Top 30 Popular Classic Books -
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Classic Books are literary pieces that have proven their worth over the years, often praised for their artistic value, deep themes, and influence on culture. They usually capture universal human experiences and ethical challenges, keeping them significant for people of all ages. These works are frequently analyzed in schools and continue to spark adaptations and conversations in today's world.
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The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
The story takes place in France, Italy, and islands in the Mediterranean during the historical events of 1815–1839: the era of the Bourbon Restoration through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France. It begins on the day that Napoleon left his first island of exile, Elba, beginning the Hundred Days period when Napoleon returned to power. The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book, an adventure story centrally concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness.
Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantes is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo, and he becomes determined not only to escape, but also to unearth the treasure and use it to plot the destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration.
Our Review -
This timeless tale of wrongful imprisonment, buried treasure, and vengeance is nothing short of a masterpiece. Alexandre Dumas’ renowned novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, has been brought to life not just in books but also in movies and TV shows. The story follows Edmond Dantes, who is falsely accused of a crime and locked away without a trial, left to be forgotten. After enduring both mental and physical suffering and forming a bond with a fellow inmate, he finally manages to escape. With the help of his friend, Dantes discovers the location of a hidden treasure, which turns out to be real. He uses this newfound wealth to uncover the reasons behind his imprisonment and to plot his revenge through fortune and secret identities. To truly grasp why The Count of Monte Cristo is a classic, it’s essential to read it in its complete form. Dumas’ intricate storytelling is a joy to experience, leaving readers pondering when they can dive back into its pages again.
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
This is the tale of Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled, manipulative daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, who arrives at young womanhood just in time to see the Civil War forever change her way of life.
A sweeping story of tangled passion and courage, in the pages of Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell brings to life the unforgettable characters that have captivated readers for decades.
Widely considered an American classic, and often remembered for its epic film version, Gone With the Wind explores the depth of human passions with an intensity as bold as its setting in the red hills of Georgia.
A superb piece of storytelling, it vividly depicts the drama of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Crime and Punishment is a novel by the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. It was first published in the literary journal The Russian Messenger in twelve monthly installments during 1866. It was later published in a single volume. It is the second of Dostoevsky's full-length novels following his return from ten years of exile in Siberia. Crime and Punishment is considered the first great novel of his mature period of writing. The novel is often cited as one of the supreme achievements in world literature.
Crime and Punishment follows the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student in Saint Petersburg who plans to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker, an old woman who stores money and valuable objects in her flat. He theorises that with the money he could liberate himself from poverty and go on to perform great deeds, and seeks to convince himself that certain crimes are justifiable if they are committed in order to remove obstacles to the higher goals of 'extraordinary' men. Once the deed is done, however, he finds himself racked with confusion, paranoia, and disgust. His theoretical justifications lose all their power as he struggles with guilt and horror and confronts both the internal and external consequences of his deed.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Discover the enchanting world of Avonlea in this Anne of Green Gables original, the beloved classic that has captivated readers for generations. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming story of Anne Shirley, a spirited young orphan whose indomitable spirit and endearing antics will steal your heart.
In Anne of Green Gables, the book introduces us to the Cuthberts of Prince Edward Island. When Marilla and Matthew intend to adopt a boy to help them on their farm, they receive an unexpected surprise—a fiery-haired, imaginative girl named Anne. With her vivid imagination, penchant for grand dreams, and knack for finding trouble, Anne quickly becomes a beloved part of the Cuthbert family and the community of Avonlea.
In the book Anne of Green Gables, we follow Anne's journey as she navigates the ups and downs of life in the late 19th century. From comical mishaps and heartwarming friendships to academic achievements and personal growth, Anne's tale is a delightful exploration of love, resilience, and the power of dreams.
In the Anne of Green Gables book series, Lucy Maud Montgomery's exquisite storytelling transports you to the picturesque landscapes of Prince Edward Island, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and emotions of Anne's world. Through Montgomery's eloquent prose, you'll experience the breathtaking beauty of Green Gables, the fragrant cherry blossoms, and the rolling fields of the idyllic countryside.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice is an 1813 novel of manners by Jane Austen. The novel follows the character development of Elizabeth Bennet, the dynamic protagonist of the book who learns about the repercussions of hasty judgments and comes to appreciate the difference between superficial goodness and actual goodness.
