible. Also check out the Hornblower series by C.S. Forester.
Robert E. Howard – Not just the Conan stories, but also: Solomon Kane, El Borak, Kull, Sailor Steve Costigan and so many others.
A fantastic list. I myself wouldn’t have place L’Morte on there, only because it is plodding, period fiction. I’d suggest more readable versions of the Arthurian tales, especially White’s The Once and Future King.
“The Swiss Family Robinson”? Seriously? I think it can be summed up thus:
1) See wild animal
2) Kill wild animal
3) Pray thanks to God for wild animal
Repeat to end.
Great list. I own nine of the titles listed and am now motivated to go out and add additional titles for my reading pleasure. Bravo!
A few recommendations I haven’t yet seen:
1) CS Lewis’s Space Trilogy (Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength) — While partly theological/philosophical, these books also have some darn good adventure in the form of kidnapping, chases, fights to the death, etc.
2) CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia — For the same reason that Tolkien is on your list.
3) How could you exclude Tom Clancy’s novels, especially the earlier ones — Hunt for Red October, Red Storm Rising, Patriot Games, and my personal favorite, Without Remorse?
Another set of good ones I just thought of:
1) Patrick O’Brian’s “Master and Commander” (plus the others my Dad recommended) — great sea stories in the same genre as CS Forester’s Hornblower novels.
To Lev,
I loved Shogun! I read it several times as a young teen because I loved the TV miniseries, especially the Japanese woman who played Mariko.
Good call. Big for of the Tolkien picks. In that same vein, have you ever read any of the Dark Tower series by Stephen King?
I second the O’Brian series. Add in Horatio Hornblower, as well. I’m also surprised not to see any Ian Fleming, ala Mr. Bond.
The Call of the Wild is one of my favorite stories and one that I read when I was not yet a teenager. Interestingly that last Thursday I went to visit Jack London State Park, but there was a power outage in the area and the buildings were closed. Anyway, if you are in the Napa Valley wine country take a short side trip to the Park http://www.parks.sonoma.net/JLPark.html
The Man Who Would be King is also a favorite of mine. It is possibly based upon the true story of Josiah Harlan, an American, see http://www.sepiamutiny.com/sepia/archives/000828.html and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josiah_Harlan
I second Ammon’s recommendation of Louis L’Amour’s Last of the Breed and Edward’s recommendation of L’Amour’s The Walking Drum.
I recommend Hell on Ice. The story of the USS Jeanette which was Navy research ship that back in 1879 got frozen into the Arctic ice pack. It is a grueling tale of survival that ranks up there with Shackelton. Also another Arctic, well Antarctic, story that I recommend is The Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford and Paul Theroux, about Amundsen’s and Scott’s race to the South Pole. You can get both at Amazon.com
I think that the list could cut any of the Cussler titles an replace it with The Iliad. I would also recommend Beowulf
You certainly like Jules Verne! Adding more stuff to the que…
I agree with one of the comments above, Tom Clancy is some great fiction, though I don’t know if its really adventure. My favorite of his is Rainbow 6.
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
Another book I would recommend (maybe one day it will make “classic” status) is Naomi Novik’s “His Majesty’s Dragon”. The author is an admitted fan of O’Brian, so this book has been described as Master and Commander with dragons. Lots of battles with lots of dragons set in the time of the Napoleonic Wars.
If you want adventure, I recommend anything by Wilbur Smith. He writes great African adventure stories.
http://www.wilbursmithbooks.com/
Just learned that Gary Paulson will be speaking at the Mercer Island Library (Seattle area) Tonight (June 3rd) at 7pm. Apparently, appearances by Mr Paulson are quite rare, as he lives in the woods (with a sharp hatchet, I am sure)…check out http://www.KCLS.ORG for more info.
Chadd
I can’t believe they didn’t include The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells.
Good to see some Cussler made the list. Gotta add:
1. West from Singapore by Louis L’Amour. Collection of short stories of a captian and his crew as they work to thwart the Japanese and later the Nazis in 1930’s Southeast Asia.
