Alexandria Library
A curated collection of fundamental works that shaped human knowledge across all disciplines. Explore the books that built our understanding of the world.
Knowledge Areas
Explore fundamental works organized by major fields of human knowledge
Logic & Mathematics
21 booksOrganon
Foundation of all logic, establishing the principles of reasoning and argumentation that dominated Western thought for millennia.
c. 350 BCBegriffsschrift
Birth of modern logic, introducing formal symbolic notation and laying groundwork for mathematical logic.
1879The Problems of Philosophy
Clear introduction to philosophical problems combining logic and epistemology, bridging classical and modern thought.
1912Introduction to Logic
Comprehensive modern treatment of classical logic, covering both formal and informal reasoning methods.
1953Introduction to Mathematical Logic
Bridge to formal systems, providing rigorous foundation for mathematical logic and proof theory.
1964Tractus Logico-Philosophicus
Explores the limits of language and thought, profoundly influencing analytic philosophy and logic.
1921Collected Papers
Revolutionary work on formal proof systems, introducing natural deduction and sequent calculus.
1935-1938Intuitionism: An Introduction
Foundations of intuitionistic logic, exploring constructive mathematics and alternative logical frameworks.
1956Philosophical Investigations
Language as use and meaning, fundamentally changing how we understand communication and thought.
1953Model Theory
Advanced model-theoretic methods, connecting logic with algebra and geometry through mathematical structures.
1973Intuitionistic Type Theory
Dependent types and constructive foundations, bridging logic, mathematics, and computer science.
1984Elements
Most influential mathematical work ever written, establishing axiomatic geometry and deductive reasoning.
c. 300 BCThe Compendious Book on Calculation
Birth of algebra, introducing systematic methods for solving linear and quadratic equations.
c. 820Geometry
Revolutionary fusion of algebra and geometry through coordinate systems, founding analytic geometry.
1637Calculus
Rigorous introduction to single-variable calculus, bridging computational techniques with theoretical understanding.
1967Understanding Analysis
Clear exposition of real analysis foundations, making rigorous mathematics accessible to advanced students.
2001Linear Algebra Done Right
Modern approach to linear algebra emphasizing vector spaces and linear maps rather than matrix computation.
1995A First Course in Probability
Comprehensive introduction to probability theory with applications to statistics and engineering.
1976Principles of Mathematical Analysis
Classic rigorous treatment of real analysis, essential for advanced mathematical understanding.
1953Foundations of the Theory of Probability
Axiomatic foundation of probability theory, establishing mathematical rigor in statistical reasoning.
1933Advanced Modern Algebra
Comprehensive treatment of abstract algebra including groups, rings, fields, and category theory.
2002Natural Sciences
21 booksPrincipia Mathematica
Foundation of classical mechanics and universal gravitation, unifying terrestrial and celestial physics.
1687The Feynman Lectures on Physics
Masterful exposition of modern physics from mechanics to quantum theory, renowned for clarity and insight.
1964Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism
Unified theory of electromagnetic fields, predicting electromagnetic waves and laying groundwork for modern physics.
1873Relativity: The Special and General Theory
Revolutionary theory of space, time, and gravity that transformed our understanding of the universe.
1916Physics and Philosophy
Philosophical implications of quantum mechanics, exploring the relationship between observation and reality.
1958Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
Rigorous mathematical framework for quantum theory, establishing the mathematical foundations of modern physics.
1932Principles of Chemistry
Systematic organization of chemical elements, leading to the periodic table and predicting unknown elements.
1869Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach
Modern molecular understanding of chemical phenomena, bridging physics and chemistry.
1978On the Origin of Species
Revolutionary theory of evolution by natural selection, fundamentally changing our understanding of life.
1859Campbell Biology
Comprehensive modern biology covering molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of life.
1999Molecular Biology of the Cell
Definitive work on cellular foundations of life, from molecules to complex cellular processes.
1983Principles of Neural Science
Comprehensive exploration of how the brain works, from molecular mechanisms to behavior.
1981Understanding Earth
Comprehensive geology covering Earth's structure, processes, and history from formation to present.
1982Evolution: What the Fossils Say
Evidence for evolution from the fossil record, connecting paleontology with evolutionary biology.
2007Human Anatomy & Physiology
Comprehensive understanding of how the human body works, from cellular to system levels.
1989Robbins Basic Pathology
Fundamental understanding of diseases and their mechanisms, essential for medical knowledge.
1957Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
Comprehensive clinical medicine covering diagnosis and treatment of internal diseases.
1950Dialogue Concerning Two Chief World Systems
Defense of heliocentric theory and foundation of experimental scientific method.
1632Novum Organum
Foundation of inductive method and systematic approach to scientific inquiry.
1620The Logic of Scientific Discovery
Philosophy of science emphasizing falsifiability as the criterion for scientific theories.
1934The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
How scientific knowledge progresses through paradigm shifts rather than linear accumulation.
