This HAS to be my favorite video like ever. We want a video for every aesthetic! Light academia, cottage core, old money, fairy core…

Books mentioned: Core dark academia: -if we were villains -the secret history by donna tartt -bunny by mona award -these violent delights by micah nemerever -babel by r.f kuang -catherine house by elisabeth thomas -ace of spaces by faridah abíké-íyímídé -the maidens by alex michaelides -ninth house by leigh bardugo -the atlas six by olivia blake -vicious by v.e schwab -vita nostra by dyachenko -legendborn by tracy deonn -a lesson in vengeance by victoria lee Lighter academia books: -truly devious by maureen johnson -a deadly education by naomi novik Books with dark academia vibes: -piranesi by susanna clarke -the picture of dorian grey by oscar wilde -frankenstein by mary shelley -the invisible life of addie larue by v.e schwab -jonathan strange&mr norrel by susanna clarke -the raven boys by maggie stiefvater -the starless sea by erin morgenstern -jane eyre by charlotte bronte -pride&prejudice by jane austin Books that feel very dark academia to read: -the odysseys by homer -the iliad by homer -the poetry by sappho -the symposium by plato -sense and sensebility by jane austin -pride&prejudice by jane austin -persuasion by jane austin -wuthering heights by emily bronte -jane eyre by charlotte bronte -the tenant of wildfell hall by anne bronte -the poetry by john keats -literature by dostoevsky -literature by tolstoy -crime and punishment by fyodor dostoevsky -a room of one’s own three guineas by virginia woolf -books by agatha cristhie -books by arthur conan doyle -the short stories of edgar allan poe by edgar allan poe

Other recommendations: - The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova - Faust by Goethe - Maurice by E.M. Foster (there is a movie, too) - Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson - Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clark - Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle - The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis (yes there's a book, too) - Dracula by Bram Stoker - anything by Kafka if you just want the dark vibes - Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown (historical aspects, murder, old secret societies,... ) - The Gilded Wolves series by Roshani Chokshi (a bit of the above but make it YA historical fantasy) - The Red and the Black by Stendhal - The Perfume by Patrick Süßkind - Malina by Ingeborg Bachmann - Rebecca (and many other books) by Daphne du Maurier Child appropriate: Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling, his dark materials by Pullman, Inkheart by Cornelia Funke Movies: - Kill your Darlings - Crimson Peak - Blame (2018) - Another (anime) - some movie adaptations of books mentioned (there's no particular order. Some recommendations fit dark academia and its core more, other's are here for their vibe or status as dark classics)

Personally, I feel as though obsession and critique are more crucial parts of a dark academia story. Otherwise, it’s just a book that takes place in a school. It needs that sense of desperation and mania around what they’re studying

This is amazing…”Let me embody dark academia while teaching you about it in a perfect dark academic tone.”

the true OG of dark academia is The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco - it has most of the points listed, although it's not an academy where the events take place, but it is very academic in nature, since it's about a magnificent library and scholars guarding its dark secrets. As for obsession... well, someone eats a book (spoilers - it's poisoned) just so not to share it with anyone else. From the beginning of the book - In omnibus requiem quaesivi, et nusquam inveni nisi in angulo cum libro - which is Latin for: I searched for quiet everywhere, and found it nowhere except in a corner with a book.

Reader: What is dark academia? Leonie: I was there, Gandalf....I was there, three thousand years ago.... Any way, based on your definition, sounds like maybe C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy from the 1930s anticipated Dark Academia by about 70 years. Especially books 1 and 3 of that series. TV Shows like The Order should probably also fit in.

I shall now refer to if we were villains and the secret history as the core of dark academia onion this is perfect 😂

This is one of your best videos yet. So much fun! Also loved the bloopers at the end 😄

This was probably better researched AND better executed than any of my actual A-level English (or German) classes taught by actual English (or German) teachers. You deserve a honours degree in literature just for that tbh 😂🥰📚

Interesting. I feel like Interview with the Vampire could be considered the second circle of dark academia for all the philosophical conversations and death in it.

I think the Italian version of "The secret history" might be "The name of the Rose", by Umberto Eco. I'm pretty sure it's very much known even outside of Italy, yet I sadly don't see it appear in videos like this. It's basically dark academia at its finest, and it was, like, the 1980? I recommend it :)

This makes it to the "inner core of the onion" for my list of most entertaining, most adorable booktube videos I've ever watched. Thank you!

I think the book “In my dreams I hold a knife” has *Dark Academia* vibes in it. It has those *Academic settings* , *Death* , *Murder mystery* , the main charcter’s *Obsession* ,etc..

