Wanting to find the best classic books to read? This list of classic novels has you covered! From fun classic books to must-read classic books, and from easy to read classic books to hard to read classic books…this list of classics will help you become well read at the same time it helps you find some new favorite reads.
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
When you’re looking for the best classics to read, Pride and Prejudice should definitely be on your list. While it may be most well known as one of the best classic romance novels of all time, this story is utterly delightful and one of the best classics overall as well!
This story follows the Bennet family with their five unmarried daughters, whom Mrs. Bennet does her best to marry off. It’s a charming story filled with excitement, some scandal…and a great deal of both pride and prejudice, of course! Austen is a master of wit and humor, as well as capturing difficult human emotions and situations in a way that makes us consider the human condition. It’s well worth a read!
2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Looking to read the best classic books of all time? If so, The Great Gatsby should definitely be added to your reading list! This is one of the most popular classic novels in American popular culture, and is also required reading in most high schools.
This novel brings the Jazz Age to life and tells the story of the mysterious and wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for Daisy Buchanan. While this book can be polarizing with some loving The Great Gatsby and others most definitely not, this has definitely been an influential book on the American consciousness and is worth reading for that reason alone!
3. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Another book on the best classics to read list is The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. This book offers up an easily readable tale that is filled with philosophical musings on meaning, morality, free will, and faith.
Part murder mystery and part courtroom drama, this tale follows the lives of Fyodor Karamazov and his three sons―Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha. Amidst the philosophical questions, this tale is also a fascinating portrayal of Russian life and will be sure to draw you into the mystery of who killed Fyodor Karamazov!
Buy The Brothers Karamazov now!
4. The Iliad by Homer
Another of the must read classic books you won’t want to miss is The Iliad. This tale, likely composed in the eighth century B.C., is based on the actual historical event of the Trojan War and is one of the greatest epics of the Western world.
The Iliad is set toward the end of the 10-year Trojan War, and tells of the battles and quarrels between men and gods. This masterpiece is vast and epic in its scope and is filled with extraordinary lyricism that brings you into the heart of the conflict and the devastation of war.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
If you’re looking for classic books everyone should read, then grab a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird now! This classic is unforgettable and worth reading no matter your stage in life.
This deeply moving story is a coming-of-age tale in the South and addresses issues of race, inequality, and segregation through the eyes of a young girl. It’s one of the best novels of the twentieth century, so you won’t want to miss reading this instant bestseller!
Buy To Kill a Mockingbird now!
6. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is another book among the must read classics that you will love reading! Even better, it’s one of the best short classic books, which means it is quick and easy to read.
This nonsensical story follows Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole and into the strange world of Wonderland, where everything is topsy-turvy and completely unexpected. It’s a beloved tale that has been retold in books and movies across the years, but if you haven’t yet read the original then now is the time!
Buy Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland now!
7. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
If you’re looking for more classic novels to read, then Jane Eyre is another book you should pick up. While it’s not one I personally enjoy that much (due to my dislike of certain people and events, which I won’t spoil for you here!), it is still a highly influential novel and one that is worth reading for popular culture reasons and for its influence on literature.
Jane Eyre follows the young orphaned Jane as she grows from childhood into adulthood, and ultimately as she arrives to be a governess at Thornfield Hall—home of the brooding Edward Rochester! She finds herself drawn to him, but soon she discovers that there are alarming secrets here at Thornfield Hall…
This is a Gothic masterpiece with a plucky heroine (and an at-the-time groundbreaking use of the first person narrative), so it is a classic for a reason and can definitely be a phenomenal read.
8. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Another book on the list of classics everyone should read is The Call of the Wild. This story is a vivid account of life in the Yukon during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, and explores themes of nature and the struggle to survive in the landscape of frozen Alaska.
This tale itself centers on a dog named Buck, a domesticated dog who was stolen from his home and sold into the brutal life of an Alaskan sled dog. He’s forced to adjust to cruel treatment and shed his domesticated traits to survive life in harsh Alaska and become a leader in the wild.
This book was quick to gain popularity and success and is still much beloved today, as a classic tale of survival in the Alaskan wilderness. So be sure to add this to your list of classic must read books!
Want to read more books about nature? Check out these fun books about the outdoors!
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Looking for the best classic novels of all time? If so, then The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe deserves a spot on your reading list!
This book is the first in the Chronicles of Narnia series, and introduces us to the four Pevensie children who were sent away from London due to bombings during WWII. While living in the country, one of the four children (Lucy) stumbles through a wardrobe and into the strange, snow-covered world of Narnia. But there is an evil enchantment on the land…can the Pevensies free Narnia from its spell?