1962Philosophy & Human Thought
17 booksRepublic
Foundational work on justice, the ideal state, and the nature of reality through the allegory of the cave.
c. 380 BCPolitics
Classical political theory examining the nature of the state, citizenship, and different forms of government.
c. 335 BCThe Analects
Eastern wisdom on ethics, morality, and proper conduct in society and governance.
c. 475-221 BCMeditations on First Philosophy
Foundation of modern philosophy through methodical doubt and the establishment of certain knowledge.
1641An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
Empiricist critique of knowledge and causation, challenging the foundations of scientific reasoning.
1748Critique of Pure Reason
Revolutionary synthesis of rationalism and empiricism, establishing the limits and scope of human knowledge.
1781Phenomenology of Spirit
Dialectical development of consciousness and the historical unfolding of absolute knowledge.
1807Beyond Good and Evil
Critique of traditional morality and the call for new philosophical perspectives beyond conventional values.
1886On Liberty
Classic defense of individual freedom and the harm principle in liberal democratic society.
1859A Theory of Justice
Modern political philosophy establishing justice as fairness and the original position thought experiment.
1971Practical Ethics
Applied utilitarian ethics addressing contemporary moral issues from animal rights to global poverty.
1979Tao Te Ching
Foundational text of Taoism exploring the nature of the Tao and the philosophy of wu wei.
c. 6th century BCThe Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way
Buddhist philosophy of emptiness and dependent origination, central to Mahayana thought.
c. 2nd centuryVivekachudamani
Advaita Vedanta philosophy of non-dualism and the unity of Atman and Brahman.
c. 8th centuryNaming and Necessity
Revolutionary work in modal logic, necessity, and the nature of names and natural kinds.
1980Consciousness Explained
Materialist account of consciousness challenging intuitions about the nature of subjective experience.
1991The Conscious Mind
Formulation of the hard problem of consciousness and arguments for property dualism.
1996Social Sciences & History
14 booksThe Histories
First work of history in Western literature, chronicling the Greco-Persian Wars and diverse cultures.
c. 440 BCHistory of the Peloponnesian War
Scientific approach to history analyzing the causes and conduct of the great war between Athens and Sparta.
c. 431 BCThe Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Monumental work tracing the fall of Rome and the rise of medieval Europe with Enlightenment perspective.
1776-1789Guns, Germs, and Steel
Geographic and environmental factors shaping the fates of human societies across continents.
1997The Principles of Psychology
Foundational work establishing psychology as a scientific discipline, exploring consciousness and behavior.
1890The Interpretation of Dreams
Groundbreaking exploration of the unconscious mind and the psychological significance of dreams.
1900Thinking, Fast and Slow
Behavioral economics and cognitive biases in human decision-making and judgment.
2011The Rules of Sociological Method
Establishing sociology as a scientific discipline with methods for studying social facts and phenomena.
1895The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
Analysis of how Protestant work ethic contributed to the rise of modern capitalism.
1905The Wealth of Nations
Foundation of modern economics, analyzing the nature and causes of national prosperity.
1776Das Kapital
Critique of political economy and analysis of capitalist production and class struggle.
1867The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money
Revolutionary macroeconomic theory explaining unemployment and advocating government intervention.
1936Structural Anthropology
Structuralist analysis of human culture, kinship systems, and universal patterns in human thought.
1958Coming of Age in Samoa
Pioneering ethnographic study challenging Western assumptions about adolescence and cultural development.
1928Literature & Arts
10 booksThe Iliad
Foundational epic of Western literature chronicling the Trojan War and the rage of Achilles.
c. 8th century BCThe Divine Comedy
Epic journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, masterpiece of medieval Christian literature.
1320Hamlet
Profound exploration of revenge, madness, and mortality in the greatest tragedy of English literature.
1603Don Quixote
First modern novel exploring the relationship between reality and idealism through the adventures of a deluded knight.
1605Faust
Philosophical drama exploring the human condition, knowledge, and the price of unlimited power.
1808Ulysses
Revolutionary modernist novel using stream of consciousness to portray a single day in Dublin.
1922Poetics
Foundational work of literary theory analyzing tragedy, epic poetry, and the principles of dramatic art.
c. 335 BCThe Story of Art
Comprehensive and accessible survey of art history from prehistoric cave paintings to modern art.
1950The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
Influential essay on how technology transforms art and its social function in modern society.
1936The Unanswered Question
Musical lectures exploring the relationship between music and language, meaning and communication.
1976Cultural Enrichment
Explore the artistic and cultural masterpieces that have shaped human civilization across all continents and eras
Film & Cinema
Modern Times
Charlie Chaplin
Iconic silent film critiquing industrialization and its impact on humanity.
1936Battleship Potemkin
Sergei Eisenstein
Revolutionary Soviet film pioneering montage techniques and political cinema.
1925Seven Samurai
Akira Kurosawa
Epic Japanese film exploring honor, sacrifice, and social change.
1954The Seventh Seal
Ingmar Bergman
Philosophical meditation on death, faith, and the meaning of existence.
