The Greatest Israeli Literature
This selection of Israeli literature encompasses all literary forms and genres published in Israel's modern era. It includes Israeli works acclaimed by readers, writers, critics and scholars in Israel and around the world.
The Greatest Israeli Literature focuses on the country's major creative works—such as novels, novellas, plays, long poetry and collections. You may also be interested in The Greatest West Asian Literature or The Greatest African Literature.
It is continually updated as new works are discovered and appreciation of older works evolves. Please note the revision date when citing the list.
Latest update: July 14, 2025
The 22 greatest works of Israeli literature
1901
Shirot Bialik
Hayim Nahman Bialik, Israel
Poetry collection
1931
The Bridal Canopy
S.Y. Agnon, Israel
Novel
1933
In the Heart of the Seas
S.Y. Agnon, Israel
Novel, originally Belevav Yamim
1945
Only Yesterday
S.Y. Agnon, Israel
Novel, originally Tmol Shilshom
1968
Selected Poetry
Yehuda Amichai, Israel
Poetry collection
1968–1994
The Palace of Shattered Vessels
David Shahar, Israel
Novel series
1970
Twenty-One Stories
S.Y. Agnon, Israel
Story collection
1977
Past Continuous
Yaakov Shabti, Israel
Novel
1977
The Lover
A.B. Yehoshua, Israel
Novel, originally Ha-Me'ahev
1978
A Dress of Fire
Dahlia Ravikovitch, Israel
Poetry collection
1983
At the Stone of Losses
T. Carmi (Carmi Charney), Israel
Poetry collection
1986
See Under: Love
David Grossman, Israel
Novel, originally Ayen erekh—-ahavah
1986
Black Box
Amos Oz, Israel
Novel
1989
Mr. Mani
A.B. Yehoshua, Israel
Novel, originally Mar Mani
1991
The Book of Intimate Grammar
David Grossman, Israel
Novel, originally Sefer ha-dikduk ha-penimi
1991
Twilight and Other Stories
Shulamith Hareven, Israel
Story collection
1997
A Journey to the End of the Millennium
A.B. Yehoshua, Israel
Novel, Masah El Tom Ha-Elef
2002
Dancing Arabs
Sayed Kashua, Israel
Novel
2011
Osama
Lavie Tidhar, Israel
Novel
2014
A Horse Walks Into a Bar
David Grossman, Israel
Novel, originally Sus echad nichnas lebar
2015
Pain
Zeruya Shalev, Israel
Novel
2020
Poems of Nathan Zach
Nathan Zach, Israel
Poetry collection
