Classic books
Explore reading lists, articles and features about classic books. From the turbulent love affair in Jane Eyre to the dashing exploits of musketeers, these classic books have been capturing people’s imaginations for years.
The British Library's Crime Classics series reprints detective novels and stories that were first published during the golden age of crime writing. Discover a selection of titles from the series.
1 Min Read
The J.R.R. Tolkien literary landscape is huge and constantly evolving. It's possible to find limited editions, deluxe editions, illustrated books, box sets and attractive modern editions. The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are just the start when you visit Middle-earth.
1 Min Read
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was published on December 19 in 1843. Its illustrations helped craft the festive holiday that is celebrated today. Discover illustrated editions of this classic story.
1 Min Read
It can be safely said that Jane Austen is one of the best-loved English authors of all time. Born December 16, 1775, Austen made a mark on the literary world with her romantic fiction set among the landed gentry in England.
3 Min Read
See our list of the best classic books and why you should read them. From Robert Louis Stevenson to George Orwell.
1 Min Read
Considered the greatest writer in the English language, William Shakespeare's works are among the world's most widely read, most intensely studied, and most passionately collected. Early editions are also some of the most valuable.
4 Min Read
"There is no friend as loyal as a book." -- Ernest Hemingway
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Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, arguably one of the best American writers of all time, lived a brief life and died without knowing his true fame. Fitzgerald lived in Paris after World War I and made a living writing short stories for magazines. He didn't know The Great Gatsby would one day become one of the most read books in America.
5 Min Read
Ray Bradbury was a giant of American literature. The man just could not be stopped - in his 91 years of life and a career spanning over 70 years, he wrote nearly a dozen novels and around 600 short stories.
4 Min Read
"Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter., It's round and wet and crowded. At the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies - God damn it, you've got to be kind." - from God Bless You Mr. Rosewater or Pearls Before Swine.
2 Min Read
Murder, torture and more grisly tales! We went back centuries to find out what really happened to our favorite princesses.
7 Min Read