Timeless Classics (and why?)

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, *good karma*]

Have you ever read a book that (you felt) eclipsed it's genre? A book so good and so "timeless" that you feel it can not only stand up to a (or multiple!) re-read but that you would want to recommend it to ________. (Insert non-reader or non-genre reader here)

Timeless: the quality of being eternal, ageless, immortal, or not affected by time.

Some books I find that I would consider timeless are:

Starship Troopers - The ideas put forth in this book were wonderful! You [the reader] may not always agree but they are clear and logical. I also really liked the growth of the main character.

The Ship Who Sang - There are sci-fi writers who still haven't caught up to the tech in this series! I think this one was published in 1969.

Silver May Tarnish - This one is a serious favorite. This book isn't a typical fantasy in that there is no great quest. There's no pressing matter to save the world. It's a look at live and what its like for those who survive a war or catastrophe. I think it's timeless because it deals with the aftermath of war in quite the same matter than all peoples would have to: rebuild and live on.

What books would you file as timeless?

[Sophie]

The only one that comes to mind is Howl's Moving Castle, which I think is generally considered a classic anyway.

But I tell anyone I know to buy it for themselves and for their kids, grandkids, nieces/nephews, etc.

It has a fable like quality without being pedantic. It is dense and complicated, but that just means that there is something new to find every time it is re-read.

[Traci]

Don't know why I didn't think of it before, but The Princess Bride. Easy to see why it's loved, harder to explain why. Like Howl's Moving Castle, both have the feel of a fairytale you haven't seen before. A brilliant mix of old and new.

Btw, I got The Ship Who Sang because of this post. Haven't gotten to it yet but looking forward to doing so.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, *good karma*]

Wow! Howl's Moving Castle looks good. I just added it to my TBR. I hope you enjoy The Ship Who Sang.

I totally agree about The Princess Bride!! I love that book and want to smack myself for not thinking of it.

I haven't read Tigana yet, either. I'm just starting my relationship with Kay. ;-)

[Kevin]

I would have to say Ender's Game, but I know people that would disagree wtih me. The book I feel like has something for everyone no matter what.

[Robert]

Finally thought of one.

The Last Unicorn

[Robert]

Kevin wrote: "I would have to say Ender's Game, but I know people that would disagree wtih me. The book I feel like has something for everyone no matter what."

Agree on the book. Card has been less appealing as a personality of late. Not going to buy more of his books. More because he's started to disappoint me writing-wise than his political stances. But I own and will heartily recommend a read of Ender's Game any day.

[JoLene]

I recently read Ender's Game and didn't particularly care for it. However, I do agree that it has a place on the timeless list. Almost everyone I know (even if they don't like sci-fi) loves it.

As an add-on to this thought, do you think that the sci-fi or fantasy genres might have more works that would be considered timeless because they are mostly set in created worlds vs literary fiction, for example, because it can appear dated because we have more personal touchpoints. I'm thinking of references to corded phones or something like that.

[Sophie]

That was my thought. I considered Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch but it isn't timeless or even entirely accessible to everyone. There are UK specific jokes that the authors had to explain in footnotes.

[Kevin]

Robert wrote: "Kevin wrote: "I would have to say Ender's Game, but I know people that would disagree wtih me. The book I feel like has something for everyone no matter what."

Agree on the book. Card has been les..."

Yeah, I felt the same way. All his books after Shadow of the Giant were written to appeal more to the mass audience. They do not have the emotional and religious aspect I look for in Card book. He just does not care anymore.

Also Ender's Game has just finished up filming, and on its blog it said that it has it basically all new scenes. If he had problem in making the book into film this long, he could have stopped it if he knew that was going to happened. Also I feel like the director Gavin Hood in my opinion is not worthy of directing the film. His resume is not good enough. Its going to be a big hit for those caual and new fan to the book. Basically the last six years or so he has alienated his diehard fans.

[ShyNight]

JoLene wrote: "I recently read Ender's Game and didn't particularly care for it. However, I do agree that it has a place on the timeless list. Almost everyone I know (even if they don't like sci-fi) loves it.
..."