This is an easy classic to read, and though its originally-intended audience was children it is just as delightful for adults. If you love fantasy novels or fantasy worlds, then this is a classic you will definitely want to pick up!
Buy The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe now!
10. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
If you’re interested in classics with heavier themes, then The Scarlet Letter is one such book you may want to read. This story explores themes of legalism, sin, and guilt and is definitely on the heavier side of reading experiences!
The tale is set in 17th century Puritan Boston, and tells the story of Hester Prynne who conceives a child through an affair and won’t reveal her lover’s identity. She’s forced to wear the scarlet letter A (for adultery) on her clothes and deals with public shaming and punishment as she strives to create a life filled with dignity and repentance.
While the themes of this book are definitely heavy and hard to read at times, this book is one that is worth reading and considering the themes within.
11. 1984 by George Orwell
Another of the most famous classic books that you should add to your reading list is 1984 by George Orwell. This dystopian classic explores the consequences of totalitarianism, mass surveillance, and similar themes and offers a pointed and haunting look into a world run by “Big Brother.”
In this story, Winston Smith works at the Ministry of Truth rewriting history to agree with the views of the Party—a party that prosecutes and persecutes those who so much as commit a thoughtcrime. But when Winston starts to think for himself instead of letting the Party think for him, he begins to see the world as it really is and finds out how difficult it is to escape Big Brother…
12. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
If there’s one classic author you need to read, it’s definitely William Shakespeare. And if there’s one work of his you should pick up, it’s likely Romeo and Juliet…simply because of the sheer magnitude of how this tale has infiltrated modern Western culture.
This tale of star-crossed lovers is one of the most famous books about forbidden love affairs, so if you’re in the mood for a tragic classic story then this is definitely the book to read. While modern popular culture often idealizes Romeo and Juliet as the ultimate in romance, this tale actually centers on feuding families, star-crossed and unfulfilled love, and (spoiler alert!) the deaths of the two young lovers.
This play was one of the most popular during Shakespeare’s lifetime, and is also one of the most popular today…with tons of stage, film, musical, opera, and other adaptions including a multitude of modern retellings. But there’s nothing quite like Shakespeare’s version, so be sure to grab a copy to enjoy!
13. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
If you’re looking for classic fantasy books that have heavily influenced both fantasy literature and popular culture, then The Fellowship of the Ring is a book you definitely shouldn’t miss!
This book is the first in the Lord of the Rings series, and introduces Tolkien’s brilliantly detailed fantasy world of Middle-earth. With Hobbits, dwarves, elves, orcs, and of course the Dark Lord Sauron who wants to rule all others, this tale about the battle between good and evil is filled with excitement and peril as the hobbit Frodo journeys across Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring and keep power out of the hands of those who would do harm with its power.
Buy The Fellowship of the Ring now!
14. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden is a children’s classic but is beloved by all ages and deserves a spot on the best classic books list. This is a tale filled with mysteries, hidden doors, and secret hiding places, but also speaks to the beauty that comes about through care and nurture of fellow human beings.
The story follows young Mary Lennox who was orphaned in a cholera outbreak and sent to live with her Uncle in Yorkshire. Sad and lonely in this new place, Mary explores the house and grounds on her own…one day stumbling across a secret garden that she beings to return to its former glory with the help of a kindly gardener and her friend Dickon. As she brings the garden to life, she also brings joy back into her uncle and cousin’s life and home!
15. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
If you’re interested in the great classics of English literature, then The Canterbury Tales is one book that absolutely must be on your list. This collection of short stories/tales was original written in Middle English (although there are translations to Modern English available) and is considered to be one of the most influential works of its day.
While there are individual tales that make up this book, they are all held together by the frame of a group of pilgrims traveling the road together and holding a story-telling competition along the way. Each of the pilgrims gets a chance to share their story, and each tale reflects the characteristics of the storyteller…whether they tell a story of romance, moral allegory, farce, etc. This book is a fascinating look into the life and mind of medieval England!
16. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Another famous classic novel you may wish to add to your classics list is The Picture of Dorian Gray.
This tale tells of a fashionable young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty, and focuses on themes of moral disintegration. When first published, it was violently attacked for its corrupting influence…but today it remains on the classics list. While I personally prefer some of Wilde’s other works, like The Importance of Being Earnest, The Picture of Dorian Gray is still highly important due to its impact on society both historically and in the present.
Buy The Picture of Dorian Gray now!
17. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
There are few classic authors as influential as Charles Dickens, and Great Expectations is one of his most popular and masterful works.
In this suspenseful story, Dickens explores the themes of aspirations and moral redemption through the tale of orphaned Pip. While Pip is apprenticed to the dirty work of the forge but dreams of becoming a gentleman.
