Recommend a Classic
By nimz143
@nimz143 (277)
May 1, 2007 1:19am CST
So, I have some free time coming up because I'm switching jobs (yay) and I was wanting to find a good book to relax with. I've decided that I want to read a "classic" of lierature, and was hoping to get recommendations from the forum.
My arbitrary requirement is that it needs to have been written prior to 1900.
I read the Count of Monte Cristo last year (all 1400 pages). Definitely one of my favorite books (especially the first third or so at the Chateau D'If; the last third could have been tightened up a bit).
So, which of the "classics" actually deserves its reputation?
4 people like this
7 responses
@AnythngArt (3302)
• United States
1 May 07
I love books by Jane Austen. I think that her writing is so appealing, and the proof of that is just how many movies have been made (and continue to be made) based on her novels. I also just read "Jude the Obscure" by Thomas Hardy (he also wrote "Tess" and many other great books), which I liked because it's set in Oxford. It's a sad story, but good. There are so many great classics out there, it's hard to pick. I am sure you won't have any problem finding something great to read.
@blackkatdreamer (1461)
• Canada
1 May 07
War & Peace! its big! its classic and supposedly good... let me knoe will ya
@irisheyes (4370)
• United States
2 May 07
I'd recommend Thackeray's Vanity Fair. It's a classic set in the Napoleonic era. Also, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. (Or anything else by Austen) Some people think she is a "chick" writer but really she's one of the best in the English language. I read recently where a lot of well known male writers picked her as a major influence.
1 person likes this
@unusualsuspect (2602)
• United States
1 May 07
Somebody beat me to War and Peace, but if you share my love for long, meaty books, then that's a good choice. It has everything--war, romance, social commentary, philosophy, great characters. I reread it every few years.
I read The Count of Monte Cristo back when I was just a wee thing, and keep thinking about taking a fresh look at it. It was one of my favorites.
1 person likes this
@palonghorn (5479)
• United States
2 May 07
Hemmingway, The Sun also rises is a good one; The Old Man in the Boat......if ya want to fall asleep! lol Any of Mark Twain's books.
1 person likes this
@rockerwitch (538)
• Philippines
2 May 07
I'm not sure if this was written before 1900, but I suggest The Little Prince by Antoine St. Exupery. It's a very short book but has wonderful insights.
@Transformed (1259)
• United States
2 May 07
I'd recommend the Scarlet Letter, The Prince and the Pauper. I think the Scarlet Letter was a best-seller back in 1851. It has a good storyline. I won't give too much away because then you'll know what's going on. The Prince and the Pauper is a cute "kid's book" in that in those days it would have been considered a children's novel, but nowadays it's taught mostly at the high school level and above. It was written by Mark Twain...I can't remember the year though. I hope this helps and take care.
