THE WORLD'S BEST BOOKS

[1] Particularly Job, along with Psalms 19, 103, 104, and 107 in the Old Testament; and in the New Testament, the four Gospels, the Acts, and the Epistles. (m. R. D. C. G.)

[2] Next to the Bible, probably no book is read as much by the English-speaking people as Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," a straightforward, vivid, and helpful story about Christian life and its challenges. No other writer has expressed the core truths of Christianity as well as this remarkable, self-taught, imaginative genius, who poured his life into the timeless pages of his poetic allegory during the twelve long years in the late 17th century when he was imprisoned, during the Restoration, simply for his religious beliefs. (e. R. D.)

[3] Taylor's "Holy Living and Dying" is a thoughtful and honest discussion about managing our time, having pure intentions, practicing the presence of God, and embracing qualities like temperance, justice, modesty, humility, envy, contentment, and more. Some sections of the first hundred and fifty pages are extremely useful. Even Ruskin acknowledges that Taylor and Bunyan deserve to be recognized among the greatest in the world. (Eng., 17th cent.—m. R. D.)

[4] "Imitation of Christ" is a companion book to the previous one, written in the 15th century by Thomas à Kempis, a German monk known for his pure and uplifting life and ideas. It's a world-renowned book, translated into every major language and has gone through over five hundred editions in this century. (m. R. D.)

[5] Spencer's "Data of Ethics" is one of the most important books in literature, having a similar significance to the science of ethics as Newton's "Principia" has to astronomy, or Darwin's "Origin of Species" has to biology. Pay special attention to the sections on altruistic selfishness, the morality of health, and the general development of moral feelings. (Eng., 19th cent.—d. R. D. G.) Spencer's "First Principles" is also essential for understanding the scientific religious thinking of the time. In relation to Spencer's works, Fiske's "The Idea of God" and "Destiny of Man" are also worthwhile reads. The author of these books primarily follows and explains Spencer's ideas.

[6] The "Meditations" of M. Aurelius is a book filled with profound, genuine beauty and philosophy; it’s one of the most uplifting influences you can bring into your life, and it’s one of Canon Farrar's twelve favorite works from all of literature. (Rome, 2nd century.—m. R. D.)

[7] Plutarch's "Morals" provided much of the valuable content that Taylor used in creating "Holy Living and Dying." Emerson claims that we owe more to Plutarch than to all the other ancient thinkers. Many great writers have been influenced by him, including Rabelais, Montaigne, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, Shakespeare, Bacon, and Dryden. Plutarch's "Morals" is a treasure trove of wisdom and beauty. There is a wonderful edition with an introduction by Emerson. (Rome, 1st cent.—m. R. D.)

[8] Seneca's "Morals" is a perfect companion to the previous six books, filled with profound reflections on everyday issues, expressed in clear and impactful language. The Camelot Library has a great collection of his ethical writings and his charming letters, which are essentially moral essays. (Rome, 1st cent.—m. R. D.)

[9] Epictetus was another significant moral teacher, the mentor of Marcus Aurelius. Alongside Bunyan and Kempis, the writings of these great Stoics, which are full of the calmness of minds that had freed themselves from external circumstances and emotions, are among the most popular ethical works. Epictetus was a Roman slave in the 1st century A.D. (m. R. D.)

[10] Everyone should read the little book on "Tolerance" by Phillips Brooks. See Table III, side No. 23. The sermons by Dr. Brooks and Robertson are among the most helpful and inspiring readings we know. Drummond's "Natural Law in the Spiritual World" features clever and often poetic comparisons between the physical and spiritual realms. If approached as poetry, it holds up well; however, readers should thoroughly examine the principles presented and ensure there’s more substantial evidence than just analogy before drawing major conclusions based on this author’s statements. Drummond's later book, "The Greatest Thing in the World," is also worth checking out. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[11] "Areopagitica." A powerful argument for freedom of speech and the press. (Eng., early 17th cent.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Keble's beautiful "Christian Year."

[13] Cicero's "On Duties" is an incredibly valuable ethical guide. It shows a young Roman how to achieve recognition and the respect and trust of his peers. Its core principles are timeless, and the structure is excellent. Dr. Peabody's translation is the finest. (Rome, 1st cent. b. c.)

