> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.lorcandempsey.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Top books
- URL: https://www.lorcandempsey.net/top-books/
- Published: 2004-11-13T10:07:56.000Z
- Updated: 2004-11-13T10:07:56.000Z
- Author: Lorcan Dempsey
- Tags: Books, #MPOW, Systems

We have released a [list](https://www.oclc.org/research/top1000/complete.htm?ref=lorcandempsey.net) of the top 1000 *works* in WorldCat. This list is unlike some other lists in that we have consolidated the various manifestations of a work as best we can and factored that into the ranking. To do this we used our FRBR [work-set algorithm](https://www.oclc.org/research/projects/frbr/algorithm.htm?ref=lorcandempsey.net) with some subsequent manual editing. We have also provided links into Open WorldCat.  
As you would expect, the list is heavily loaded with classics. These will tend to have both high holdings (they are in many libraries), and many manifestations (they have a rich and varied history of publication and augmentation).  
*Garfield* makes a showing at number 18\. I was surprised that *Beowulf* figured so highly. There are also lists for particular work types. *Huck Finn* tops the fiction list. *The Messiah* is the highest musical work.  
It can be addictive!