Mr. Bennet, owner of the Longbourn estate in Hertfordshire, has five daughters, but his property is entailed and can only be passed to a male heir. His wife also lacks an inheritance, so his family faces becoming poor upon his death. Thus, it is imperative that at least one of the daughters marries well to support the others, which is a motivation that drives the plot.
Pride and Prejudice has consistently appeared near the top of lists of "most-loved books" among literary scholars and the reading public. It has become one of the most popular novels in English literature, with over 20 million copies sold, and has inspired many derivatives in modern literature. For more than a century, dramatic adaptations, reprints, unofficial sequels, films, and TV versions of Pride and Prejudice have portrayed the memorable characters and themes of the novel, reaching mass audiences.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
'Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.'
A lawyer's advice to his children as he defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee's classic novel - a black man falsely charged with the rape of a white girl. Through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with exuberant humour the irrationality of adult attitudes to race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s.
The conscience of a town steeped in prejudice, violence and hypocrisy is pricked by the stamina of one man's struggle for justice. But the weight of history will only tolerate so much.
To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming-of-age story, an anti-racist novel, a historical drama of the Great Depression and a sublime example of the Southern writing tradition.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
On a trip to the South of France, the shy heroine of Rebecca falls in love with Maxim de Winter, a handsome widower.
Although his proposal comes as a surprise, she happily agrees to marry him.
But as they arrive at her husband's home, Manderley, a change comes over Maxim, and the young bride is filled with dread.
Friendless in the isolated mansion, she realises that she barely knows him. In every corner of every room is the phantom of his beautiful first wife, Rebecca, and the new Mrs de Winter walks in her shadow.
Not since Jane Eyre has a heroine faced such difficulty with the other woman. An international bestseller that has never gone out of print, Rebecca is the haunting story of a young girl consumed by love and the struggle to find her identity.
1984 by George Orwell
George Orwell's "1984" portrays a dystopian society where Winston Smith rebels against the oppressive Party. Through constant surveillance and manipulation of history, the Party suppresses individuality and independent thought. Winston's defiance and secret love affair with Julia lead to their tragic fate.
"1984" explores themes of totalitarianism, government surveillance, and the manipulation of truth. The Party's leader, Big Brother, symbolizes absolute power. Orwell warns of the dangers of unchecked authority and emphasizes the importance of preserving individual freedoms.
Orwell's "1984" remains a timeless warning against totalitarianism and a reminder of the fragility of freedom. It resonates in today's era of advancing technology and concerns about privacy, serving as an influential work that prompts reflection on the preservation of individual autonomy.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
Pitching an extraordinary battle between cruel authority and a rebellious free spirit, Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a novel that epitomises the spirit of the sixties.
Tyrannical Nurse Ratched rules her ward in an Oregon State mental hospital with a strict and unbending routine, unopposed by her patients, who remain cowed by mind-numbing medication and the threat of electroshock therapy.
But her regime is disrupted by the arrival of McMurphy - the swaggering, fun-loving trickster with a devilish grin who resolves to oppose her rules on behalf of his fellow inmates.
His struggle is seen through the eyes of Chief Bromden, a seemingly mute half-Indian patient who understands McMurphy's heroic attempt to do battle with the powers that keep them imprisoned.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Hailed as one of the greatest novels of all time and a classic of world literature, War and Peace unfolds in the early nineteenth century during the turbulent years of the Napoleonic invasion of Russia. Tolstoy's epic ranges from stirring depictions of historical events to intimate portraits of family life, moving between public spectacles and private lives to offer a tale of both panoramic scope and closely observed detail.
From the breathless excitement of 16-year-old Natasha Rostov's first ball, to Prince Andrei Bolkonsky's epiphany on the battlefield at Austerlitz, the novel abounds in memorable incidents, particularly those involving Pierre Bezukhov. A seeker after moral and spiritual truths, Pierre and his search for life's deeper meaning stand at the heart of this monumental book. A tale of strivers in a world fraught with conflict, social and political change, and spiritual confusion, Tolstoy's magnificent work continues to entertain, enlighten, and inspire readers around the world.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This American classic is as fresh and meaningful today as it was when it was first written in the mid-nineteenth century.
