Dubliners (1914) by James Joyce. This short story collection, which includes "The Dead," helps readers appreciate the story as part of a cohesive whole, with interconnected themes and characters throughout.

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916) by James Joyce. This autobiographical novel features Joyce's alter-ego, Stephen Dedalus. Though a work of fiction, it offers insight into Joyce's character and his aesthetic principles.

In Our Time (1914) by Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway's inaugural collection of short stories employs a style akin to Joyce's, presenting events with minimal or no commentary.

The Stranger (1942) by Albert Camus. First published in French as L'Étranger, this novel's protagonist, Meursault, shares similarities with the characters in "The Dead." Facing execution by guillotine for murder, Meursault experiences a profound revelation.

Existentialism (1974) edited by Robert C. Solomon. This anthology compiles works by writers integral to the existentialist movement, including Soren Kierkegaard, Albert Camus, and Friedrich Nietzsche, among others.