Books · 1978
1978 in Books: Epic Visions and Masterpieces
In 1978, literature expanded across genres with sweeping post-apocalyptic sagas, intricate experimental masterworks, and profound intellectual landmarks. Readers were captivated by dark dystopian fiction, poignant coming-of-age tales, and enduring children's classics.
- Stephen King · Horror · Bestseller
The Stand
Stephen King’s epic post-apocalyptic novel depicts a world devastated by a weaponized flu pandemic and the apocalyptic confrontation between good and evil among the survivors.
- John Irving · Fiction · Literary Classic
The World According to Garp
John Irving’s tragicomic masterpiece explores family, gender, and violence through the eccentric life and writings of novelist T.S. Garp.
- Edward W. Said · Essay · Landmark
Orientalism
Edward Said’s groundbreaking academic work critically analyzes Western cultural representations of the Eastern world, founding the field of postcolonial studies.
- Georges Perec · Fiction · Classic
La Vie mode d'emploi
Georges Perec’s intricate puzzle of a novel weaves together stories from every room of a Parisian apartment building, winning the prestigious Prix Médicis.
- Iris Murdoch · Novel · Award-Winning
The Sea, the Sea
Winner of the 1978 Booker Prize, Iris Murdoch’s haunting novel follows an arrogant retired theater director whose obsessive attempt to rekindle a past love spirals into madness.
- Raymond Briggs · Kids · Classic
The Snowman
Raymond Briggs’ wordless, beautifully illustrated picture book tells the magical story of a young boy whose snowman comes to life for a night of enchanted adventures.
- Ellen Raskin · Mystery · Award-Winning
The Westing Game
Awarded the Newbery Medal, Ellen Raskin’s clever mystery novel challenges sixteen heirs to solve the murder of an eccentric millionaire to inherit his vast fortune.
- Herman Wouk · Fiction · Bestseller
War and Remembrance
Herman Wouk’s monumental historical novel continues his WWII saga, detailing the Henry family's experiences from Pearl Harbor to the tragic reality of the Holocaust.
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