Largely based on the author's own childhood, Little Women is a timeless tale of the four young March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. As different in their personalities as they are alike in their devotion to each other, the girls vow to support their beloved mother, Marmee, by behaving their best while Father is away, serving as an army chaplain in the Civil War.
Literary-minded tomboy Jo develops a fast friendship with the boy next door, and pretty Meg, the eldest, finds romance; frail and affectionate Beth fills the house with music, and Amy, the youngest, seeks beauty with all the longing of an artist's soul. Although poor in material wealth, the family possesses an abundance of love, friendship, and imaginative gifts that captivate readers time and again.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre has dazzled generations of readers with its depiction of a woman's quest for freedom.
Having grown up an orphan in the home of her cruel aunt and at a harsh charity school, Jane Eyre becomes an independent and spirited survivor-qualities that serve her well as governess at Thornfield Hall.
But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice.
Should she stay with him whatever the consequences or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving her beloved?
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Set in the mid-19th century, and written from the author's first-hand experience, North and South follows the story of the heroine's movement from the tranquil but moribund ways of southern England to the vital but turbulent north.
Elizabeth Gaskell's skilful narrative uses an unusual love story to show how personal and public lives were woven together in a newly industrial society.
This is a tale of hard-won triumphs - of rational thought over prejudice and of humane care over blind deference to the market. Readers in the twenty-first century will find themselves absorbed as this Victorian novel traces the origins of problems and possibilities which are still challenging a hundred and fifty years later: the complex relationships, public and private, between men and women of different classes.
1The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Enthralled by his own exquisite portrait, Dorian Gray makes a Faustian bargain to sell his soul in exchange for eternal youth and beauty.
Under the influence of Lord Henry Wotton, he is drawn into a corrupt double life, where he is able to indulge his desires while remaining a gentleman in the eyes of polite society.
Only Dorian's picture bears the traces of his decadence.
A knowing account of a secret life and an analysis of the darker side of late Victorian society. The Picture of Dorian Gray offers a disturbing portrait of an individual coming face to face with the reality of his soul.
Shocking in its suggestion of unspeakable sin, this novel was later used as evidence against Wilde when he was tried for indecency in 1895.
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
The Three Musketeers tells the story of the early adventures of the young Gascon gentleman, D'Artagnan and his three friends from the regiment of the King's Musketeers - Athos, Porthos and Aramis.
Under the watchful eye of their patron M. de Treville, the four defend the honour of the regiment against the guards of Cardinal Richelieu, and the honour of the queen against the machinations of the Cardinal himself as the power struggles of seventeenth century France are vividly played out in the background.
But their most dangerous encounter is with the Cardinal's spy, Milady, one of literature's most memorable female villains, and Dumas employs all his fast-paced narrative skills to bring this enthralling novel to a breathtakingly gripping and dramatic conclusion
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy
The French Revolution is in full swing and the aristocracy are being sent to the guillotine in their hundreds. In the shadows, English dandy Sir Peter Blakeney – working under his alter ego, the Scarlet Pimpernel – is breaking the condemned out of prison and leaving his distinctive calling card, a picture of a red flower, to torment the French authorities. A master of disguise, infamous escape artist and flamboyant swordsman, his identity is such a closely guarded secret that even his wife is in the dark. But, with enemy agents on close his tail, his failure to trust her might be his undoing.
The very first hero with a secret identity, the Scarlet Pimpernel is a worthy precursor to Zorro and Batman. His daring antics (and undeniable flair) are just as delightful today as they were a century ago.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath’s masterwork—an acclaimed and enduring novel about a young woman falling into the grip of mental illness and societal pressures.
Esther Greenwood is a bright, beautiful, enormously talented young woman, but she's slowly going under—maybe for the last time.
Sylvia Plath brilliantly draws the reader into Esther’s breakdown with such intensity that her neurosis becomes palpably real, even rational—as accessible an experience as going to the movies.
A deep penetration into the darkest and most harrowing corners of the human psyche,
The Bell Jar is an extraordinary accomplishment and a haunting American classic.