2. Night over the Solomon’s by Louis L’Amour. Similiar vein time and setting to West from Singapore, but assorted tales of pilots and sea captains.
3. The Proving Trail by Louis L’Amour. Tale of a young man who must uncover the mysteries of his father’s murder and his dad’s hidden life while running from the men who will kill for his inheritance.
I agree with My Side of the Mountian.
More that I can’t think of right now…
@Gideon-
As I mentioned, it is not a complete list, but in hindsight I should have included The Time Machine…it’s definitely a classic of the genre. Good call.
@Turling, @Sam-
Novels like Fleming’s or Clancy’s seem to have their own genre (Spy, Military, etc). I considered both authors, but I knew that if I included that genre under the heading of adventure there would be countless others to consider as well. That being said, Tom Clancy’s works are incredible, and no man can deny the greatness of James Bond. Good recommendations!
Thanks for all the other input everybody, keep the recommendations coming!
“Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Old_Man_and_the_Sea
WILBUR SMITH. I’m surprised not to see this name mentioned more. In fact, it seems (though I’m daring to risk assuming) that the other person who recommends his book is a woman (Kelly?) Believe me, these are definitely FOR REAL MEN books (but some women will love them too). My favorite Wilbur Smith series is one of his Courtney Series: Birds of Prey, Monsoon, and Blue Horizon. These are MUST READ books. There are also some great adventures that are in the fantasy realm (George R.R. Martin anyone?) but I will leave that for another discussion.
Meet you at Table Mountain!
I saw that Lev recommends the Hornblower series, and I agree entirely! I devoured those books, and loved them from start to finish. I’ve read a good deal of these books, but I think I might make a trip to the library today and pick up some more.
A couple of additions….Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlin, Ender’s Game. Also just about any book by Clive Cussler that has Dirk Pitt in it.
ive actually read a large number of these fantastic books. the only thing that i believe deserves a spot on this list but was not mentioned(except by an earlier comment) is edgar rice burrough’s John Carter of mars series. ive read both tarzan AND the carter series, and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone looking not only for love, action, and adventure, but also the manly and unbeatable will to survive in a foreign environment.
The original Essential Man’s Library List is one of my favorite things I’ve ever found on the internet, and I am glad to see this adventure follow-up list. I second “The Sea-Wolf” by Jack London. How about Huckleberry Finn?
What about Last of the Mohicans? Or Huckleberry Finn? How about Arabian Nights, Gulliver’s Travels, or the Scarlett Pimpernel?
@Lynn
I am indeed a woman, so your assumption was correct. And the person who turned me onto Wilbur Smith is my mom. He has since become my favourite author and I do my best to spread the word of his books. I’ve gotten at least two other women hooked on his books. It’s high time we get some men into them as well!
@ Kelly — your mom is one cool woman. Alas, a man turned me onto him and I’ve passed it onto other men. Wait, that doesn’t sound right does it? : ) I would be curious to know which books you recommend. I haven’t read every WS book as he’s very prolific. My favorites are the ones I’ve mentioned. I’ve also read The Diamond Hunters (stand-alone, so-so); The Sunbird (stand-alone, a bit torturous); and River God (good). I’m about to embark on The Burning Shore which I heard was AMAZING.
What about Fight Club and the like? or are these only old-school classics.
@Lynn
I’m sure my mom will be glad to hear it. Haha. It’s strange that I don’t know any men who read his books, because they are the very definition of manly adventure stories.
Of the standalone books, I have only read Elephant Song and I thought it was great. Of the three series, I’ve read them all but the oldest three and newest one of the Courtney series.
I think the Courtney series is my favourite. I haven’t disliked any of them, but Blue Horizon and The Power of the Sword are standouts among them for me. I hope you enjoy The Burning Shore
And I hope we’ve inspired some men out there to pick up a Wilbur Smith book.
Great call on including Hatchet in this list. While likely not considered a timeless classic as are other titles on this list, Hatchet is a compelling read, especially to the teen males. Great book!
