This is a work in progress list.....

Lisa - I think you're my kind of literary girl. Is there some way we can chat through this site/list? I have been a voracious reader of quality literature for many years ( thanks to my upbringing, amazingly aewlf taught Welsh father, and finding my passion early) Have met very few people as eclectic in their tastes or widely read in the current canon ( and previous canons) . Language and what it reveals is my passion and while not confined to one genre or historical period - to me a book well written has an impact similar to what people claim music can do in their lives . Hope that doesn't seem to incoherent but time constriction here and have to sign off
Jo

Great list. I'm very surprised you included Alan Watts, especially Does it Matter. Though it certainly is an interesting book.

INTERESTING LIST

Hmm...I'm having a hard time seeing Artemis Fowl as a classic at all, but multiples w/in the series?

Isn't It Pretty To Think So?

How does this quality for classics?

NOT classic literature
The Kite Runner (2003, if ever - modern classic)
Isn't it pretty to think so (2012)
Artemis Fowl

What? No Chekhov?

Ðɑηηɑ wrote: "The Narnia Chronicles is so Christian, I think you should wipe it off"

Your comment is absurd and senseless. The Chronicles of Narnia will always be a classic, and trying to deny it that title simply because it is based off of Christianity is ridiculous. If you don't like to read anything that is considered Christian, then simply don't read it. But this classic literature should NOT be removed from this list. The Chronicles of Narnia will always be a classic, and that will never change just because it reflects Christianity.

Nicole wrote: "Ðɑηηɑ wrote: "The Narnia Chronicles is so Christian, I think you should wipe it off"

Your comment is absurd and senseless. The Chronicles of Narnia will always be a classic, and trying to deny it ..."

That was a really stupid comment. I can't believe I wrote it!

Such a nice idea for a list.
But. Whoever put in Coelho, the Hunger Games and John Green for the list does not understand the meaning of the term classic literature (I'm not saying those are in default bad books, but in no way classics).

Removed for not being classified as 'classic' under any circumstances:
The AlchemistThe Fault in Our Stars

The classic novels that intrigued me the most are picture of dorian gray, lolita, and les miserables. The list actually gave a good tip on what to read next.

why do these lists always forget to include Dune by Frank Herbert it should definitely be up there

jennbunny wrote: "This is a work in progress list....."

I sure hope so. The best ones are not listed.

Hi how could i read these literagures full version ? Pls help me

I dn't belive in the ratings,it dsn't indicates the worthness of a literary work.

This list is a joke.

Why would people of other countries need to read the American Constitution?

I just removed 11 (!) duplicates, which is quite a lot, considering there are 285 books on this list now.

George wrote: "This list is a joke."

I'm afraid I tend to agree... There are books on this list which I would definitely not consider 'Best Classic Literature Ever'. I mean, Harry Potter?? Come on people. I loved the Harry Potter books, but they can't possibly be considered classic literature... And there are several other titles mentioned here which this applies to as well.

A list named "best classic literature ever" should have at least 5-6 Russian novels among top 30. The first Russian novel is listed as 37th; it should be a joke.

I thought 187 was a wild choice