Cultural Reader: Recommended books by Søren Kierkegaard (reading list)

Søren Kierkegaard is one of the most profound and interesting philosophers of existentialism (namely Christian existentialism) whose works are a pleasure to read due to both their content and poetic style.

Here we compiled a reading list of some of the best works and books by Kierkegaard for those interested in getting into this outstanding thinker.

Fear and Trembling

Fear and Trembling is arguably Kierkegaard’s most important book and it’s a good place to start your acquaintance with him. In this book Kierkegaard retells the story of Abraham and the binding of his son Isaac as a tale of faith against the impossible and the transcendence of the believer as a singular individual against universal ethics.

Either / or

Either/Or is another great work by Kierkegaard and also a good book to start with. The book is a poetic account of human existence and the different spheres of existence according to Kierkegaard.

The Sickness unto Death

The Sickness unto Death is Kierkegaard’s great account of despair and why it’s important if you want to live an authentic life. It is also one of the top books by Kierkegaard worth reading.

The Concept of Anxiety

After dealing with despair, why not move on to The Concept of Anxiety in another existential masterpiece by Kierkegaard.

Diary of a Seducer

Diary of a Seducer is another great book by Kierkegaard which deals with the possibility of love (a good companion to this book is also Works of love)