Lost in the Barrens by Farley Mowat, while a book for young adults, is a great adventure story of two young men who get lost in the wilderness of the Northwest Territories in Canada and have to survive on their own. It was mandatory reading for me in school, but I’m not sure how widely known it is outside of Canada so I want to spread the word.
http://booksiloved.com/11/Lost_In_The_Barrens.html
Man, I’m glad “The Sea Wolf” made the list. It is one of my favorite books of all time, and in my eyes the best adventure book. I really think it speaks volumes on what it is to be a man.
Good list, but True at First Light over The Sun Also Rises… can’t agree with that. Also, On the Road. These may not be an traditional adventure novels, but I would say adventure novels for a more modern time. I would also have to agree with another comment, what about Huck Finn?
The only one I noticed missing was Captain Joshua Slocum’s “Sailing Alone Around the World”. My all-time favorite adventure story.
2 words, Zane Grey
A fair number of my recommendations have already been covered, but I’ll focus some things.
Edgar Rice Burroughs: Read “A Princess of Mars”, “Gods of Mars”, and “Warlord of Mars”. The other Barsooom stories are good, but those are the essentials.
Ian Fleming: “Casino Royale”, “From Russia With Love”, “Moonraker”, “Thunderball”, “On Her Magesty’s Secret Service”, and “You Only Live Twice”. The Bond novels are VERY erratic in quality, these are the best.
Tom Clancy: “The Hunt For Red October”, and “The Sum of All Fears”. Maybe “Red Storm Rising”.
Robert Heinlein: “Starship Troopers” and “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress”.
Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle: “The Mote in God’s Eye”.
And last but never least….
E. E. Smith’s Lensman Series.
Two Years Before The Mast by Richard Dana – a stunning depiction of “going off to sea”
Dune
I would add:
Last of the Mohicans (and really all of the Leatherstocking Tales) by James Fenimore Cooper – my all time favorites
Little Britches by Ralph Moody – not so much adventure as a Dad teaching his son what it means to be a man.
Great list, though. Thanks
@Todd K
+1 for Dune! I finally read the book for the first time this year. If anyone (like me) has put off reading it because they saw the awful 1980s Kyle McLachlan debacle do yourself a favor and read this book. Truly, epic sci-fi that is so much smarter than the movie. Highly recommended
@Jon
+1 for Ender’s Game — Fantastic book about young boys saving the Earth from Alien Invaders. For another excellent series by Ender author, Orson Scott Card, check out the Alvin Maker series.
@Michael Summer
+1 for the Dark Tower series — hardly anyone is manlier than Roland of Gilead!
I would have to add Dune by Frank Herbert. That book left a mark on my life.
Awesome! Glad to see Tarzan on the list; I read all 23 while growing up. Tarzan was the Übermensch, and his influence shaped my character.
I take issue with this list as a classics major. The Odyssey was not -written-. The Odyssey was orally composed along with the Iliad.
I think Geoff missed the point of the list.
Good list. I think you should add Beowulf, and Virgil’s Aeneid.
I would make two additions, one for young people, and one for the older crowd.
Despite it’s odd nature, I can’t think of a better young adult adventure series than the Time Quartet by Madeleine L’Engle. I buy them for all of my young relatives. They excite the young mind with adventure as well as open it with new and interesting, if a little cockeyed, concepts. Among the best adventure writing for the young mind.
And no mention should be made of Fleming without Le Carre. The adventures of Smiley and the Circus are exciting and heartbreaking, and from beginning to end Le Carres writing is brilliant and top tier adventure writing. no one should go without. Especially Spy Who Came In From The Cold, A Constant Gardener, and A Perfect Spy.
