Editor's note: "All that mankind has done, thought, gained or been; it is lying as in magic preservation in the pages of books," said British historian Thomas Carlyle in the 19th century.

The significance of written words has never waned – and is perhaps even more indispensable in the present age with an overflow of information.

Whenever you are in self-quarantine or simply want a break from binge-watching TV shows, a book at hand can always promise quality leisure.

Here we list 10 books in 2020 with the highest ratings on the review site Douban. Most of them are translated masterpieces, involving far-reaching topics such as World War II, feminism, species preservation and art design.

1. The Art of Mondo

Douban rating: 9.6

Based in Austin, Texas, Mondo is an art gallery and online store devoted to the love of film, art, music and collectibles. Over the years, the company has received global recognition for its incredible art posters that bring to life classic films, television shows, and comics from Star Wars to Robocop, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Game of Thrones and much more.

The Art of Mondo brings together this highly sought-after art in one volume that showcases the incredible ingenuity of the studio's diverse stable of artists whose vastly different styles are united by one guiding principle: limitless passion for their subject matter.

2. The Coming of the Third Reich

Douban rating: 9.5

There is no story in 20th-century history more important to understand than Hitler's rise to power and the collapse of civilization in Nazi Germany. The Coming of the Third Reich, by Richard Evans, offers a masterful synthesis of scholarly work integrated with important new research and interpretations.

3. Know My Name

Douban rating: 9.4

Chanel Miller's breathtaking memoir is praised to be the Best Book of the Year in People magazine. It's a story of trauma and transcendence, shining with the courage required to move through suffering and live a full and beautiful life.

Know My Name will forever transform the way we think about sexual assault, challenging our beliefs about what is acceptable and speaking truth to the tumultuous reality of healing. Entwining pain, resilience and humor, this memoir will stand as a modern classic.

4. Patriarchy and Capitalism

Douban rating: 9.2

Chizuko Ueno, a leading Japanese sociologist, feminist critic and public intellectual, has been a pioneer in women's studies and the author of many books, including Patriarchy and Capitalism. First published in 1990, the book dives deep into the historical complications leading to the inferior condition of women.

Although the book deals with the status of women in Japan, its views apply, to a large extent, to the current situation in China. Therefore, it is of great inspiration to anyone thinking about the status of women and gender equality.

5. Uzumaki

Douban rating: 9.2

Uzumaki (or "Spiral" in English) is a seinen horror manga series written and illustrated by Junji Ito. The series tells the story of the citizens of Kurouzu-cho, a fictional city which is plagued by a supernatural curse involving spirals.

6. Fragments

Douban rating: 9.2

This book invites readers into Elena Ferrante's workshop. Consisting of over 20 years of letters, essays, reflections and interviews, it is a unique depiction of an author who embodies a consummate passion for writing.

In these pages we can see a vibrant and intimate self-portrait of a writer at work. She addresses her choice to stand aside and let her books live autonomous lives. She discusses her thoughts and concerns as her novels are being adapted into films. She talks about the challenge of finding concise answers to interview questions. She explains the joys and the struggles of writing.

7. A Wild Child's Guide to Endangered Animals

Douban rating: 9.1

From New York Times bestselling author Millie Marotta comes this gorgeous celebration of the animal kingdom.

Highlighting the plight of 43 endangered species from around the world, the book takes readers on a trip through freshwater, oceans, forests, mountains, tundra, deserts, grasslands and wetlands while learning about rare and well-known animals and their habitats.

This is a visually rich, informative book that raises awareness in the most spectacular way.

8. Vision

Douban rating: 9.0

Tao Yong, a senior ophthalmologist at Chaoyang Hospital, was seriously injured in a knife attack on Jan 20. After undergoing months of treatment he managed to returned to his job. In this book, Dr. Tao shares his life experience of becoming an ophthalmologist and surviving the tragedy, with the hope to inspire more people with positive energy.

9. Marcovaldo

Douban rating: 9.1

Marcovaldo is a collection of 20 short stories written by Italo Calvino. Depicting the life of a poor rural man with his family living in northern Italy, the stories unfold according to the seasonal cycle of a year – or five times in this case. Common themes in the stories include pollution, appearance versus reality, failure, poverty and consumerism.

10. The Rings of Saturn

Douban rating: 9.0

The Rings of Saturn is a 1995 novel by the German writer W. G. Sebald. Its first-person narrative arc is the account by a nameless narrator on a walking tour of Suffolk, UK. In addition to describing the places he sees and people he encounters, Sebald discusses various episodes of history and literature, including the introduction of silkworm cultivation to Europe and the writings of Thomas Browne.

The book was published in English in 1998 and called by The New York Times "a hybrid of a book – fiction, travel, biography, myth, and memoir".