[14] "Thoughts." Pascal's "Thoughts" are recognized globally for their depth and beauty. (France, 17th cent.)

[15] "The Perfect Life" and other works. (U.S., 19th cent.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Ethics. (Greece, 4th century BCE)

[17] "Confessions" and "The City of God." (Rome, 4th century)

[18] Analogy of Religion. (Eng., 18th century)

[19] Ethics and theological-political speculation. (Dutch, 17th century)

[20] Shakespeare is the pinnacle of world literature. More than any other person who has lived on this planet, he had a vivid, accurate, and comprehensive imagination that creates an entire universe in the poet's mind. There is a huge gap between our understanding of a person and the person themselves, or a complete depiction of them with all their thoughts, feelings, motives, and possibilities. If we had perfect knowledge of someone, we could predict what they would think and do. Shakespeare came closer to this ultimate knowledge than anyone else. He understood the complexities of human nature so well that he could create characters that are flawless in execution. This mastery of the most challenging aspects of thought and the vast, multifaceted brilliance of his plays prove he is intellectually the greatest of all humanity. It is sheer nonsense to think that Bacon wrote the plays attributed to Shakespeare. They were published during Shakespeare's life under his name, and Greene, Jonson, Milton, and other contemporaries clearly acknowledged the great master. Donnelly's Cryptogram is a blatant fraud; and in response to the argument that an uneducated man like Shakespeare couldn’t have written such magnificent poetry, while Bacon, who is known to have had great talent, it suffices to point out that Shakespeare's sonnets, whose authorship is unquestionable, display far greater poetic ability than anything found in Bacon's recognized works. Richard Grant White's edition is the best; and certainly, everyone should own the very best of Shakespeare, even if no other book is ever purchased. (16th cent.) See Table III. No 1.

With Shakespeare, you can refer to Dowden's "Shakespeare Primer" and "The Mind and Art of Shakespeare," Abbott's "Shakespearean Grammar," Lanier's "Science of English Verse," Hazlitt's "Characters of Shakespeare's Plays" and "Age of Elizabeth," Lamb's "Tales from Shakespeare," Ward's "English Dramatic Literature and History of the Drama," Lewes' "Actors and the Art of Acting," Hutton's "Plays and Players," Leigh Hunt's "Imagination and Fancy," and Whipple's "Literature of the Age of Elizabeth."

[21] Homer is the greatest epic poet in the world. He stands alongside Shakespeare, filled with grandeur and emotion, tenderness, simplicity, and endless energy. Pope's translation is still the best overall, but it should be read alongside Derby's Iliad and Worsley's Odyssey. In some areas, those translations are richer in power and beauty; in others, Pope is significantly better. Flaxman's illustrations greatly enhance the enjoyment of Homer, as do the writings of Gladstone, Arnold, and Symonds. (Greece, about 1000 b. c.) See Table III. No 2.

[22] Ruskin believes Dante is the most significant figure in history, the only person where the moral, intellectual, and imaginative abilities come together with strength and harmony. (Italy, 14th cent.) Follow the advice given in Table III. No. 5, and if you can, read Longfellow's translation. See note 24, p. 30.

Among the writings that will be useful in connection with Dante are Rossetti's "Shadow of Dante," Lowell's essay in "Among My Books," Symonds' "Introduction to the Study of Dante," Farrar's "Lecture on Dante," Mrs. Ward's "Life of Dante," Botta's "Dante as a Philosopher," and Carlyle's "Heroes and Hero Worship."

[23] Goethe is definitely the greatest German and one of the top six names in literature. His "Faust" tells the story of the soul. Check out Bayard Taylor's translation and the explanation of the play's meaning in Taylor's "Studies in German Literature." "Faust" took him half a century to complete and was finished in 1818 when Goethe was over eighty.

As a lead-up to Goethe, it’s worth checking out the story of Faust in Butterworth's "Zigzag Journeys" and reading Marlowe's "Drama of Faustus." Carlyle has done a fantastic job translating the novel "Wilhelm Meister," which is packed with rich poetic ideas, overflowing with wisdom, and infused with a delightful sweetness that constantly inspires the mind to new thoughts. Some critics even prefer it to Hamlet as a work of genius. See Table III. No. 15.