Just a few others:
Every Man’s Bible (New Living Translation)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414321635?ie=UTF8&tag=tremathoma-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1414321635
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785266356?ie=UTF8&tag=tremathoma-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0785266356
World Without End by Ken Follett
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1845790324?ie=UTF8&tag=tremathoma-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1845790324
Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553584499?ie=UTF8&tag=tremathoma-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0553584499
I am not sure what to make of the fact that two of the four Haggard titles (and one of the other two was the very last) are about his weakest books, written before he knew what he was doing, and the one John Buchan is also an apprentice work. On Buchan try Mister Standfast or The Three Hostages or Huntingtower. (A princess being rescued from imprisonment in a tower by ta troop of imaginary Boy Scouts!)
You should have at least one Talbot Mundy, perhaps The Winds of the World.
You people read too much in the way of best sellers and do too little digging up for yourselves.
Tai Pan is probably my favorite book of all time. I have read and reread it, never ceases to entertain.
Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini is some mighty manly fare.
As to Hemingway’s “True At First Light,” it is not “manly ” to hunt an animal you’re not going to eat just out of simple blood lust, which is what Hemingway did. One of our greatest writers, but I always have trouble reconciling that with the kind of person he was.
The Polish national epic, With Fire and Sword, by Henryk Sienkiewicz, is a terrific story, in league with The Three Musketeers.
Prisoner of Zenda is also terriffic
A lot of Dan Brown’s non-movie books are very good. Digital Fortress was one that I remember greatly enjoying.
Awesome list! I can’t wait to get started!
I just ordered 2 of these and 2 of the non-fiction. Something to break up my James Bond marathon haha
Byzantium and Hood by Stephen Lawhead.
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
The King Must Die by Mary Renault
Anything by Helen MacInnes, Patrick O’Brian, or Rex Stout.
I would add Rogue Male, by Geoffrey Household. A self-reliant individualist sets out to assassinate a dictator who is either Hitler or Stalin (Household deliberately fudges the identity, making it clear that he considers one totalitarian to be the same as another). Then he goes on the run and must survive by his wits while secret policeman track him down. The movie versions turned the story into an anti-Nazi period piece, but it’s really a celebration of the value of liberty and the competent individual.
Definitely Dune by Frank Herbert is a must add to the list, full of politic, social and ecological metaphors that points to the building of a leader. Also The Never Ending Story by Michael Ende is a profound novel of self discovery through a fantastic travel in which the main character, Bastian Baltasar Bux, loses and then founds himself.
Great lost, I’m excited o read some of these!
I would add James Clavell’s Shogun to the lost for sure. Blackthorne is a man!
For the younger audience I would suggest “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George. A story of a young boy running away from home to escape city life and survive in the mountains. I read it in the third grade and it has been one of my favorites ever since. Always stirred in me a desire to try it for myself.
From an author known more for horror than adventure, I would add Stephen King’s Dark Tower Series. It contains seven books in all, with both an incredible plot, and some very interesting commentary on human nature and the balance/struggle between good and evil. Not for young readers, but perfect for adolescents and adults.
For Hemingway, I think For Whom The Bell Tolls would be a better choice. It has everything–war, love, mountain wilderness adventure, blowing stuff up, booze.
I would also suggest Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. It is an inward adventure, I guess, but no less manly.
Thanks for the list! I’ve read some of them.
Gulliver’s Travels
Dune
Three books that inspried me when I was a younger were: Rifles for Watie, The Red Badge of Courage, and Johnny Tremain. Could not believe they were not listed.
Ulysses, by James Joyce
The Sound and the Fury, by William Faulkner
A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway
I enjoyed the list; a couple of tweaks- Tarzan was raised by apes, not gorillas ( Bolgani the Gorilla was a tribal hated enemy), and I would submit that Stranger in a Strange Land by Heinlein should be on every must read list..
There are the books you read, and then there are the books that change your life.
George MacDonald Fraser’s Flashman novels are hilarious, appalling, and thrilling. Harry Flashman is a confessed coward, but also a keen observer of human nature and of true (and valuable) courage. The books I like best in the series are Flashman, Flash for Freedom, Flashman at the Charge, Flashman in the Great Game, and Flashman and the Redskins. If you can, pick up “Quartered Safe out Here”, Fraser’s memoir of his experiences in the Second World War. Not an adventure story, but great.