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens' classic novel David Copperfield is loosely based on the life of the author.
It tells the story of David Copperfield’s life from childhood to adulthood with all of the hardships, changes, and good fortune that David encounters on his life journey.
It focuses on the relationships he develops with a huge cast of characters who he meets as he travels from rags to riches and back again.
The book was serialized before it was first published in book form in 1850. Dickens is beloved for his complex rags-to-riches stories; realistic, sympathetic views of class disparities and poverty; and unforgettable characters like David.
Alice in Wonderland by Jane Carruth
Alice in Wonderland is an 1865 novel by English author Lewis Carroll.
It tells of a young girl named Alice, who falls through a rabbit hole into a subterranean fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures. It is considered to be one of the best examples of the literary nonsense genre.
The tale plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults as well as with children.
One of the best-known and most popular works of English-language fiction, its narrative, structure, characters and imagery have been enormously influential in popular culture and literature, especially in the fantasy genre.
Middlemarch by George Eliot
Middlemarch by George Eliot is a monumental work of literature that delves deep into the complexities of human nature, society, and morality. Set in a fictional provincial town during the early 19th century, this novel offers a profound exploration of love, ambition, and the quest for personal fulfillment against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.
Eliot masterfully weaves together the stories of a diverse cast of characters, including the idealistic Dorothea Brooke, who yearns for a life of purpose; the ambitious Dr. Tertius Lydgate, who seeks to revolutionize medicine; and the charming yet conflicted Will Ladislaw. Their lives intersect in intricate ways, revealing the hopes, dreams, and challenges faced by individuals navigating societal expectations and personal desires.
Middlemarch offers keen insights into the social and political issues of the time, such as reform, gender roles, and the conflict between tradition and progress. Eliot's nuanced portrayal of provincial life exposes the intricacies of human relationships and the often-unseen forces that shape our destinies.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Enter the darkness, where terror reigns supreme.
When Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of a property to the mysterious Count Dracula, he unleashes a horror beyond his wildest nightmares. As the Count's sinister powers spread across Victorian England, a small band of brave men and women must join forces to stop the greatest evil of all time.
With its haunting atmosphere, heart-pounding suspense, and iconic villain, "Dracula" is the grandfather of all vampire stories. Written in 1897, this classic Gothic horror novel has captivated readers for generations, and its influence can still be felt in popular culture today.
Step into the shadows, and experience the chilling tale that started it all.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Shocking and controversial when it was first published in 1939, Steinbeck's Pulitzer Prize-winning epic remains his undisputed masterpiece.
Set against the background of dust bowl Oklahoma and Californian migrant life, it tells of the Joad family, who, like thousands of others, are forced to travel West in search of the promised land.
Their story is one of false hopes, thwarted desires and broken dreams, yet out of their suffering Steinbeck created a drama that is intensely human yet majestic in its scale and moral vision; an eloquent tribute to the endurance and dignity of the human spirit.
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo
A mad priest, a vagabond playwright, a social-climbing soldier, and a deformed bell-ringer — all are captivated by a gypsy girl's beauty and charm.
Two of them will betray her, but the others will remain loyal, even in the shadow of the gallows.
These outlaws find sanctuary within the walls of medieval Paris' greatest monument, the grand Cathedral of Notre Dame.
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins is a landmark in Gothic literature and one of the first mystery novels ever written. This thrilling tale weaves together intrigue, romance, and deception, captivating readers with its unforgettable characters and masterful storytelling.
The story begins when Walter Hartright, a young art teacher, meets a mysterious woman dressed entirely in white on a moonlit road. This encounter sets off a chain of events that pulls Walter into a sinister conspiracy involving identity theft, secrets, and betrayal. As Walter unravels the truth, he must protect the woman he loves and expose the villains who seek to destroy her.
Collins introduces a rich ensemble of characters, including the courageous Marian Halcombe, the virtuous Laura Fairlie, and the menacing Sir Percival Glyde. The enigmatic Count Fosco, with his charm and cunning, remains one of the most iconic villains in literary history.