This is a tale of crime, guilt, revenge, and love and loss, and has been praised widely both in its day and throughout the years. Some even consider it Dickens’ finest work, so be sure to pick this one up for your TBR list!
18. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic American novel that is widely considered a must-read classic, so this is one you’ll want to keep in mind.
This story follows the imaginative boyhood adventures of a 19th century boy as he travels down the Mississippi River with a runaway slave. Twain’s writing and use of dialogue provides a snapshot of life along the Mississippi during this time, and explores themes including “natural” vs “civilized”, dignity of human beings, and the evils of slavery.
Buy The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn now!
19. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Another classic book you will love is I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. This story follows 17-year-old Cassandra and her family through six turbulent months of 1934.
Cassandra’s family lives in poverty in an old English castle, and she keeps a journal filled with funny and poignant entries about her home, a ruined castle, and her eccentric family. This book will surely capture your heart when you read it!
20. The Art of War by Sun-Tzu
The Art of War is a Chinese classic that has become one of the most important books of all time, and one that everyone should read.
While ostensibly a book about military strategy based on Chinese warfare and military thought, the principles within can be applied to all walks of life including politics, business, and everyday living. It’s filled with lessons on strategy, wisdom, and philosophy that anyone can take advantage of and learn from!
21. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is one of those books that nearly everyone is familiar with on some level, but not so many people have actually read. But it’s a classic, and now’s the time to read it!
This book’s storyline explores follows the lawyer Mr. Utterson as he tries to uncover the mystery of Mr. Hyde’s connection to Jekyll and how the both of them are related to the murders and atrocities being committed all across London. It explores themes of human nature and good and evil, and if you love horror or suspense then this is a classic you should definitely read!
Buy The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde now!
22. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Looking for delightful classic books to read? If so, then Anne of Green Gables is the way to go! This is a charming read from start to finish.
Anne Shirley is an orphan…and after hoping upon hope to have a family to call her own, she’s finally been adopted. The only problem—the Cuthberts thought they were adopting a boy! Will they allow this girl with romantic dreams to stay? This is definitely one of the classic novels everyone should read!
23. Persuasion by Jane Austen
Another of the English classic books you should definitely pick up is Persuasion. This is one of Austen’s most beloved works, and it has earned its spot on any must-read classics list!
Eight years before the story begins, Anne Elliot is engaged to Frederick Wentworth…but breaks off the engagement when a family friend convinces her the match is unworthy. But now Wentworth has returned from sea as a rich and successful captain, while Anne’s family has fallen on hard times. Will Anne and Wentworth be reunited in their love or is it too late?
This is one of the best classic novels about love, so if you want a beautiful classic book to read this is one you need in your life!
24. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Looking for the most American of American classics? If so, then The Grapes of Wrath is the book to read!
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel chronicles the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s and tells the story of the Joads—an Oklahoma farm family driven from their homestead and forced to travel west to California. Through the story of this family, Steinbeck captures the horrors and conflicts of the Great Depression and the strength of those living in such a world.
25. Dracula by Bram Stoker
Looking for classic Gothic or classic horror books to read? Dracula is the perfect choice!
This novel set many common conventions for future vampire fantasy books, and it tells the story of Dracula’s attempt to move from Transylvania to England to spread the curse of the undead. Will he succeed? Or will Van Helsing and his small group of helpers (including Jonathan Harker and Mina Murray) be able to stop him before it’s too late?
Even if you’ve never read this book before, it’s one of those books that you already at least subconsciously know because it has so thoroughly permeated modern society and literature. So now is the time to pick it up and read it for yourself!
26. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
When looking for classic Russian literature to read, War and Peace is another classic that should be on your list.
This novel is one of Tolstoy’s most well-known works, and broadly considers on Napoleon invasion of Russia in 1812 while following the lives of three interesting characters: pierre Bezukhov, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, and Natasha Rostov. It’s a broad, sweeping story filled with characters from diverse backgrounds as they all struggle to deal with the problems of their era, their culture, and their history.
While this is certainly a long classic book to read, it is well worth the effort because of the depth of human experience packed into this book. So grab a copy today and get reading!
27. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Speaking of long classics that you should pick up, Les Misérables is another of the most popular classic books—especially because of its adaption into the hugely popular musical of the same name.
In this book, we’re introduced to Jean Valjean, taken deep into the Parisian underworld, and thrown into the middle of a battle between good and evil. Through this storyline and the characters we meet, we experience the extremes of human emotion and desperation with stunning realism.
While it’s not the happiest of classic books (what did you expect with a title of Les Misérables?) it is no less important and is sure to reward the reader with a new perspective on life.
28. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Speaking of classic gothic books and horror novels that you need to read, Frankenstein is an absolute must and is probably in the top 10 classic books!