I also heartily recommend PC Wren’s “Beau Geste”, a story of three orphaned brothers who join the French Foreign Legion. It has one of the greatest set-ups I have ever read–a column of the Legion rushing to relieve a beleaguered outpost finds all of its defenders dead at their posts. Read the book before you watch the decent Gary Cooper movie of the same title
Finally, just a general observation: Virtually all of the books (at least those with which I am familiar) mentioned in the comments above are great, but I many of them are patently not adventure stories (James Joyce, I am looking at you). For example, John Le Carre has never written an adventure story. I loved the Smiley trilogy, Little Drummer Girl, the Spy Who Came in From the Cold, Constant Gardener, et al. But adventure? Not at all. Spy stories are not necessarily adventurous. Many of them have more in common with the morally ambiguous, bleak, seediness of classic noir.
I suppose we can debate the meaning of adventure, and some voyages of discovery are internal (as the gentleman who recommends Siddhartha suggests). Still, there are enough undiscovered stories of adventure out there that it seems we would be better served by sticking to books that don’t require a tortured explanation as to why they are appropriate for the list.
I heartily recommend Lars Walker’s novels, the most recent of which is “West Oversea.” It’s about turn-of-the-millennium vikings in Sola, Norway, with Erling Skjalgsson as a lord over a small area. The conflict is essentially old world magical beings and their followers against new world ideas and beliefs. “The Year of the Warrior” is a another story of that type. Search for Lars Walker online to buy them.
I have to agree with some of the other people that Shogun should have made the list and is a must read.
What a great list! Gotta love Sea Wolf by London but I think Star Rover beats it out as my favorite London Novel.
And no master and commander??
My great-grandfather was a man’s-man and survived a life of punishing himself physically while bringing love to my household when I was a youngster… if I were half the man he was, I’d consider it a success. That being said, I probably bought him 3 large-print copies of Captain Blood for him in the 10 years he lived with us… he reread it over and over and that book definitely deserves to be on the list.
And, Sam, (right above) I’m pissed you said it first, but in the same pirate-y vein, O’Brien’s Master and Commander deserves a place on the list.
I’m also surprised at the lack of sci-fi, but maybe that’s not what this list was about… a little Dune would have made me happy, and well as maybe some Philip K. Dick for Blade Runner… maybe even a little fantasy — Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland was one hell of an adventure, after all, right?
I liked the strong Clive Cussler presence and agree with the previous poster that Clancy was noticeably missing in an adventure list.
Thanks for a great site, webmaster.
Just no one submit the Twilight series, ok?
No mention of Endurance? The true story of Ernest Shackleton’s failed attempt to be the first man to cross the Antarctic, which turned into a fight for survival after his ship was crushed by pack ice before reaching the contintnet. Every member of his crew survived, but it took them more than a year to reach civilization, surviving on wits and ingenuity. Shackleton was a true man’s man.
Oops, I see now it’s a list of fiction. My mistake!
No fiction adventure book list is complete without mention of Wilbur Smith. The stories of manly men and beautiful women set in the wilds of Africa…it doesn’t get much better than that. Start with “When the Lion Feeds” and go from there.
Thanks to my son I have a suggestion to and to this already wonderful list. It is a newer set of books that I found to be a wonderful trip down memory lane. The author has tied in so many cameos from other great books you will feel like you are seeing old friends again. But that’s just my 2 cents here is the title of the series and a short quote.
The Imaginarium Geographica- Here their be dragons
“What is it?” John asked.
The little man blinked and arched an eyebrow. “It is the world, my boy,” he said. “All the World, in ink and blood, vellum and parchment, leather and hide. It is the World, and it is yours to save or lose.”
I was so glad to find my two favorite manly novels on this list- “King Solomon’s Mines” and “The Mysterious Island.”
A great moment in “King Solomon’s Mines” is when two characters are introduced to each other: the European Sir Curtis, and the African Umbopa. The two were identically built, with large powerful bodies. Umbopa remarks, after observing the other: “We are both men, you and I.” In context it is an awesome moment.