I love this. Been feeling down recently, but with an unhealthy amount of the book leo i’m feeling better:)

I would argue that The Raven Cycle is a core dark acamedia book. Blue both joins the world the rest of the boys and the elite, private school and joins their quest for Glendower and the boys join Blue in her occult, clairvoyent world/family. The main theme and focus of the book are the Gangsey's obsession with finding Glendower and magic as well as their obesseion with each other and their friendships. Arguably the least dark academia part of the series is the academic setting. But Aglionby Academy is a prominent setting in the book and drives a lot of the themes and characters (even though a lot of the scene are set during non school hours). The premise of the book starts with the reader learning that Gansey is going to die this year and Blue is almost certainly the cause. And I think the series critqiues many different elements of society but elitism definitely is one of them. Also obviously the occult and magic vibes!

Some more games that would be in the dark academia vibes catagory: -1000 year old vampire: it's a journaling game; so you can get your quill and ink if you want (or just a pc ofcourse), and then you basically journal as a vampire who lives to be 100s years old and forgets everyone they've ever loved... it's sad and dark, it's kinda fucked up sometimes, but also beautiful. And the handbook is also very beautiful and dark academia-esque with lots of references to the occult and supernatural. - apothecaria/apawthecaria: also a journaling game, but you are basically a healer helping others out by designing remedies for them. So it's like the medicine branch of academia with a touch of fantasy and autumness which adds to the vibes! - call of cthulhu rpg: you play as a character who investigates mysteries, the occult and supernatural. You could play as an archeologist, anthropologist, a linguicist, journalist, professor or whatever you want, but it definitely is very very dark academia! Especially because the darkness pulling the player characters in is also an element to this game. I've never played it but i watched critical role's actual play and it is sooo good. - and just good ol' dungeons and dragons :)

Babel absolutely fits into the 5 pointers of dark academia and has been my gateway drug to this genre. It was SO good, I hope you get to read it someday!

I learned two things from this video, 1. I can hear Leonie explain ANYTHING for HOURS 2. She actually has beautiful eyes. It's a lovely combination of blue and green. Truly ✨mesmerising✨😍😄

I’d also recommend My Dark Vanessa - very dark in terms of themes (abuse), had autumnal vibes, beautifully written, a lot about obsession and it’s long term effects 🍂🍁

I would also recommend Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo, which perfectly fits first six criteria: university setting, investigating the death of a character, with critique of elitism, racism and homophobia, and also supernatural elements: ghosts and rituals

Yay!!! New Sunday vid!! I love how Leonie explain things and how good the quality of her videos is and her content.

Yep, Babel definitely fits! Checks all 5 requirements :)

I wonder why no one ever mentions 'Gentlemen and players' by Joanne Harris. It had been written about 10 years before "If we were villains", and it fits all the core criterias. I would also recommend Tana French and her "The Likeness", reminded me of "The Secret History" so much. It's the second book in a crime series though, but I think it could be read separately.

the aesthetic of your room and your humor, just your presense in this video tbh, are making this masterpiece even better!

Olivia by Dorothy Strachey is such an overlooked dark academia classic imo. it takes place in a boarding school in france and is about a student's obsession with her teacher, the sapphic pining and melancholy vibes are immaculate.

Perfect video for a cozy Sunday! I can already feel my TBR list getting so much better with these recs, haha - thank you, Leonie

I definitely have a weakness for dark academia books! Perfect for this season 😄

I would definitely recommend Maurice by E.M Forster not as a strictly dark academia book, but the vibes are there. It follows two men Clive and Maurice through meeting in school and their lives afterward. It deals with topics like homosexuality in the 19-20th century, self discovery, and male expectations. The movie is also incredible and definitely give that dark acadmia-esque feeling.

I really love how much effort you put into this. One of your best videos so far!

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith - not quite an academic setting but definitely gives dark academia vibes

I would definitely say that A Deadly Education has a strong critique of privilege, so it has everything maybe except obsession. Other than that, loved the video! and got a few books for my list even if I have already read at least half of this, I adore dark academia ^^

Your board is basically all my current TBR and the only content I consume right now

I LOVED Bunny so much, forever looking for a book as weirdly twisted as that

This entire video is ART. The intro, the format, the recommendations... I'm obsessed 😂 (get it?)

You get my approval on your dissertation for a PhD in Dark Academia.

this is possibly one of my favorite videos of yours!! i love the amount of thought and effort that went behind it, but you still make it fun and entertaining

i will never get tired of getting dark academia book recs even though most of them get repeated all the time

i loooove the satire you brought to this video along with the actual book recs!! also the raven cycle is one of my favourite series ever. tysm leo 🍂

Always so original 🖤 I read these violent delights because of your recomendation and it is one of my fave reads of this year 😻

"chronically online enough" LOL , thanks for posting leonie!!

