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1938 Books

From bestselling novels to critically acclaimed works, 1938 was filled with captivating stories that have stood the test of time. In this list, we highlight the most popular books of 1938, celebrating the titles that topped the charts and won the hearts of book lovers everywhere.

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Rebecca
Written by: Daphne du Maurier
Outline: Manderley, a stunning estate between the rose garden and the sea, remains under the powerful influence of the late Rebecca, posing a daunting challenge for Maxim de Winter's new, shy bride to fill her place or escape her looming shadow, …
Nausea
Written by: Jean-Paul Sartre
Outline: Antoine Roquentin, a French writer, chronicles his feelings of existential dread and nausea in a diary-like, impressionistic style, which allows Sartre to dramatize the principles of Existentialist philosophy. The introduction by Hayden Carruth provides context on Sartre's life, major works, …
Anthem
Written by: Ayn Rand
Outline: In a dystopian society where individuality was suppressed, a lone man dared to think, love, and seek knowledge, committing the unpardonable sin of standing apart from the conformist masses. He lived in a dark age, rediscovering the lost concept of …
Homage to Catalonia
Written by: George Orwell
Outline: George Orwell, in 1936, traveled to Spain to cover the Civil War but ended up joining the fight against the Fascists, and his famous account details the war and his personal experiences. Introduced by Lionel Trilling.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Written by: Richard Atwater
Outline: The Poppers unexpectedly acquire a penguin, which then mates with another penguin from the zoo, resulting in 10 baby penguins. This classic American humorous tale follows the Poppers as they navigate the challenges of caring for their growing penguin family.
Our Town
Written by: Thornton Wilder
Outline: Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama depicting life in the small village of Grover's Corners, has become a timeless classic and the author's most renowned and frequently performed play.
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Written by: Virginia Lee Burton
Outline: Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, a beloved children's classic since 1939, follows the story of Mike and his trusty steam shovel, Mary Anne, as they face the challenges of progress and strive to prove their worth in the face …
Brighton Rock
Written by: Graham Greene
Outline: A ruthless teenage gang member's attempt to evade consequences for a murder is challenged by a courageous woman in Graham Greene's gripping thriller that delves into the dark and lonely world of the criminal underworld.
The Yearling
Written by: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Outline: The Yearling, a classic American novel, poignantly depicts the profound bond between a child and his adopted fawn, as they navigate the challenges of life in the Florida backwoods, ultimately leading to a bittersweet parting. This moving story has been …
The Death of the Heart
Written by: Elizabeth Bowen
Outline: Elizabeth Bowen's novel "The Death of the Heart" delicately exposes the cruelty underlying conventional society, blending humor and insight into human motivations. The story follows the orphaned Portia as she navigates the sophisticated and treacherous world of her half-brother's London …
Scoop
Written by: Evelyn Waugh
Outline: Lord Copper, a newspaper magnate, prides himself on his ability to identify talented reporters, though he has made some missteps. Relying on a dinner party rumor, he believes he has found the perfect journalist to cover a promising conflict in …