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Literary Fiction· United Kingdom

The Power and the Glory

by Graham Greene
Aggregate Editorial Score47/100
TIME 100 Best Novels
Published 1940254 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that The Power and the Glory (1940) by Graham Greene continues to receive. A nameless 'whisky priest'—the last Catholic priest in a Mexican state where religion has been outlawed—is hunted by a police lieutenant while wrestling with his own weakness and guilt. Greene's masterpiece is one of the great Catholic novels—a profound meditation on sin, grace, and the paradox of holiness. Themes of faith, guilt, persecution run through the work. The book has received recognition from TIME 100 Best Novels 1940.

Book Details

AuthorGraham Greene
Published1940
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages254
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780143039112
Editorial Score47/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

Graham Greene published The Power and the Glory in 1940, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from United Kingdom. The book's treatment of faith, guilt, persecution, Mexico accounts for much of its enduring reputation. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: TIME 100 Best Novels 1940. Its aggregate editorial score of 47/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. Readers coming to The Power and the Glory for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of faith, guilt, persecution, Mexico is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within United Kingdom's literary landscape, Graham Greene occupies a significant position. The Power and the Glory is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

TIME 100 Best Novels
list · global
194021
✍️
About the Author
Graham Greene
United Kingdom
View Author →

Graham Greene is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Power and the Glory about?

A nameless 'whisky priest'—the last Catholic priest in a Mexican state where religion has been outlawed—is hunted by a police lieutenant while wrestling with his own weakness and guilt. Greene's masterpiece is one of the great Catholic novels—a profound meditation on sin, grace, and the paradox of holiness.

Who wrote The Power and the Glory?

The Power and the Glory was written by Graham Greene, from United Kingdom. First published in 1940.

What awards has The Power and the Glory won?

The Power and the Glory has received the following awards and honours: TIME 100 Best Novels 1940.

Is The Power and the Glory worth reading?

The Power and the Glory is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 21/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in faith, guilt, persecution.

Where can I buy The Power and the Glory?

You can buy The Power and the Glory on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Power and the Glory?

The Power and the Glory is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Power and the Glory from?

The Power and the Glory originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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