The Big Read was a survey on books carried out by the BBC in the United Kingdom in 2003, where over three quarters of a million votes were received from the British public to find the nation's best-loved novel of all time. The year-long survey was the biggest single test of public reading taste to date,and culminated with several programmes hosted by celebrities, advocating their favorite books.
16. The Wind in the Willows
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
20. War & Peace Leo Tolstoy
One of the great masters of the 19th-century novel, LEO TOLSTOY created a sweeping epic in War and Peace enfolding together huge events in history and politics with the emotional lives of individuals in the backdrop of Napoleonic invasions across Europe and Russia. The vast and sprawling War and Peace tells the story of survival during Napoleon's invasion of Russia. Among its many unforgettable characters are Prince Andrey Bolkonsky, Pierre Bezukhov, and the novel's most memorable heroine, Natasha. Both an intimate study of individual passions and an epic history of Russia and its people, war and Peace is a complete portrait of human existence. Out of this complex narrative emerges a profound examination of the individual's place in the historical process, one that makes it clear why Thomas Mann praised Tolstoy for his Homeric powers and placed War and Peace in the same category as the Iliad: "To read him .... is to find one's way home......to everything within us that is fundamental and sane."
The BBC started the Big Read with the goal of finding the "Nation's Best-loved Novel" by way of a viewer vote via the Web, SMS, and telephone. The show attracted controversy for adopting an allegedly sensationalist approach to literature, but supporters praised it for raising the public awareness of reading. The British public voted originally for any novel that they wished. From this, a list of 200 was drawn up, with the highest 21 then put forward for further voting, on the provision that only one book per author was permitted in the top 21. As the poll was based on novels, the plays of William Shakespeare were not part of the survey.
1. The Lord of the Rings
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It is an epic high fantasy novel written by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. The story began as a sequel to Tolkien's 1937 fantasy novel The Hobbit, but eventually developed into a much larger work. It was written in stages between 1937 and 1949, much of it during World War II.[1] It is one of the best-selling novels ever written, with over 150 million copies sold
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It is an epic high fantasy novel written by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. The story began as a sequel to Tolkien's 1937 fantasy novel The Hobbit, but eventually developed into a much larger work. It was written in stages between 1937 and 1949, much of it during World War II.[1] It is one of the best-selling novels ever written, with over 150 million copies sold
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (SparkNotes Literature Guide)
When an essay is due and dreaded exams loom, here's the lit-crit help students need to succeed! SparkNotes Literature Guides make studying smarter, better, and faster. They provide chapter-by-chapter analysis, explanations of key themes, motifs and symbols, a review quiz, and essay topics. Lively and accessible, SparkNotes is perfect for late-night studying and paper writing.
When an essay is due and dreaded exams loom, here's the lit-crit help students need to succeed! SparkNotes Literature Guides make studying smarter, better, and faster. They provide chapter-by-chapter analysis, explanations of key themes, motifs and symbols, a review quiz, and essay topics. Lively and accessible, SparkNotes is perfect for late-night studying and paper writing.
3. Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials: A Multiple Allegory: Attacking Religious Superstition in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Paradise Lost: Attacking ... Witch and the Wardrobe' and ' Paradise Lost'
Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy is one of the most popular fantasy works of our time. Both the trilogy and the movies based on it are being marketed chiefly as YA (young adult) fare. But Leonard F. Wheat shows in this fascinating analysis that His Dark Materials is far more than a YA tale. At a deeper level it is a complex triple allegory—a surface story that uses 231 symbols to tell three hidden stories. As such, it is among the most profound, intellectually challenging, and thoroughly adult works ever written.
Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy is one of the most popular fantasy works of our time. Both the trilogy and the movies based on it are being marketed chiefly as YA (young adult) fare. But Leonard F. Wheat shows in this fascinating analysis that His Dark Materials is far more than a YA tale. At a deeper level it is a complex triple allegory—a surface story that uses 231 symbols to tell three hidden stories. As such, it is among the most profound, intellectually challenging, and thoroughly adult works ever written.
4. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide 1)
Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.
Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have") and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox--the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years.
Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.
Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have") and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox--the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years.
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
It is the fourth novel in the Harry Potter series, written by British author J. K. Rowling. It follows Harry Potter, a wizard in his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the mystery surrounding the entry of Harry's name into the Triwizard Tournament, in which he is forced to compete.
The book was published in the United Kingdom by Bloomsbury and in the United States by Scholastic, in both countries the release date was 8 July 2000, the first time a book in the series was published in both countries at the same time. The novel won a Hugo Award, the only Harry Potter novel to do so, in 2001. The book was made into a film, which was released worldwide on 18 November 2005, and a video game by Electronic Arts.
It is the fourth novel in the Harry Potter series, written by British author J. K. Rowling. It follows Harry Potter, a wizard in his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the mystery surrounding the entry of Harry's name into the Triwizard Tournament, in which he is forced to compete.