The Mysterious Island is one of the greatest celebrations of the ingenuity of man I’ve ever read. When they’re constructing nitroglycerin from raw materials to blow a hole in a rock and create a river, I knew I was reading something extraordinary. The book is about hunting and building things, what more do you need?
In the same vein as Tolken, my favorite adventure series ( which happen to be scifi/fantasy) are The Dragonlance Trilogy (dragons of autumn twilight, dragons of winter night, and dragons of spring dawn) with grand adventure, plenty of identification with characters, character developement, and it’s a tradgedy that they are not more well known.
Also, the Dark Elf Trilogy (before the Icewind Dale trilogy, also set in the Dungeons and Dragons universe) being Homeland, Exile, and Sojourn, had grand adventure, magic, politics, and growth. Drizzt is shown to be so human in these books that it is dificult to not identify with him, which makes the adventure so much more real to the reader! Definately a must (on both trilogies)
3rd post here on AoM. Guess it’s time to man up and sign up
i’ve discovered i love jules vern, i’m enthralled by anything he’s ever written!! my favorite auther im guessing….sorry, im not much of a man, sorry to crash the party but i love adventure and adventure stories. :3 i keep seeing all my favorites in this list, i have so many of hem, but i didn’t know about some of these, im going to go by them lolol
theres this amazing app for the iphone where you get all these literary classics for only i dollar, reads just like a Kindle, its fantastic!!! im just now reading 20,000 leagues under the sea, and i think its bumped up to one of my favorites!!! Monte Cristos next XP awesome list guys, thanks~!!
Just a slight correction… these are not “fictional adventure books”… they are very real. They’re “Fiction Adventure Books” or less awkwardly, “Adventure Fiction”.
Life of Pi. My favorite adventure book.
darktower series
Someone ask me for the guides about shopping online, they want to the info of jordan shoes, I really be happy to help you. But some else like nike shoes, they said ugg brand is they favorite. At the same time many people like ugg boots much more. So I want to write some shopping guides and info about all the footwear for everybody.
I have to echo all the above posters who mentioned Dune. Frank Herbert is, IMO, one of the best writers of this century.
If you liked Dune, do yourself a favor and read the following five books: Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse Dune.
Frank Herbert non-Dune books that are excellent: Soulcatcher, and The White Plague. I like most everything he’s written, but those two definately stand above, especially Soulcatcher.
You would have to include any or all of the Horatio Hornblower books. Great for teaching leadership!
Deliverance by Dickey.
The Doc Savage books, especially the ones that took place in jungles.
How about Mr. America or some of the other books written by George M. Fraser?
Sadly, no James Fenimore Cooper.. The Deerslayer or Last of the Mohicans should be on this list.
I would suggest the Travis McGee series of John D. McDonald. The books feature the adventures of a rugged, modern-day Odysseus cum Don Quixote cum James Bond in the persona of McGee, a charming, salt-of-the-earth type maverick whose testosterone-laced weltanschauung leads him into perilous quests to avenge wronged friends, usually females in mortal distress. Mc Gee’s musings, intellectual digressions and profound insights into the human psyche are delightful in themselves and combined with the action and mayhem he gleefully pursues, make for a wonderful tonic for the macho lurking in all of us. No wonder McDonald is Stephen King’s favorite modern author. The Green Ripper is my favorite along with a whole slew of others whose kaleidoscope of colorful titles make for great reading.
I would suggest McCarthey’s “The Road.” What is more manly than a father and son surviving in a post-apocalyptic journey?
Great list, I’m looking forward to reading some of these this winter. The Rudyard Kipling book, Captains Courageous sounds very similar to a Jack London book I just finished, “The Sea Wolf”. I recommend it for any Jack London and/or Art of Manliness fans.
Came upon your site not too long ago. It’s great, alot of fun, enjoying reading throughout. This list is really solid. Has actually inspired me to go back and read a few. Some again, some for the first time. A couple highly recommended submissions I’d have to add:
Last of the Mohicans – James Fenimore Cooper
The Power of One – Bryce Courtney
Keep up the great work:)
I can’t believe Star Ship troopers by Heinlein didn’t make this list. Classic homage to those who labor to make men of boys.