[24] Milton stands out in his time like an oak among bushes. The nobility of his character, the depth of his thoughts, and the classic beauty of his writing place him, despite a bit of coldness and a lack of naturalness in his portrayal of Adam and Eve, in the second position in English literature. His "Lycidas" is a beautiful elegy. His "Comus" is the best masque in English and certainly a lovely depiction of chastity triumphing over temptation. It should be read alongside Spenser's "Britomart." His "L' Allegro" and "Il Penseroso," which explore joy and sadness, are some of the best lyrics in the world. His "Paradise Lost" is the greatest epic in English and the best any literature has had since Dante's "Divine Comedy." The two books should be read together. Milton shows us Satan with all the pride, showiness, and power this world often adorns his figure with. Dante strips away the facade, revealing the horrible heart and true disgust of sin. (Eng., 17th cent.) See Table III. No. 2.

The writings of Stopford Brooke, Macaulay, Dr. Johnson, De Quincey, and Pattison about Milton can be beneficially referred to.

[25] Aeschylus was the greatest of the three great Greek tragedy writers. His soul embodied the highest purity and power that it has achieved on earth. You can't just stay at life's low levels forever and never rise above the clouds to reach the clear heights of thought like Aeschylus; it's like living at the base of a cliff in New Mexico and never climbing up to see the Rockies in the blue, misty distance, with their snowy peaks shining in the sunlight. At the very least, read his "Prometheus Bound" and "Agamemnon." (5th cent. b. c., the Golden Age of Grecian literature.) See Table III. No 4.

The student of Æschylus will find a lot of valuable insights in Mahaffy's "Greek Literature," "Old Greek Life," and "Social Life in Greece;" Schlegel's "Dramatic Literature;" Donaldson's "Theatre of the Greeks," and Froude's "Sea Studies." After reading Æschylus's "Prometheus," it's a good idea to check out the works of Goethe, Shelley, Lowell, and Longfellow on the same topic. This way, we connect the thoughts and ideas of five great minds regarding the myth of Prometheus.

[26] Many selections in Table III. are of exceptional quality and deserve a place on the world's top shelf, even though the author's entire body of poetic work cannot be given the same recognition. In the section before Table V, you will also find several short writings of the highest quality. See the explanatory note to Table I.

[27] Edmund Spenser is the third most important name in English literature. No modern poet resembles Homer more closely. He is straightforward, clear, and natural, yet also intricate and sincere. He is a Platonic dreamer who adores beauty, a love that is both elevated and pure; for him, all the beauty our eyes can perceive is merely an incomplete reflection of the celestial beauty within the soul of humanity and Nature. This beauty shines and sparkles through the loosely woven fabric of the divine creation we call Nature, or flows from every pore like a soft, translucent loveliness, just as the glow of a calcium flame radiates through a porcelain globe. Spenser was a model for Milton. "The Faërie Queen," "The Shepherd's Calendar," and "The Wedding Hymn" are essential reads; and if you study the former enough to grasp its deeper spiritual meaning, it will always remain one of your most cherished books. (Eng., 16th cent.) See Table III. No 6. See also Lowell's "Among my Books," Craik's "Spenser and his Poetry," and Taine's "English Literature."

[28] Lowell is one of the greatest humorists ever. No one, except Shakespeare, has ever blended such mastery of wit with so much poetic talent, friendliness, and common sense. Every American should read his poems closely and take in the best of them. (Amer., 19th cent.) See Table III. Nos. 12 and 24.

[29] Whittier is America's finest lyric poet. Check out what Lowell says about him in "Fable for Critics," and familiarize yourself with his poetry about Nature and tranquil rural life, as pure as snow and as sweet as clover. (Amer., 19th cent.) See Table III. No. 11.

[30] Tennyson is the foremost poet of our time; and while he may not stand alongside the great names at the top, his warmth, noble integrity, and the nearly flawless beauty of much of his work earn our love and respect. Check out his "In Memoriam," "Princess," "Idylls of the King," etc. (Eng., 19th cent.) See Table III. No. 11.

[31] Burns is like a breath of fresh sea air. He is a shoot of arbutus beneath the snow; full of kindness and real happiness, always in love, and constantly singing in harmony with the beats of his heart. Read "The Jolly Beggars," "The Twa Dogs," and see Table III. No. 11. (Scot., 18th cent.)