With its intricate plot and atmospheric setting, The Woman in White has earned its place as a timeless classic. Wilkie Collins’s innovative use of multiple narrators and his exploration of themes like justice, gender roles, and social class make this novel as compelling today as when it was first published.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Beauty is the ideal horse: obedient, well-bred, and hard-working. After his humble beginnings alongside his mother in an idyllic English farm, Beauty becomes a coach horse for Squire Gordon at Birtwick Park. His new friends, the gentle Ginger and the wise Merrylegs love to exchange stories and enjoy the comforts of their loving home. But Beauty’s about to find out that nothing lasts forever…
When his loving master is forced to leave the country, Beauty and his friends are left at the mercy of their new cruel owners. As the years melt into each other, Beauty passes through the hands of a series of masters, some cruel, some kind, but he always tries his best to serve humans despite the circumstances. Will Beauty find a home filled with love and respect ever again? Or will adversity crush his gentle spirit?
Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty tells the story of a horse through his own eyes from his carefree days as a colt on an English farm, to his hardship and ultimate happy retirement. Sewell's writing style, direct, compassionate, and educational, is a powerful commentary on the treatment of animals and a call for kindness and respect across the ages.
Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy’s impassioned novel of courtship in rural life
In Thomas Hardy’s first major literary success, independent and spirited Bathsheba Everdene has come to Weatherbury to take up her position as a farmer on the largest estate in the area.
Her bold presence draws three very different suitors: the gentleman-farmer Boldwood, the soldier-seducer Sergeant Troy, and the devoted shepherd Gabriel Oak.
Each, in contrasting ways, unsettles her decisions and complicates her life, and tragedy ensues, threatening the stability of the whole community.
One of his first works set in the semi-fictional region of Wessex, Hardy’s novel of swift passion and slow courtship is imbued with his evocative descriptions of rural life and landscapes, and with unflinching honesty about sexual relationships.
Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
Mr. Phileas Fogg is not your typical Englishman. He may be a routine-loving timekeeping gentleman, but when adventure knocks on his door one evening at his local club, he bets half his fortune on a daring bet to complete a seemingly impossible task: travel around the world in 80 days.
To his good fortune, his loyal French valet Passepartout, curious, capable, and brave, is by his side. And when their journey takes them on a race against the clock from the busy docks of Victorian London to the Wild West and the treacherous jungles of India, Phileas and Passepartout will have to face every adventure that comes their way with courage. But they don’t know that their every move is watched and a detective follows them, waiting for the mistake that will bring everything down. As the deadline draws near, Phileas knows that if they don’t make it back to London in time, all their efforts will be lost. Can they make it?
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!
The idea of a reanimated corpse was famously conceived by an 18 year old Mary Shelley on holiday with her future husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron near Lake Geneva, Switzerland. The three were tasked with writing a ghost story, which resulted in one of the most famous novels to come from the 19th century. Published anonymously in a three volume series, Frankenstein instantly set the standard for a true literary horror and its themes led many to believe it was the first true science fiction novel. In 1831 and after much pressure, Mary Shelley revised the text to be more fitting to contemporary standards. Presented here by Reader's Library Classics is the original 1818 text of Frankenstein.
Young scientist Victor Frankenstein, grief-stricken over the death of his mother, sets out in a series of laboratory experiments testing the ability to create life from non-living matter. Soon, his experiments progress further until he creates a humanoid creature eight feet tall. But as Frankenstein soon discovers, a successful experiment does not always equal a positive outcome.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter."
Set in Puritan New England, this timeless classic delves into themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.
The story follows Hester Prynne, a woman branded with a scarlet letter "A" for adultery, as she navigates the complexities of societal judgment and personal redemption.
Hawthorne's exquisite prose and rich symbolism bring the characters to life, while exploring the human condition with profound insight.
Prepare to be enthralled by the themes of morality, love, and the power of individuality that continue to resonate with readers today.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
An intriguing combination of fantast thriller and moral allegory, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde depicts the gripping struggle of two opposing personalities — one essentially good, the other evil — for the soul of one man.
Its tingling suspense and intelligent and sensitive portrayal of man's dual nature reveals Stevenson as a writer of great skill and originality, whose power to terrify and move us remains, over a century later, undiminished.
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