I've actually thought on that matter myself.. Or even the perception of fuel, source or energy and the like.. As we view movies with ancient barbaric cultures.. The way we pollute for example could be considered a backward way of thinking 60 yrs from now :-)

[Michael]

For me it would be:

The Princess Bride
Watership Down
The Lord of the Rings
A Wrinkle in Time

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, *good karma*]

JoLene wrote: "As an add-on to this thought, do you think that the sci-fi or fantasy genres might have more works that would be considered timeless because they are mostly set in created worlds vs literary fiction, for example, because it can appear dated because we have more personal touchpoints. I'm thinking of references to corded phones or something like that. "


I would say both yes and no. Sci-fi often is heavy tech that we eventually catch up to.

I'm not heavy in to sci-fi but I really enjoyed CS Lewis' Space Trilogy, especially book two. As a population we have totally passed or discarded all of the tech that is mentioned but the story itself is still rather timeless. I wouldn't necessarily add it to a timeless list due to the tech issues and its religious slant.

[CD]

These are classics for all that go beyond their fantasy genre. Some are classic literature by any standard.

The Last Enchantment by Mary Stewart.
Grimms' Fairy Tales(not my exact edition) by The Brother's Grimm
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
Don Quixote by Cervantes
Paradise Lost by John Milton

Mary Stewart's Merlin is the character that so many of us think of, if subconsciously, in reference to the Arthurian tales. Many writers have incorporated her characterization to the degree that Merlin is Merlin no matter where we encounter him. Stewart's other entries in this series are the romping tale of England under King Arthur that most all love but with the darkness that is the magical world the Merlin uses for Arthur and tries to defend him from.

The stories of the Brother's Grimm are very aptly named. These are dark, blood soaked, unapologetic nightmares committed to paper and provide a lifetime of entertainment. A few are brightly charming. Probably as a 'break' from the classic bogeyman and moral fables we all know, or should know and cherish.

Alice little trip through the looking glass has become iconic in English writing to the degree that it is used so much it is forgotten as the granddaddy of this type of waking dream fantasy story. Mesmerizing and rich in characters who may or may not mean anything other than as elements of conflict from minor to dangerous. We visit Carroll's afternoon recollection and take on stories from his childhood wrapped up in a new a unique package that makes us wonder where we are in his world as well as our own. So vital as both greatly written (in most older version not simplified) and as a basic story element for future tales spinners, this is a must read. Not convinced? Ever see the Matrix films?

If you can manage the original language and structure of Cervantes, please try! Else start with an academic version, not the Cliff/Spark note rewrites that are devoid of the poetry and flights of spiritual and emotional fantasy of the original. There is a trend that Don Quixote is one of the greatest 5 if not the best work in post Enlightenment literature in the west. I would concur it is among the most important as the saga of the wise fool and the madman. The love interest of Dulcinea, who never appears, but is referenced adds a unique element unexplored to this degree previously in literature.

Finally Milton's brooding, even charming at moments Satan versus the unfettered Adam and Even is a must in the reference collection. The form of poetic construction know as blank verse give this great work a pace and tempo that contributes far more to the impact than a reader will full understand on a first read. Milton too has had much of his story become a reference point that in much the story line exceed the Christian Bible stories from whence it is drawn. Milton dare I say is a far more entertaining read than the 'original' and stands not only as an allegory of its own, but as a commentary on Christianity.

There are several other books that surpass the constraints of their basic genre but which I'd include needs more pondering. Initial thought include Seventh Son, Friday, Cyrano de Bergerac, and several others. You could look at my all-time favorites list too.

[Dave]

Has to be a Princess Bride for me one of my favourite books and film

[Mike (the Paladin)]

The Lord of the Rings I'd include The Hobbit in that. I'd also go with Lewis' science fiction trilogy. Most of you who know me know That I'd include The Deed of Paksenarrion.

I'd also include a few other Heinlein books though they are less well known than the used to be.

I'd also have to include Waylander, In the Realm of the Wolf, Hero in the Shadows and several other Gemmell books. Legend, Morningstar, a few others.