20 books you should keep on your shelf to look smart

Whether they're stories that capture a historic moment or tomes noted for their impactful messages, some books instantly up your literary credibility.

Amazon's editorial team has helped us put together a list of 20 books that will help you impress anyone in your life.

From biographies of inspiring innovators to stories that have been must-reads for centuries, these are the top 20 books you should display in your bookshelf.

Disclosure: Jeff Bezos is an investor in Business Insider through hispersonal investment company Bezos Expeditions.