Most of Cormac McCarthy’s earlier works. Blood Meridian (a personal favorite), Suttree. Some of his later stuff, like All The pretty Horses and No Country for Old Men. The entire Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O’brian. Sailing Around the World Alone, by Joshua Slocum. Adrift, by Steven Callahan.
The works of Robert Service. He may have been a poet but he was the real deal. “There is a land where the mountains are nameless and the rivers all run God knows where, there are lives that are erring and aimless and deaths that just hang by a hair there are hardships that nobody reckons and valleys unpeopled and still o there is a land and it beckons and beckons and I want to go back and I will.” Besides, Homer, and Kipling, who else is there but Service?
+ Shogun
I get your point about Spy stuff… but no Bond? Ok, how about Holmes or Frakenstien? Winners, I say.
Jack Schaffer’s Monty Walsh!
+ to whomever liked TH White over Mallory, I agree (also prefer Mary Stewart’s Merlin Trilogy, maybe even MZB’s Mists of Avalon – are we allowed to have female protagonists on a Manly page?).
If we’re to have a King book I recommend The Stand
Did I mention Holmes and Frankenstein?
May I also suggest NORTHWEST PASSAGE and ARUNDEL by Kenneth Roberts and ROGUE MALE by Geoffrey Household. I was happy to see that you included one of Jim Corbett’s ‘maneater’ books in your non-fiction category. All of his books are wonderful.
Looking at the list brought back many memories as I have read and own many of these works, but you should have included: C. S. Forester’s Hornblower series because reading this introduces you to Patrick O’Brian whose novels have a longer pacing, and to Bernard Cornwell how writes about the same period as well. Stalky and Co. by Kipling is another that should be included as boys always enjoy reading about the doing of other boys.
I’ve seen The Lord of The Ring’s movies and love them very much but I’ve never read the books. After reading your list, I would consider to read it.
I’m too young to know all of this treasure if you hadn’t mention it here.
Thanks for the lost history & art digging
great list! I’m making it my new years resolution to read all the books mentioned.
Ender’s Game– story of a child who is summoned to join a military school for elite children, learn the ways of war, and command a fleet to battle an alien insect race. By far, my favorite sci-fi book ever and very ‘manly’ reading. Am assuming author has not read it, because there is no way Michael Crichton’s books can even hold a torch to it in terms of excitement, intrigue, and complexity.
I’m a little disappointed you don’t have any of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ John Carter of Mars stories. You can’t get much manlier than a guy asserting himself as the warlord of a planet by the strength of his fists, and the edge of a sword.
“The Winter Room” by Gary Paulsen is a must-read.
“Uncle David” and the way he handles himself (especially at the end of the book) is one of the ultimate depictions of TRUE manliness and sprezzatura.
I would add 1984 and Fahrenheit 451. I also really loved Ender’s Game, but that already made it into the comments.
Lot of great recommendations. Robert Howard, most of Heinlein, esp. his juveniles–Tunnel in the Sky, Have Spacesuit, will Travel, Red Planet, etc., as well as Stranger, Moon, and Troopers. Burroughs, Fleming.
To which I would add Trevanian: The Eiger Sanction, the Loo Sanction (which first chapter is the most horrific writing in English, twice, at first reading because you don’t know what’s going on, at second reading because you do) and Shibumi.
The Battle at Maldon Bridge, a ninth century true story about Brtnoth the Saxon Lord giving his life defending his people from the vikings. Extra manliness if you read it in the original Anglo Saxon (not that hard).
Larry Niven’s Ringworld and tales of Known Space. Simply amazing hard science fiction written with a nod at the pulps.
Arthur Conan Doyle’s White Company, about the English and Scot mercenaries in late Midieval Italy, and also yeah, his Sherlock Holmes stuff.
Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, also Quenten Durward and Rob Roy.