[32] There's probably nothing that can spark a love for poetry like reading Scott. (Scot., 19th cent.) See Table III. No. 7.

[33] Byron is the greatest English poet since Milton and, aside from Goethe, the greatest poet of his time in the world. His musicality, skillful use of language, passionate strength that moves from intensity to deep emotion, his keen appreciation of beauty, and his blend of passion with aesthetics would earn him a top spot in the world's literature if not for his moral failings. Check out his "Childe Harold." (Eng., 1788-1824.) See Table III. No. 13.

[34] Shelley can be unclear, abstract, and unrealistic, but he has a deep love for everything noble, along with incredible poetic talent and beautiful rhythm. Check out "Prometheus Unbound," and look at Table III. No. 13. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[35] Keats is the poetic brother of Shelley. He deserves the title "marvelous boy" much more than Chatterton does. If the lives of Shakespeare, Milton, and Wordsworth had ended at twenty-five, like Keats's did, they wouldn't have produced any poetry that compares to that of this passionate dreamer. Like Shakespeare, he had no fortune or access to a good education. Read "Hyperion," "Lamia," "Eve of Saint Agnes," "Endymion," and see Table III. No. 13. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[36] Campbell, wrapped in romantic charm and gentle language, expressed the fantasies of a dreamy fairy land filled with youthful hopes, and powerfully conveyed the pride and greatness of patriotic music. Check out his "Pleasures of Hope," "Gertrude of Wyoming," and see Table III. No 12. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[37] Moore is a singer with beautiful melodies and grace, and endless imagination. Check out his "Irish Melodies." (Eng., 19th cent.) See Table III. No. 11.

[38] Thomson is one of the most passionate admirers of Nature, and perceives clearly the connections between the inner and outer worlds that form the foundation of poetry. Check out his "Seasons" and "The Castle of Indolence." (Eng., 18th cent.)

[39] Check out Macaulay's "Lays of Ancient Rome." "Horatius" will definitely make readers feel the heroism and patriotism within them, while "Virginia" will stir up rebellion in every heart and bring tears to every eye. (Eng., 19th cent.) See Table III. No. 12.

[40] Dryden's song isn't as smooth as Pope's, but it's twice as powerful. His translation of Virgil is more passionate than the original, even if it lacks some elegance. He was the literary leader of his time, but he understood better how to express things than what to express. (Eng., 17th cent.) See Table III. No. 14.

[41] Collins was a poet of great talent. His works blend beauty, simplicity, and sweet harmony, but he wrote very little. Check out his odes, "To Pity," "To Evening," "To Mercy," "To Simplicity." See Table III. No. 14. (Eng., 18th cent.)

[42] Jean Ingelow's poems are definitely worth checking out, and you're likely to really connect with them. (Eng., 1862.) See Table III. No. 14.

[43] Bryant's "Thanatopsis," written at eighteen, showed great potential for high poetic talent; however, his career as a journalist shifted his focus away from poetry, and America missed out on the complete offerings of her finest poetic voice. He is calm and elevated in thought, with strong descriptive skills and a beautifully simple way with words. (Amer., 19th cent.) See Table III. No. 13.

[44] Longfellow's poetry is sincere and melodic, but overall it falls short in passion and imagery. Compared to global standards, he isn't considered a great poet and hasn't produced much that deserves widespread reading. However, as a figure who resonates with us as Americans, he deserves enough attention for us to explore his merits for ourselves. (Amer., 19th cent.) See Table III. No. 10.

[45] Lowell says that George Herbert is as "holy as a flower on a grave." (Eng., 1631.) See Table III. No. 13.

[46] Goldsmith's "Deserted Village" and "Traveller" will endure as long as the language exists. They are rich in wisdom and beautiful poetry. His plays are filled with humor. Check out "The Good-Natured Man" and "She Stoops to Conquer." (Eng., 18th cent.) See Table IV.

[47] Check out Coleridge's "Christabel," and have someone explain its mysterious beauty to you; also look at his "Remorse," "Ode to the Departing Year," "Ancient Mariner," and "Kubla Khan." The last one is the most amazing creation of his time, but it takes a lot of study for most readers to grasp the beautiful underlying meaning, just like with the "Mariner." Coleridge can be tough to read. He wrote very little that was truly excellent, but that little should be treasured and read until it shines its inner light into the reader's soul. The awful opium addiction destroyed him. Read his life story; it's an exciting tale. (Eng., 1772-1834.) Table III. No. 11.