The story of Frankenstein’s monster is another of the captivating literary figures that permeates modern society, just like Dracula. You don’t even need to have read this book to know who Frankenstein’s monster is, but giving this book a read is still a good idea.
In this book, we follow the scientist Victor Frankenstein and watch what happens as he oversteps the bounds of conscience in creating a creature tortured by living in a world he does not belong to. It’s a striking story that fits with the Romantic imagination of Shelley’s day, as well as still captivating readers today!
29. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
Another classic book written by a female novelist that you need to read is To the Lighthouse. This book is considered by many to be Woolf’s finest novel, and it is remarkably original.
To the Lighthouse‘s story is centered on the Ramsay family and their visits to the Isle of Skye on two occasions set 10 years apart. But the plot itself is not as central to the story; instead, it is more of a work of philosophical introspection as we discover the thoughts and actions of the various Ramsay family members and their guests.
With themes of loss, subjectivity, the nature of art, and more, this classic novel is sure to provide lots of food for thought!
30. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Looking for adventure classics to read? If so, then The Count of Monte Cristo should be top of your list.
Edmond Dantes was falsely accused of treason on the day of his wedding, and then imprisoned without trial in a notorious island prison off the coast of Marseilles. When he makes a daring escape six years later, he comes into great wealth and all he desires is to return to France to exact revenge on those who imprisoned him. Enter the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo…
This historical adventure is one of the most popular classic adventure novels, and you’ll find it an enjoyable and melodramatic read!
Buy The Count of Monte Cristo now!
31. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Looking for classic children’s books that adults will love to read as well? The Wind in the Willows is the book for you!
As you enter the world of The Wind in the Willows, you’ll discover the adorable main characters including Mole, Ratty, and Badger…and of course the infamous Mr. Toad. This delightful cast of characters goes on all sorts of adventures up and down the river, including going boating, going on picnics, and stealing motor cars!
If you’re looking for classic books that take you away and whisk you into a delightful new world, then Kenneth Grahame’s masterpiece is a book you won’t want to miss.
Buy The Wind in the Willows now!
32. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Another adventure fiction classic you’ll want to read is Moby-Dick. This story is considered a great American novel from the Romantic period in America, and is perhaps most famous for its iconic opening line (“Call me Ishmael”).
Sometimes called a strange story and other times considered one of the greatest books of the sea, this tale is narrated by Ishmael and follows the quest of Ahab (captain of the whaler Pequod) on his quest for revenge against the whale Moby Dick who destroyed Ahab’s ship and severed his leg on a previous voyage.
So if you’re looking for a nautical classic to read, consider picking up this epic story next!
33. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Another classic novel that has widely infiltrated the modern world is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
This classic Christmas tale tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the old miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. As Scrooge experiences the visits of these spirits, he gradually transforms into a kinder and gentler man.
Whether you’re planning to read this book at Christmas or some other time during the year, it is well worth reading no matter the season!
34. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
When looking for famous classic books, Wuthering Heights is another novel you’ll find frequently mentioned.
In this story, we follow Heathcliff and Catherine from a young age and as they grow up. These two were raised together on the Yorkshire moors, and as they grow older they begin to fall in love and love each other madly. Their destinies seem intertwined…but when Catherine ends up marrying a wealthy man for his social status, Heathcliff wants revenge!
This book is somewhat gothic in nature and seems like a dark romance tale at times, but I personally find it to be more about revenge and destruction and a variety of social issues. It is worth a read, and when you’re done reading it you can weigh in on the debate over whether it is or is not a love story!
35. The Odyssey by Homer
Like The Iliad mentioned earlier on, The Odyssey is another Greek classic book that should be high on your list if you want to be well read!
This epic follows the Greek hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca, on his extremely long journey home after the Trojan War. Meanwhile, back at home in Ithaca, he is believed dead and suitors are competing for the queen’s hand in marriage. Can his wife Penelope and her son hold off the suitors? Will Odysseus arrive back home in time to claim his place again?
This story is filled with adventures, and it has had a very long-lasting impact on the Western world. So if you’re looking for a classic book that you will enjoy reading and that will help you be knowledgeable about one of the oldest surviving works of Western literature, then this is the tale to pick up!
36. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Last but not least, Little Women is a classic novel that is highly beloved…and with good reason!
This story focuses on the March sisters (Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy) who are left at home and in charge of maintaining the household when their father goes off to war. As the girls grow from childhood into adulthood, they learn more about themselves and the love they share as a family while they strive to find their own places in the world.
You’ll find that this novel focuses on sisterhood throughout, but it also explores themes relating to growing up, life and death, falling in love, and more. It will take you on an emotional and exciting journey through the lives of the March sisters as you explore the world through their eyes!
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