The book was published in the United Kingdom by Bloomsbury and in the United States by Scholastic, in both countries the release date was 8 July 2000, the first time a book in the series was published in both countries at the same time. The novel won a Hugo Award, the only Harry Potter novel to do so, in 2001. The book was made into a film, which was released worldwide on 18 November 2005, and a video game by Electronic Arts.
6. To Kill a Mockingbird
It is a novel by Harper Lee published in 1960. It was immediately successful, winning the Pulitzer Prize, and has become a classic of modern American literature. The plot and characters are loosely based on the author's observations of her family and neighbors, as well as on an event that occurred near her hometown in 1936, when she was 10 years old.
It is a novel by Harper Lee published in 1960. It was immediately successful, winning the Pulitzer Prize, and has become a classic of modern American literature. The plot and characters are loosely based on the author's observations of her family and neighbors, as well as on an event that occurred near her hometown in 1936, when she was 10 years old.
7. In Which Milne's Life Is Told: A Biography of Winnie the Pooh Author A.A. Milne
Few authors achieve fame in their lifetime and then have that fame compound and grow long after their death. Fewer still spend much of their lives harboring resentment for the work that made them famous. Such was the case for Alan Alexander Milne. Long before he wrote Winnie-the-Pooh, Milne had established a career as a humorist and playwright. When his son, Christopher Robin, was born, it led to an inspiration for a series of children’s verses about a toy bear named Pooh and his friends. Two novels followed that and the Winnie the Pooh brand was born. This biography traces Milne’s life, influence and legacy.
Few authors achieve fame in their lifetime and then have that fame compound and grow long after their death. Fewer still spend much of their lives harboring resentment for the work that made them famous. Such was the case for Alan Alexander Milne. Long before he wrote Winnie-the-Pooh, Milne had established a career as a humorist and playwright. When his son, Christopher Robin, was born, it led to an inspiration for a series of children’s verses about a toy bear named Pooh and his friends. Two novels followed that and the Winnie the Pooh brand was born. This biography traces Milne’s life, influence and legacy.
8. 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four), Animal Farm, and over 40 Other Works by George Orwell
Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903 – 21 January 1950), known by his pen name George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic. His work is marked by lucid prose, awareness of social injustice, opposition to totalitarianism, and commitment to democratic socialism.
Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903 – 21 January 1950), known by his pen name George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic. His work is marked by lucid prose, awareness of social injustice, opposition to totalitarianism, and commitment to democratic socialism.
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven high fantasy novels by author C.S. Lewis. It is considered a classic of children's literature and is the author's best-known work, having sold over 100 million copies in 47 languages.[1][2] Written by Lewis between 1949 and 1954,
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven high fantasy novels by author C.S. Lewis. It is considered a classic of children's literature and is the author's best-known work, having sold over 100 million copies in 47 languages.[1][2] Written by Lewis between 1949 and 1954,
10. Jane Eyre (Hardcover Classics)
For decades, people have enjoyed losing themselves in the stories of classic literary characters, including wondering about the secrets hidden in Mr. Rochester's attic. The novels of Charlotte Brontë remain as popular, relevant, and enjoyable for the modern reader as they were for their contemporary readership, continuing to sell in the thousands. Elegantly packaged, with a textured, cloth-effect jackets, this novel will remain a must-read for generations to come.
For decades, people have enjoyed losing themselves in the stories of classic literary characters, including wondering about the secrets hidden in Mr. Rochester's attic. The novels of Charlotte Brontë remain as popular, relevant, and enjoyable for the modern reader as they were for their contemporary readership, continuing to sell in the thousands. Elegantly packaged, with a textured, cloth-effect jackets, this novel will remain a must-read for generations to come.
11. Catch-22
Joseph Heller (May 1, 1923 – December 12, 1999) was an American satirical novelist, short story writer, and playwright. The title of one of his works, Catch-22, entered the English lexicon to refer to a vicious circle wherein an absurd, no-win choice, particularly in situations in which the desired outcome of the choice is an impossibility, and regardless of choice, a same negative outcome is a certainty. Although he is remembered primarily for Catch-22, his other works center on the lives of various members of the middle class and remain examples of modern satire.
Joseph Heller (May 1, 1923 – December 12, 1999) was an American satirical novelist, short story writer, and playwright. The title of one of his works, Catch-22, entered the English lexicon to refer to a vicious circle wherein an absurd, no-win choice, particularly in situations in which the desired outcome of the choice is an impossibility, and regardless of choice, a same negative outcome is a certainty. Although he is remembered primarily for Catch-22, his other works center on the lives of various members of the middle class and remain examples of modern satire.
12.Wuthering Heights
Bold and unique, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is a heartbreaking tale of love, loss and vengeance.
Bold and unique, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is a heartbreaking tale of love, loss and vengeance.
13. Birdsong (Vintage War)
Published to international critical and popular acclaim, this intensely romantic yet stunningly realistic novel spans three generations and the unimaginable gulf between the First World War and the present. As the young Englishman Stephen Wraysford passes through a tempestuous love affair with Isabelle Azaire in France and enters the dark, surreal world beneath the trenches of No Man's Land, Sebastian Faulks creates a world of fiction that is as tragic as A Farewell to Arms and as sensuous as The English Patient. Crafted from the ruins of war and the indestructibility of love, Birdsong is a novel that will be read and marveled at for years to come.