[48] Lowell says in his "Fable for Critics" that he is always discovering new depths

Nothing captures this poet better than that. His deep joy in Nature, especially in mountain views, along with his calm, sincere, grand reflectiveness, are his major attractions. His "Excursion" is one of the literary greats and holds a top spot in the world of philosophical poetry. Its thousand lines of blank verse flow through the soul like the majestic music of a cathedral organ. (Eng., 19th cent.) See Table III. No. 13.

[49] Pope is the greatest of the world's machine poets, the noblest of the great group who value skilled execution more than originality and beauty of idea. "The Rape of the Lock" is his most successful work and is the best of all mock-heroic poems. "The sharpest wit, the keenest critique of the absurdities of fashionable life, the finest grace of language, and the smoothest flow of melody enhance a story in which we learn how a dashing gentleman stole a lock of a lady's hair." Also check out his "Essay on Man," and take a look at his "Dunciad," a satire on fellow writers. (Eng., 1688-1744.) See Table III. No 13, and Table IV.

[50] Southey had strong ideas about what poetry should be and aimed for purity, unity, and beautiful imagery; however, he lacked pathos and emotional depth, and the flow of his poetry is more like the dull trickle of a canal than the vibrant rush of a river. Byron remarked, "God help you, Southey, and your readers too." Take a look at his "Thalaba the Destroyer" and "Curse of Kehama." (Eng., 1774-1843.)

[51] Walton's "Complete Angler" is worth checking out. (Eng., 1653.)

[52] Browning is quite obscure and, by both authority and principle, not a top-tier poet; however, he is a deep thinker and cherished by those who have made the effort to unearth the gems. Canon Farrar ranks him among the three living authors whose works he would most want to save from destruction. Mrs. Browning has more imagination than her husband and is possibly his equal in other ways. (Eng., 19th cent.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Check out Young's "Night Thoughts."

[54] Jonson, because of his noble goals, relative purity, and classic writing style, ranks just behind Shakespeare in the history of English drama. Check out "The Alchemist," "Catiline," "The Devil as an Ass," "Cynthia's Revels," and "The Silent Woman." The story of the last one is quite funny. (Eng., 1700.)

[55] The plays by Beaumont and Fletcher are the best in the language poetically, aside from those by Shakespeare. Check out "Philaster," "The Fair Maid of the Inn," "Thierry and Theodoret," and "The Maid's Tragedy." (Eng., 17th cent.)

[56] Marlowe's "Mighty Line" is known to all poetry lovers who have explored widely. His energy is powerful. Check out "The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus," based on the incredibly captivating tale of the doctor who sold his soul to the devil for a temporary taste of power and pleasure, which inspired Goethe's finest work and led to hundreds of plays across Europe. (Eng., 17th cent.)

[57] For funny and absurd scenarios filled with quick-witted humor, Sheridan's plays are unmatched. Check out "The School for Scandal" and "The Rivals." (Eng., 18th cent.)

[58] Carleton's poetry isn't highbrow, but it's really enjoyable. Check out his "Farm Ballads." (Amer., 19th cent.)

[60] Virgil is the most prominent figure in Roman literature. His "Æneid" is considered Rome's national poem. His poetry is known for its great purity and elegance, and in terms of variety, harmony, and power, it is only second to his major influence, Homer, in epic verse. (Rome, 1st cent. b. c.) If you can't read the original, check out Dryden's translation.

[61] The Odes of Horace blend humor, elegance, meaning, passion, and warmth in a flawless style that no other writer has ever matched. He can’t be fully translated; however, Martin's version and commentary provide insight into this fascinating individual, "the most modern and most familiar of the ancients." (Rome, 1st century BCE)

[62] Lucretius is a philosophical poet. He sought to explain Nature, and his poem is praised for its wisdom, beauty, elevation, and imagination. Virgil copied whole passages from Lucretius. (Rome, 1st cent. b. c.)