Roger Zelazny’s Lord of Light, meditations on identity, opression, Hinduism and revolution cleverly disguised as a fantastic adventure with amazing writing. Also his Lord Demon, Isle of the Dead, and This Immortal, plus his short story collection The Doors of His Face, the Lamps of his Mouth, which contains among others, A Rose for Ecclesiastes.
Poul Anderson’s Three Hearts and Three Lions, and the High Crusade, plus pretty much everything else he ever wrote in a fifty year career.
Oh man, I really though Tarzan wouldn’t be on here! You had me scared there for awhile; that’s my favorite book of all time. A few other greats I would reccomend to anyone here:
1. The Outlaw of Torn, by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Fantastic medieval adventure.
2. The Mucker, by ERB. Another favorite of mine.
3. The Carson Napier of Venus series, also by ERB. Not nearly as well known as the John Carter series but also very cool.
4. Yondering, by Louis L’Amour. A collection of terrific short fiction drawn from L’Amour’s own experiences around the globe.
5. The Four Feathers, by AEW Mason. A terrific tale of cowardice, courage and redemption.
6. Vertical Run, by Joseph R. Garber. Awesome story about a modern man stuck in the high rise office building where he works, everyone he knows turning against him for a reason that remains a mystery to him and the reader for much of the book. LOVE IT.
7. The White Company, by Arthur Conan Doyle. A great medieval adventure by the author of Sherlock Holmes.
8. Fair Blows the Wind, by Louis L’Amour. Adventure of the swashbuckling sort.
9. The Old Man and the Sea, by Hemingway. Some might not see it as an adventure, but I certainly do.
I love “My Side of the Mountain”. I read it in 4th grade and to this day I still make an effort to read it at least once a year. It’s all about becoming a man and learning to live for yourself.
WHAT?! A great list, but if this is about Fiction, and the entire world of fiction, then “Starship Troopers” by Robert Heinlein is missing from it…
I may have missed it on another list, but rarely have I see such a great Tale of human nature and Human Ability. I espcially love how the Proffesor in the book explains so well the possibility of a world working towards a “Common Good.” It’s even a pleasure to entertain thoughts of something like this being possible, but the book shows through a gritty space war, what makes us proud to be human. The Author has often been thought of as a true Gentleman, and adds this possible aspect of his own life to the Novel. I recomend it to anyone, even if his particular thoughts on a working government seem farfetched. It’s nice to dream…
A great list, and now I have a few in mind for my next read. I have read quite a few, and must say I am in agreement, other than the Cussler’s. Can’t say I have read much of his stuff.
I would like to suggest The River Why (David James Duncan) , if you havent read it yet.
Hands down my all time favorite.
Last of His Breed – Louis L’Amour should be on this list, no doubt about it.
While being sci-fi the following deserve mention somewhere, perhaps a sci-fi list:
Dune – Frank Herbert
Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
The first 5 Amber Novels – Roger Zelazny
My Name is Legion – Roger Zelazny
The Man in the High Castle – Phillip K. Dick
Snow Crash – Neal Stevenson
Neuromancer – William Gibson
Foundation – Isaac Asimov
The Demolished Man – Alfred Bester
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
Player Piano – Kurt Vonnegut
My literary minded friends and I usually end up passing around short stories on canoe and fishing trips into the BWCA. These consistently include Hemingway’s short stories, especially the Nick Adams series. “The Big Two Hearted River” is the best camping story ever written, and there’s a reference to it on the label of Bell’s Two Hearted Ale.
I can come up with 50 just by Louis L’Amour alone. But for starters I’ll go with: Bendigo Shafter, Comstock Lode, The Empty Land, Fair Blows the Wind, The Haunted Mesa, The Lonesome Gods, The Mountain Valley War, Jubal Sackett, Reilly’s Luck, Passin Through, Sitka, The Last of the Breed, The Warriors Path, Utah Blaine, Silver Canyon, The Tal Stranger, and finally Where the Long Grass Blows.
After you read those, the next thing you know your entire library will be full of L’amour’s works.