Read all the classics

[Dorian]

So far I have
1. To Kill a Mockingbird
Which was fantastic

[Scout]

How do you determine which books are classics?

[N]

I read all the books on the Times 100 books you must read list - to read "all" the classics I fear will be totally impossible in one lifetime! Personally I love books by Dickens, Austen, The Bronte Sisters and Hardy.

[N]

Scout I guess you go by what has been loved and beloved by millions over a vast period of time like the Authors above or in other words longevity and popularity. Harry Potter will be among the modern classics along with Margaret Atwood, Philip Pullman and books like American Physco, in 100 years will people still read and talk about a book? That's a Classic (in my opinion anyways).

[Andrew]

You could read forever and not get through all the classics, even if you got through the English 'canon', there's still French, German, Spanish and Russian literature to get through, and many more besides...

I've read a fair amount of classic English and French literature, but aware I could read great books every day for the rest of my life and still miss out on a huge amount. It gets a bit depressing if you think about it too much ;)

[Caitlin]

I recommend:

- The Great Gatsby (does that count?)
- Les Miserables
- The Scarlet Pimpernel
- The Count of Monte Cristo
- Pride and Prejudice

[Steve]

When I was a kid (long ago) my dad bought me the Reader's Digest Young Reader's Classic Collection. A book came every month and each book contained 4 classic books. Granted, they were condensed, but I would run to my room and immerse myself into them. I loved, loved , loved them! David Copperfield, Call of the Wild, Treasure island and so many more.

[Book Concierge]

Steve wrote: "When I was a kid (long ago) my dad bought me the Reader's Digest Young Reader's Classic Collection. A book came every month and each book contained 4 classic books. Granted, they were condensed, bu..."

What a wonderful gift you father gave you!

[Steve]

Book Concierge wrote: "Steve wrote: "When I was a kid (long ago) my dad bought me the Reader's Digest Young Reader's Classic Collection. A book came every month and each book contained 4 classic books. Granted, they were..."

Thank you for saying. I really thought it was. It provided me with an escape to wonderous stories and adventures. There's nothing more powerful than a good book.