[63] Ovid is crass yet prolific, and his "Metamorphoses" and "Epistles" have been very popular. (Rome, 1st cent. b. c.)

[64] The plays "Antigone" and "Œdipus at Colonus" by Sophocles are incredibly tender and beautiful. In terms of emotional depth, only Shakespeare matches him. (Greece, 5th cent. b. c.)

[65] Euripides is the third member of the great trio of Greek playwrights. His works were greatly admired by Milton and Fox. Check out his "Alcestis," "Iphigenia," "Medea," and the "Bacchae." (Greece, 5th century B.C.)

[66] Aristophanes is the best-known writer of Greek comedies. His plays are generally favorites among scholars. Check out "Clouds," "Birds," "Knights," and "Plutus." (Greece, 5th cent. b. c.)

[67] Pindar's victory odes are among the best in the world's lyrical poetry. (Greece, 5th cent. b. c.)

[68] Hesiod's "Theogony" reflects the religious beliefs of Greece. He lived around the same time as Homer.

[69] Heine is the most impressive German poet of this century. He has created many pieces of exceptional beauty and numerous vivid sketches of life that stand out for their lively freshness and striking detail.

[70] Schiller is the second name in German literature; in fact, as a lover of humanity and a poet with remarkable imagination, he surpasses Goethe. He was an influential philosopher, historian, and critic. Check out his "Song of the Bell" and his play "Wallenstein," translated by Coleridge. (Germany, 18th century)

[71] Corneille, Racine, and Molière are the three great French playwrights. Their goal is to create one powerful impression. They draw inspiration from classic writers. A French, Greek, or Roman drama is to a Shakespearean play what a statue is to a painting—an idea shaped by nature, made striking through its isolation and the beauty of its craftsmanship, versus nature itself. The historical and moral significance of French plays is significant. Corneille is one of the most remarkable modern poets. Read "The Cid" ("As beautiful as the Cid" became a saying in France), "Horace" (which is even more original and grand than "The Cid"), and "Cinna" (which Voltaire considered the best of all). Racine stands out for his grace, tenderness, and versatility. Check out his "Phèdre." Molière was almost as insightful a master of human nature on its humorous side as Shakespeare. He despises folly, meanness, and dishonesty; he is consistently wise, compassionate, and good. Read "Le Misanthrope," or "The Man-Hater," and "Tartuffe," or "The Impostor." (17th cent.)

[74] Alfred de Musset is a well-known French poet from this century, beloved by those who appreciate delightful and uplifting ideas, even when they are intertwined with the bizarre and the extravagant.

[75] Calderon de la Barca is one of the greatest playwrights in the world. His purity, power, and passion, along with his amazing imagination and incredible creativity, will put him in the same league as Shakespeare in the timeless circle of the greats. Check out Shelley's excerpts from Calderon and Fitzgerald's translation, especially "Zalamea" and "The Wonder-Working Magician," two of his best plays. (Spain, 17th cent.)

[76] Petrarch's poems have served as inspiration for all the great poets in Southern Europe. The main focus of nearly all his work is his unrequited love for the noble and beautiful Laura de Sade. His integrity is unquestionable. He stands out for his charm, emotional depth, elegance, and lyrical quality. (Italy, 14th cent.)

[77] Ariosto is Italy's greatest epic poet. Check out his "Orlando Furioso," a sprawling story filled with knights and ladies, giants, and magicians. (Italy, 1474-1533).

[78] Tasso is the second most important figure in Italian epic poetry; some even rank him above Ariosto, mentioning him alongside Homer and Virgil. Check out his "Jerusalem Delivered" and "Aminta," and take a look at his shorter poems written during his time in confinement. (Italy, 16th cent.)

[79] Camoens is the pride of Portugal, her only poet whose fame has spread far beyond her limited borders. Check out his amazing and beautiful poem, the "Lusiad," a national epic capturing all the great and fascinating events in the history of his country. (16th cent.)

[80] Omar Khayyám, the brilliant astronomer and poet from Persia, has no rival in the world for the stunning way he can express a grand poetic idea in just one full, well-crafted, melodic stanza. Check out Fitzgerald's translation. (12th cent.)

[81] Firdusi, the author of the "Shah Nameh," or Poetic History of the great deeds of the sultans. Hafiz, the poet of love, and Saadi are other significant Persian poets worth at least a look. (11th-14th cents.)