7 minutes in and I'm enjoying this so much. Chef's kiss content Leonie!

I would highly recommend the book Love and Virtue by Diana Reid. It’s about a girl who gets a scholarship to an elite university in Australia. It has very dark academia vibes with morally ambiguous characters, critique on class disparity, there’s also an obsession element and also death. But because it’s set in Sydney Australia all the dark elements are juxtaposed with beautiful sunny beaches. I would recommend looking up the trigger warnings first before reading as it has a few heavy topics especially about SA.

The content, the format, it's all *chef's kiss* I appreciate the time you took to make this. Great video!

the combination of solemnity & humor in this dark academia guide...i have no words for how happy this made me 💘 i was not having the best day & this video made it sooooo muchhhhh better tysm 🥰

AHHHH IF WE WERE VILLAINS IS SOOO GOOD! I read it for the first time backstage durring opening night of my schools winter musical and holy cow that book stabbed me through the chest. lets just say my crying scenes were very easy to do that day.

the picture of dorian gray is soooo dark academia, have death, and obsession, and intellectual caracthers, so perfect

Babel is just amazing. We desperately needed a fantasy that centres around language that isn't just "alien language changes our mind" even though I like that sort of SF as well. and Babel is that novel. A great addition to fantasy and dark academia. The fourth criterion you mentioned does appear in the novel though it was slowly revealed to you that something bad is gonna happen. It doesn't tell you straight from the beginning.

I am literally cracking up during the Dark Academia Circle explanation, this was so funny 🤣

Ooo, wow. Just found your channel yesterday, and I gotta say I love your videos! I dig your sense of humour; found myself constantly smiling through the intro. Keep up the good work!

I have been following you for quite a while now (almost two years) and I always enjoy all of your videos. However, this one has to be my favourite video on your channel so far!!! Amazing idea to give us a sort of "lecture". Love everything about it. Your whiteboard, your professor vibes and looks, the music in the background, the color scheme, the aesthetic of the whole video. And of course the topic itself. I absolutely love Dark Academia, and "The Secret History" is probably my favourite book ever. This was by far the funniest and most entertaining lecture ever!

I love this video. Thank you for all the effort you put in it! (btw, I completely agree with the queen's gambit. It's an amazing show)

I LOVED THE WHOLE VIBE OF THIS VIDEO amazinggggg

exactly what i needed!!! im reading the secret history this autumn!!! but i do want to transiton my style into this

Try "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco - murder, mystery, library, and Latin (also see the film with Sean Connery)

this is definitely one of your best videos, appreciate the effort you put into this! dark academia isn't my fav genre but I loved this video

This video is just perfekt. I‘m literally obsessed with Dark Academia. I love the dark feelings, death, the tragic and all. Especially „If we were villains“ is my absolute heart and soul… 🖤 There is just something about obsession that‘s really facinating and addicting to read about.

I never see A.S. Byatts Obsession featured in any of these lists, it checks all the boxes and it is just sooo beautiful.

i loved catherine house and how unhinged it felt so much. my friends are weirded out by the book and couldn’t finish it but i was so interested throughout the entire novel.

When I say 'recommend me a booktuber', THIS is what I am looking for!! Absolutely loved the whole presentation!

I really enjoyed this video, I especially love the cosy vibes. The montage is sooo cool, we can definitely see how much you had fun filming this! Thank you so much! :))

This is by far the best video in your channel . A comprehensive dark academia video was long due which was surprisingly created by you . Thanks a lot

I have seen lots of videos on dark academia book recommendation but this one has gone on another level. I even like how she used some print paintings in background.

Thank you, Leonie, for taking this class. It was an invaluable experience. I attended all the lessons and took thorough notes with my fountain pen. I also want to thank you for taking the time to discuss all the reading options available to me in my future. I look forward to attending more of your classes. Regards,

I am absolutely loving these educational videos you have been making. I am so excited for more!

I learned more from this video than my 4 years at college

And now we are blessed with a new series to add to the genre, Wednesday on Netflix, a show that checks all 6 criteria. I loved it!

cool video love the lil board, very nicely thought out and structured. so cool you included other media!!! and a full stretch of books!! thanks!!!

tysm for putting so much effort into enlightening us, mademoiselle! no body no crime by tswift is my ult dark academia song

Well, if you haven't already considered one day being a professor leading a class in dark academic culture and critique, I would vote for that for you as this was amazing! Thank you!