1957Pather Panchali
Satyajit Ray
Groundbreaking Indian cinema exploring rural life and human dignity.
1955Black God, White Devil
Glauber Rocha
Brazilian Cinema Novo masterpiece about social revolution and mysticism.
1964Black Girl
Ousmane Sembène
Pioneering African cinema exploring colonialism and identity.
19662001: A Space Odyssey
Stanley Kubrick
Visionary science fiction exploring human evolution and artificial intelligence.
1968Music & Compositions
The Art of Fugue
J.S. Bach
Mathematical masterpiece exploring contrapuntal techniques and musical logic.
1751Requiem in D minor
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Profound meditation on death and transcendence, left incomplete at Mozart's death.
1791Symphony No. 9 "Ode to Joy"
Ludwig van Beethoven
Revolutionary symphony celebrating universal brotherhood and human dignity.
1824Raga Bhairav
Indian Classical Tradition
Sacred morning raga expressing devotion and spiritual awakening.
AncientThe Peony Pavilion
Kunqu Opera
Classic Chinese opera exploring love, death, and resurrection.
1598Polyrhythmic Traditions
West African Music
Complex rhythmic structures foundational to jazz, blues, and world music.
TraditionalConcierto de Aranjuez
Joaquín Rodrigo
Iconic Spanish guitar concerto evoking the gardens of Aranjuez palace.
1939Gesang der Jünglinge
Karlheinz Stockhausen
Pioneering electronic music combining human voice with synthesized sounds.
1956Visual Arts & Painting
Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci
Enigmatic portrait representing the pinnacle of Renaissance art and technique.
1503The Creation of Adam
Michelangelo
Iconic fresco depicting the biblical creation story on the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
1512The Starry Night
Vincent van Gogh
Swirling night sky expressing emotional turbulence and cosmic wonder.
1889Guernica
Pablo Picasso
Cubist masterpiece protesting the horrors of war and fascism.
1937The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Katsushika Hokusai
Iconic Japanese woodblock print symbolizing nature's power and beauty.
1831Composition VIII
Wassily Kandinsky
Abstract masterpiece exploring pure form, color, and spiritual expression.
1923African Masks
Various African Cultures
Spiritual and ceremonial art influencing modern sculpture and expressionism.
TraditionalNapoleon Crossing the Alps
Jacques-Louis David
Neoclassical painting depicting heroic leadership and historical grandeur.
1801Architecture & Monuments
Pyramids of Giza
Ancient Egyptian Civilization
Monumental tombs demonstrating advanced engineering and cosmic alignment.
2580 BCThe Parthenon
Ancient Greek Civilization
Perfect embodiment of classical architecture and democratic ideals.
447 BCAngkor Wat
Khmer Empire
Massive temple complex representing Hindu cosmology and architectural mastery.
1113 ADMachu Picchu
Inca Civilization
Mountain citadel showcasing advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge.
1450 ADNotre-Dame de Paris
Gothic Architecture
Gothic masterpiece representing medieval spirituality and architectural innovation.
1345Fallingwater
Frank Lloyd Wright
Organic architecture harmonizing human habitation with natural environment.
1939Sydney Opera House
Jørn Utzon
Modernist architectural icon inspired by natural forms and maritime culture.
1973Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Frank Gehry
Deconstructivist architecture transforming urban landscape and museum design.
1997Contemporary Art & Installations
Bicycle Wheel
Marcel Duchamp
Readymade artwork challenging traditional concepts of art and authorship.
1913Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn
Ai Weiwei
Provocative performance questioning cultural value and artistic destruction.
1995Napoleon Leading the Army
Kehinde Wiley
Contemporary reinterpretation of classical portraiture addressing power and representation.
2005The Weather Project
Olafur Eliasson
Immersive installation exploring perception, light, and environmental consciousness.
2003World Heritage & Sacred Sites
Cave Paintings of Lascaux
Paleolithic Artists
Earliest known artistic expression revealing prehistoric human consciousness.
17,000 BCStonehenge
Neolithic Civilization
Megalithic monument demonstrating ancient astronomical and spiritual knowledge.
3100 BCBorobudur Temple
Buddhist Civilization
Massive Buddhist temple representing the path to enlightenment.
750 ADGreat Wall of China
Chinese Civilization
Monumental fortification representing collective human achievement and endurance.
220 BCMedia Collection
Explore films, music, paintings, and other cultural works that complement our literary collection
Films
Curated collection of cinematic masterpieces that explore philosophical, scientific, and cultural themes.
Music
Classical compositions, avant-garde pieces, and significant musical works that shaped cultural understanding.
Visual Arts
Paintings, sculptures, and visual works that revolutionized artistic expression and cultural perception.
Theater & Performance
Dramatic works and performances that explore the human condition and societal structures.
About Alexandria Library
This digital library is inspired by the ancient Library of Alexandria, aiming to preserve and organize humanity's greatest intellectual achievements. Each work has been carefully selected for its fundamental contribution to human knowledge and understanding.