[82] Arnold's "Light of Asia" captures our interest for the insights it offers, enriching our perspective by presenting, in a brief and beautiful way, the mindset of a great culture that is quite different from our own. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[83] Pushkin is known as the Byron of Russia. Russian songs have a unique, melancholic tenderness. "They are the sorrows of a century combined into one eternal sigh." (19th cent.)

[84] Lermontov is the Russian Schiller. (19th cent.)

[85] Physical health is the foundation of all life and activity, and it’s crucial to quickly gain the best knowledge available about how to achieve and maintain it. This issue doesn’t receive nearly enough attention. If someone plans to raise chickens, they'll spend countless hours looking into chicken care to find out what makes them lay eggs, gain weight, and how to produce the best stock. But if someone only has a few children, they won’t dedicate any time to understanding the physical conditions necessary for their full and healthy development. Some people have a peculiar notion that a child is almost as valuable as a rooster. There isn't a book yet that clearly outlines the known principles of diet, exercise, care for the teeth, hair, skin, lungs, etc., along with simple remedies. Maybe Dalton's "Physiology," Flint's "Nervous System," Cutter's "Hygiene," Blaikie's "How to Get Strong," Duncan's "How to Be Plump," Beard's "Eating and Drinking," Bellows' "Philosophy of Eating," Smith on Foods, Holbrook's "Eating for Strength," "Fruit and Bread," "Hygiene for the Brain," "How to Strengthen the Memory," and Kay's book on Memory, Walter's "Nutritive Cure," Clark's "Sex in Education," Alice Stockham's "Tokology" or "Hygiene for Married Women," and Naphy's "Transmission of Life" might together provide some insight into this crucial subject, although none of these books, other than the first, are otherwise worthy of a spot on the top shelf.

[86] Dr. Strong's short book, "Our Country," is of great interest to every American who loves their country and cares about its well-being. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[88] The "Federalist" was a collection of essays by Hamilton, Jay, and Madison that supported the Federal Constitution and is the most comprehensive and insightful work on the principles of government available in the world. (Amer., 1788.)

[89] Bryce on the American Commonwealth is an excellent book, a thorough, critical, philosophical work that is groundbreaking and should be read by every American who wants to understand how our institutions are viewed by a friendly, cultured, and open-minded outsider. Mr. Bryce holds the position of Political Economy at Oxford and is a member of Parliament. His main criticism of our great republic is that it is difficult to assign blame for lawlessness within our institutions, which often encourages wrongdoers. His book should be read alongside De Tocqueville. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[90] Montesquieu's "Spirit of Laws" is a deep dive into law as it connects to government, social customs, climate, religion, and trade. It's the most important book of the 18th century. Check out Bagehot's "Physics and Politics" alongside it.

[91] Mill's "Logic" and "Political Economy" are essential for anyone who wants to be properly prepared for civilized life in America. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[92] Read Bain on "Emotions and the Will," "Mind and Body," etc. (English, 19th century)

[93] Herbert Spencer is the leading figure in the world's philosophical literature. He is the Shakespeare of science. He has a broader understanding of knowledge and a more complete conscious connection with the external universe than any other person who has ever gazed in awe at the starry sky; and his few mistakes come from an eagerness to showcase his remarkable ability to make beautiful generalizations. Make sure to read his "First Principles," "Data of Ethics," "Education," and "Classification of the Sciences," if not all his writings. Plato and Spencer are kindred spirits. Plato would have achieved what Spencer has, had he lived in the 19th century.

[94] Darwin's "Origin of Species" holds a significant place in history alongside Newton's "Principia." The ideas from both works have largely become common knowledge. For the average reader, it might be enough to look at a reliable summary of the book and its arguments, like those found in the "Encyclopædia Britannica." (Eng., 19th cent.)

[95] Read Herschel and Proctor in Astronomy to expand and enrich your understanding with the grand and beautiful ideas of this most poetic science. Proctor's books are more captivating than any novel. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[96] To understand what has happened in this obscure place under the sun during the ages before humans arrived, along with what early humans were like when they first settled here and how long ago it was, check out Lyell's "Geology," Lubbock's "Prehistoric Times," "Origin of Civilization and Primitive Condition of Man," and Lyell's "Antiquity of Man" (Eng., 19th cent.); as well as Dawson's "Chain of Life." (U. S., 19th cent.)