I loved this! Not only the great overview about the criteria for the genre, but especially at the end of the third ring of dark-academia, when you do a shout-out about reading something that interests you being dark academia as well ❤. I personally like to encourage myself to read non-coursework university textbooks that way - and I’d like to report that nothing has ever made me feel more like a main character than reading an introduction on quantum chemistry or something on geomorphology on the train on my commute. Some classics I have read came close, like I tried reading a translation of Ovid (which I dnf’d because it gave me bad flashbacks and is also somehow lacking compared to the Latin versions I had to study in Highschool, for which I have nothing but deep hate) but somehow, textbooks are where the main-character feeling is at… which is either really weird or pretentious or both. All in all, great Video! made me reflect about which books out of the … inner circle I have read, which ones I like, and which ones I dislike with a burning passion *cough atlas six cough cough*

Aaahhh thank you for making this wonderful dark academia guide!! I've been on the fence about starting The Secret History, but I think now I'll go for it! I would also maybe add The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon since it checks most of the boxes (plus there's just good vibes with the main character working/living in a bookstore and there being a place called the Cemetery of Forgotten Books).

“The Name of the Wind” is another classically (I think) dark academia novel, published ten years before “If We Were Villains.” And I’m a little surprised that lots of lists seem to leave it out.

Love this video - both the content and the format 😂 I have to say, out of all of the books on your "core" list that I've read (The Secret History, If We Were Villains, Babel, Atlas Six, Vicious, Vita Nostra, A Lesson in Vengeance and The Maidens), Vicious is the only one that is a consistently great and well-balanced story with decent pacing and interesting characters. I always get so excited about the genre but end up feeling disappointed. The one that came the closest to actually satisfying my dark academia hunger was If We Were Villains. In only someone would have cut the very last 2-3 pages of that book! I now pretend the final bit of information doesn't exist 😂

Hi Leonie! Just wanted to say that me and my mom are in a family book club and I just introduced my mom to your videos! She loves them and thinks you’re hilarious! This is one of my favorite videos of yours! Thanks for all the recommendations and inspiration that has carried me into my ✨bookish girl era✨

This is one of my favorite videos that I will keep watching more than once😍 Thank you for all the recommendations ❤

When i tell you, i was so happy when Rusty Lake got mentioned! Its definitely a good series, both the Cube collection (Theather, Birthday, Case 23, etc.) and the stand alones (Samsara, Hotel, White door, etc.) I reccomend the series to everyone that enjoys point and click puzzles. And the story of the games is very interesting as well, would be an amazing book!

the outtakes :D and the whole not taking yourself too seriously spiel throughout, lovely!

I love this Leonie! It would be cool if you made a series out of this and talked about some other aesthetics or something. ❤have a good week

this video is so good!! you've outdone yourself again!! thanks for the recs ✨

This was awesome, absolutely loved this video even though I am not much into dark academia! But it actually makes me want to pick up some of the books you mentioned 💙

Absolutly adored the video! Loved how prepared you were with the white board (felt very academic - therefore appropriate for the video hehe), the change of scenery and outfit when you change topic was *chefs kiss*, all the recommendations that you curated perfectly and explain with just enough detail without giving away too much was the hook I needed to pick up some of these book😍 LOVED LOVED LOVED this whole concept and video!!

This video is EVERYTHING! It's everything I needed and more!

Profesor Leonie made my day. My Dark Vanessa has very dark academia vibes. And The dead poet society is also a book - written after the movie, which usually is very bad, but I read it first and enjoyed it a lot.

Oh, I was waiting for this one!

I bought These Violent Delights bc of your praises and I’ve been saving it for the autumnal vibes

The Club Dumas I think definitively fits the vibe. Strongly. ❤ love the list!

i love the video!! very well made and on-point recommendations! you explained everything really well, especially for people who are not familiar with this aesthetic

This is my favorite video ever!! 30 minutes of inspiration and pure happiness😍 thank you so so much🤎🍂

the way I clicked on this video the second I saw it, great video (as usual) leonie!

really like this one. you did so much work, even the tiny printed books covers... i mean, this is so adorable. thatk you so so much for this video!!

Amazing video omg I love this channel. Your humor and knowledge in the dark academia movement... because it's a movement. Flawless. This class should be taught in the highest learning institutions

This video is so well made, I love it!

This video is excellently constructed! Thanks for all the hard work you put into it. Great job, and very informative. :)

this is such an amazing video! I love the humour and the immaculate vibes 🍁☕ thank you

Thank you so much for these recommendations. I’ve just randomly picked these violent delights to read as a start. It’s Amazing. It’s the book I’ve been waiting for. And the story hurts like hell. A beautiful piece of art. I cannot walk out of it. Looking forward to reading more books from the list.

A-MA-ZING!!! I looooved your video! And that’s you for the recommendations :)

This is the only lesson I don't get bored of. Also I love the teacher 😹. Love the humor

Loved this video! I have read half of the "core" dark academia books, but Legendborn was my absolute favorite. Highly recommend it!

Absolutely loved the video! The vibes are impeccable 👌🏼