Novel 100: A Ranking of the Greatest Novels of All Time

by Daniel S. Burt

Millions of us ravenously devour novels every year. It's not surprising that we also wrestle with them, judge them, press them on our friends (often demanding them back), and quietly "misplace" the ones we can't warm up to. The unspoken word here is "ranking." Whenever we say "Pride and Prejudice is a better book than Sense and Sensibility"or Jane Eyre or Moby-Dick, we are evaluating and, in some way, ranking these old familiars. So what are the hundred best novels, anyway. And which comes first? eighth? ninety-eighth? It's anybody's right to say; no such list can be purely objective.

Genres: Books About Books, Reference, Nonfiction, Classics, Literary Criticism

614 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Miranda]

I purchased this book on sale at Chapters after mocking it and walking away. I believe my exact words were, "who buys a book about other books?" After some contemplation and laughing that indeed, I was that person, I decided it would make a fun project for my blog. I love reading and I love reviewing books and so I took a trip back to Chapters and purchased it. I am currently on book 8 (Middlemarch) and I am enjoying the process. I don't love all the books, but I have enjoyed trying things I never would have picked up in a million years. I am interested in starting a group for others who are reading the same list so we can share insights. Let me know if anyone is interested.

[Raphael Lysander · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is of course everybody's right to set a list of his favorite or what they think the best novels. However, Burt's list here sounds very academic with no passion or sentimental relations with the choices. So were the reviews of every choice; just presentation of the novels overall structure. He could have talked for instance about the hug impact of war and peace about his life and then that's why he chose it. But, no! Nothing, not even one good reason to read any of his choices unless you heard about it somewhere else.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a very comprehensive and detailed list of the 125 greatest novels of all time. Of course this is according to the author so in my humble opinion he had way too many existential and modernist novels listed. Especially in the top ten. For example, "Ulysses" is number 3 - really??? So while I may not entirely agree with his list or the order in which the novels are placed, I found it interesting to read about them and now have a list of novels that I would like to read. This may not be the type of book that one would sit down and read straight through but somehow I managed to do it (I should mention that it took me four months. . .)

[Faith-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A debatable list of the 100 greatest novels. It contains a lot of my own personal favorites, while also including books that I should read. This is a good book to be on a bibliophile's reference shelf.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I plan on picking this back up whenever I read one of the one hundred novels listed.

One thing I really like is the inclusion of what some authors thought of other authors' works and who influenced whom.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-researched, but kind of monotonous. The list seems fine enough but it should be criminal to start a ranking at #1. We read these things for the hard decisions - for the suspense. I knew the winner from page 1, then had to sit through 99 chapters of losers?

please

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a former English teacher, I like reading rankings of the greatest novels. This book is appealing because Daniel S. Burt gives a short plot summary, plus details about each author and the book's creation. Some modern writers, such as Edith Waugh, Toni Morrison, Richard Wright, and Zora Neale Hurston, are listed, along with familiar and not-so familiar old-timers. His list of 100 additional novels,"honorable mentions," is helpful. Although I can't always agree with his rankings (for instance, "To Kill a Mockingbird" should be on the top 100 list), it's still fun to consider his choices.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of lists, I'm absolutely crazy about this book. Very well-written, well-researched reviews and analyses of some of the greatest literature in the world. I did feel very inadequate, however, because I've only read 9 of the 100. Someday, though.... I will read all of them.

My only complaint: To Kill A Mockingbird didn't make the list. What's that all about?

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author notes he wrote this book hoping to spur more interest in literature. I find the book interesting, the thoughts on the various books absorbing and the volume a nice thing to pick up at odd times. Agree with the novels ranked here or not, it's a thought provoking read and (for me at least) pointed out many books I always meant (mean) to read an hadn't gotten around to (yet, I hope).

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fine collection of erudite essays on the 100 novels that best define the genre. This collection, written by a professor, is thought-provoking and inspirational. I have read less than a third of the 100 and now have many new candidates to add to my "to read" list. I especially liked the way Burt spans continents and time periods to choose the best of the best. Good stuff for bibliophiles!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Are you a lover of classical novels, wanting to know what book to read next? This book will help.
The Novel 100, ranks 100 novels from all cultures and times. It also gives the plot summary, how the book was received, its contribution to literature and more. Also listed are 100 honorable mentions.

[Nancye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great description of the best novels of all time.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Nothing better to me than reading a book about books. My only disappointment, East of Eden wasn't included :( Added a number of titles to my must read list.

[Brooksie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

Bloodless, pretentious AF, some of the least engaging writing I've ever read. Burt shares his top 100 books of all time. I guess part of the problem is these are what Burt considers the most "significant" books of all time, not necessarily his personal favourites. Which is fine! But I can't tell how he personally feels about them; it reads more like a graduate-level lecture. It would make a good textbook.

Also? #100 is Gone With the Wind, one of my personal favourites. However, Burt only discusses the romance aspect of the novel, while completely ignoring Scarlett's struggle to survive the Civil War. There's also the whole slavery/racism thing. In fact, Burt doesn't even mention the big white-hood-shaped elephant in the room at all. It makes me wonder if he's even read all 100 of the novels included in his list.

[Jeff Russo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a good resource if you want some fresh ideas on other things to read. It is nicely structured, with a brief bit on the author and plot summary of the book, neither too short or too long.

It is often fluffy with hyperbole re: groundbreaking this, never before done that, etc... oh well.

[Kasper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed all the little analyses of each book, and the section on Finnegan's Wake was actually terrific and has inspired me to read the book again someday. However, the general rationale through which Burt chose the top 100 novels (or really 125 in the edition I have) I don't really agree with nor do I quite understand. As he plainly says he values other qualities beyond the aesthetic power of the novel, but he never really elaborates on what these qualities are or is entirely consistent with them. But overall, it was still a good read.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm. Interesting grouping of novels. I have read a number from the list, but most of these I confess to having no desire at all to read. I was hoping for a "broadening of literary horizons" but I'm going to need cleaner horizons than the ones available in this compilation. Annoyingly, nearly every choice in the book the editor says is "an archetype" or a necessary precedessor or a forerunner of "the modern novel" I don't even know if I know what that means, or how there can be 100 archetypes for the modern novel. I need to find a grouping without the James Joyce-novel-ilk. I already KNOW I'm not going to read James Joyce. (Tried once, and ditched the book and took a shower trying to feel "clean" again--and this was BEFORE I was religious) Where are the "great novels for those who don't like explicit sex, raunchy language and general extreme crudeness"? Sigh. Well, mostly, they're not HERE.

[Richard Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Daniel Burt ranks 125 great novels. He is honest enough to state "...such ranking is of course subjective and unstable over time." and "If you disagree...I shall be pleased." Each entry consists of four components. First, a beginning relevant quote followed by (in no particular order) a background to the book's creation, a brief plot synopsis, and an explication of the ranking. Often these are blended together. Burt's advice "to reread...works...perhaps every five years, not because they change but because you do." I whole-heartedly agree. (Note: for a presentation of 142 works see listchallenges.com "English Student Book Challenge.")

[Jason]

Well I bought this book with the intent on starting at 100 and working my way down to 1...
So I'm starting with Gone With the Wind as soon as we finish 100 Years of Solitud. This will be a miracle if I actually do this!!!

[Lost Owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still working my way through this list of 100 novels. Some I will return to; others not-so-much. This has given my reading some direction, and for that I am grateful.

57 down, reading 2, 41 to go. June 2019.

[jen8998 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best book ever is apparently Don Quixote......