Published to international critical and popular acclaim, this intensely romantic yet stunningly realistic novel spans three generations and the unimaginable gulf between the First World War and the present. As the young Englishman Stephen Wraysford passes through a tempestuous love affair with Isabelle Azaire in France and enters the dark, surreal world beneath the trenches of No Man's Land, Sebastian Faulks creates a world of fiction that is as tragic as A Farewell to Arms and as sensuous as The English Patient. Crafted from the ruins of war and the indestructibility of love, Birdsong is a novel that will be read and marveled at for years to come.
14. Rebecca
Twenty-one years after it was first published this is a special anniversary edition of the bestselling and much-loved classic published for the centenary of the First World War
Twenty-one years after it was first published this is a special anniversary edition of the bestselling and much-loved classic published for the centenary of the First World War
15. The Catcher in the Rye
Jerome David Salinger or J.D. Salinger was a New Yorker who started writing at a very young age, when he was in secondary school. He led a reclusive life for most of his years. The Catcher in the Rye was Salinger's first published novel and was inspired from his own life as a youngster. His other works include Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey and Go See Eddie. Salinger was also into Zen Buddhism and Vedantic Yoga. He breathed his last in the year 2010.
Jerome David Salinger or J.D. Salinger was a New Yorker who started writing at a very young age, when he was in secondary school. He led a reclusive life for most of his years. The Catcher in the Rye was Salinger's first published novel and was inspired from his own life as a youngster. His other works include Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey and Go See Eddie. Salinger was also into Zen Buddhism and Vedantic Yoga. He breathed his last in the year 2010.
16. The Wind in the Willows
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
17. Great Expectations
Jerome David Salinger or J.D. Salinger was a New Yorker who started writing at a very young age, when he was in secondary school. He led a reclusive life for most of his years. The Catcher in the Rye was Salinger's first published novel and was inspired from his own life as a youngster. His other works include Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey and Go See Eddie. Salinger was also into Zen Buddhism and Vedantic Yoga. He breathed his last in the year 2010.
Jerome David Salinger or J.D. Salinger was a New Yorker who started writing at a very young age, when he was in secondary school. He led a reclusive life for most of his years. The Catcher in the Rye was Salinger's first published novel and was inspired from his own life as a youngster. His other works include Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey and Go See Eddie. Salinger was also into Zen Buddhism and Vedantic Yoga. He breathed his last in the year 2010.
18. Little Women
Following the lives of four sisters on a journey out of adolescence, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women explores the difficulties associated with gender roles in a Post-Civil War America.
Following the lives of four sisters on a journey out of adolescence, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women explores the difficulties associated with gender roles in a Post-Civil War America.
19. Louis de Bernières: The Essential Guide: "Captain Corelli's Mandolin", "Troublesome Offspri (Vintage Living Texts)
This series provides readers of all kinds with an introduction to Louis de Bernières and some of the most exciting works in contemporary literature, including Captain Corelli's Mandolin, The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman, Señor Vivo and the Coca Lord and The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts.
This series provides readers of all kinds with an introduction to Louis de Bernières and some of the most exciting works in contemporary literature, including Captain Corelli's Mandolin, The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman, Señor Vivo and the Coca Lord and The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts.
20. War & Peace Leo Tolstoy
One of the great masters of the 19th-century novel, LEO TOLSTOY created a sweeping epic in War and Peace enfolding together huge events in history and politics with the emotional lives of individuals in the backdrop of Napoleonic invasions across Europe and Russia. The vast and sprawling War and Peace tells the story of survival during Napoleon's invasion of Russia. Among its many unforgettable characters are Prince Andrey Bolkonsky, Pierre Bezukhov, and the novel's most memorable heroine, Natasha. Both an intimate study of individual passions and an epic history of Russia and its people, war and Peace is a complete portrait of human existence. Out of this complex narrative emerges a profound examination of the individual's place in the historical process, one that makes it clear why Thomas Mann praised Tolstoy for his Homeric powers and placed War and Peace in the same category as the Iliad: "To read him .... is to find one's way home......to everything within us that is fundamental and sane."
21. Gone with the Wind
Margaret Mitchell was born in Atlanta, Georgia into a family passionately interested in American history. She grew up in an atmosphere of stories about the Civil War which she committed to paper in the ten years following her marriage in 1925. The result was Gone With The Wind, first published in 1936. It won the Pulitzer Prize, sold over ten million copies, was translated in eighteen languages, and was one of the most successful films ever made starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. Gone With The Wind was her only published work. She died in 1949.
Margaret Mitchell was born in Atlanta, Georgia into a family passionately interested in American history. She grew up in an atmosphere of stories about the Civil War which she committed to paper in the ten years following her marriage in 1925. The result was Gone With The Wind, first published in 1936. It won the Pulitzer Prize, sold over ten million copies, was translated in eighteen languages, and was one of the most successful films ever made starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. Gone With The Wind was her only published work. She died in 1949.
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