Good Reading: A Guide for Serious Readers

by Olga Weber (Editor)

Thoroughly revised and updated, the new 23rd edition of this Bowker classic recommends 3,000 enduring nonfiction and fiction titles, and is an ideal source for collection development and patron assistance. Entries are indexed under 5 major subject Historical Periods-from ancient Greece to the 18th century; Regional and American Minority Cultures - from Middle Eastern to Chicano-Hispanic literature; Literary Types - from the novel and short story to language and communications; Humanities and Social Sciences - from the fine and performing arts to psychology, economic and women's and Sciences - from biology to mathematics. A special section on references books is also included. Featured are all-new chapters on science fiction, mystery, fiction, and computer science. The core list of 101 Significant Books is now supplemented with separate lists suggesting books to read before entering college, while on vacation, and after retiring.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction

465 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Happyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book is now over 20 years old, it's worth owning. A good reference for fiction, including non-western literature, and beyond. Includes sections on recommended books in women's studies, religion, history, biography, fine arts, essays, politics, psychology, and so much more.

[Sean Sexton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very nearly the only book that you'll ever need to consult in order to get ideas for good books to read. The book is organized into many different areas and presents lists of the "best" book in each subject or format, compiled by various experts.

For non-fiction topics, picking any of the subject areas and browsing the list of books presented, you're liable to see a pretty comprehensive overview of all work published in that particular field. For fiction, you get a pretty complete list of some of the greatest books in the chosen genre.

As an example of some of the lists of fiction, Chapter 12, "The Novel", contains the following sub-sections:

19th-Century Continental Novels
20th-Century Continental Novels
19th-Century British Novels
20th-Century British Novels
19th-Century American Novels
20th-Century American Novels
1900-1945
1945-Present

Other chapters for Literary Types include: The Short Story, Poetry, Drama, Biography, Essays/Letters/Criticism, Science Fiction, Mystery Fiction and Language and Communications.

As an example of some of the chapters contains lists of books for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the chapters include: Visual Arts and Performing Arts, Philosophy, Psychology, Religion, History, Politics, Economics, Anthropology, Sociology and Women's Studies.

Bottom line--a great source for the "what should I read next" blues.

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was pretty old and out-of-date when I first picked this up in a used book store. It was before much feminist criticism, for instance made its mark on the core curriculum. So in the list of 100 Significant Books, there are only 3 by women: Jane Austen, George Eliot and Emily Dickinson. Sappho isn't even listed in the section on Ancient Greek literature and Lillian Hellman is the sole female playwright mentioned in the section on Drama.

That said, I did find reading the 100 Significant books invaluable--an education in itself. I used it to keep my mind turning to mush during a time I had dropped out of college and every single book I read listed there gave me great insight into literature and Western culture as a whole. I haven't really explored the other recommendations, but given my good experience with that list, I'm keeping the book on my shelves so I can read more of their suggestions--even if a more up to date edition is badly needed.

[Huy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i want to read this book