[97] Check out Wood's beautiful and fascinating books on Natural History; especially his "Evidences of Mind in Animals," "Out of Doors," "Anecdotes of Animals," "Man and Beast," and "Here and Hereafter." (Eng., 19th cent.)

[98] Whewell's "History of the Inductive Sciences" is an incredibly enlightening book.

[99] De Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" is a remarkable book, and it's deeper and more stylistically advanced than Bryce. The two books complement each other. See note 89: (France, 18th cent.)

[100] "Constitutional History of the United States." (Ger., 19th century)

[101] "Wealth of Nations," "Moral Sentiments." (Eng., 18th century)

[102] "Principles of Population." One of the most famous books. (Eng., 18th cent.)

[103] "Principles of Social Philosophy." (Eng., 19th century)

[104] "Essays on Political Economy," "Key Principles of Political Economy." (Eng., 19th cent.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ "Comparative Politics." (Eng., 1800s)

[106] "The Theory of Political Economy," "The Logic of Statistics." (Eng., 19th cent.)

[107] "The Nation, the Basis of Social Order and Political Life in the United States." (U. S., 19th cent.)

[108] "Leviathan." See note 190. (Eng., 16th cent.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ "The Prince." (Italy, 1469-1527.)

[110] "Chips from a German Workshop," and various works on language study. (Ger., 19th cent.)

[111] "Study of Words," etc. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[112] "Words and Places." (English, 19th century)

[113] "Natural History of Selborne." (English, 19th century)

[114] "Animal Kingdom." (France, early 19th century)

"Voyages." (English, 18th century)

[116] "Heat as a Form of Motion," "Types of Water," etc. (Eng., 19th century)

"On Sound." (Eng., 1800s)

"Scientific Researches." (Eng., 1800s)

[119] "Conservation of Energy." In a book on this topic edited by E. L. Youmans. (German, 19th century)

[120] "A Human's Role in Nature." (Eng., 19th century)

Botany. (U.S., 1800s)

[122] "Ways to Study Natural History." (U. S. 19th century)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Physics. (U.S., 1800s)

[124] Plutarch's "Lives" is the closest thing we have to a comparative biography. He compares his subjects in pairs, with each pair consisting of one Greek and one Roman. It’s one of the most enjoyable books and is widely read by educated people all over the world. The best version is Dryden's translation, revised by Clough. (Rome, 1st cent.)

[125] In Wendell Phillips's speech on "Toussaint L'Ouverture," there is an interesting comparison between the noble Black warrior and Napoleon. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[126] Boswell's "Johnson" is arguably the best biography of a single individual ever written. (Eng., 18th cent.)

[127] Lockhart's "Life of Scott" is a favorite among everyone who reads it. Wilkie Collins highly recommends it for its great depiction of genius and noble character. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[128] Marshall's "Life of Washington" is an inspiring book. Gladstone once told Mr. Depew, "Sixty years ago, I read Chief Justice Marshall's 'Life of Washington,' and I concluded that he was truly the greatest man who ever lived. The sixty years that have passed haven’t changed that view; and to any Englishman who asks for my advice on personal development and education, I always say, 'Start by reading the Life of George Washington.'" (U. S., 19th cent.)

Franklin's "Autobiography" is short, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest and straightforward. (U. S., 18th cent.)

[129] "The Life of Lincoln," by Nicolay and Hay, is a book that deserves the attention of every American, as well as anyone who values freedom, greatness, nobility, and kindness. (U. S., 19th cent.)

Grant's "Memoirs" is worth reading for similar reasons. The great General had an incredible life and wrote a classic. (U. S. 19th cent.)

[130] Check out Carlyle's "Life of John Sterling," "Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches," and "Heroes and Hero Worship." (Eng., 19th cent.)

Renan's "Life of Christ." (France, 19th century)

[131] Canon Farrar's short "Life of Dante" is one of the best works in this category, especially given its length. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[132] Emerson's "Representative Men" powerfully evokes reflection and encourages determination. (U. S., 19th century.)

[133] "The Portrait Collection of the Hundred Greatest Men," published by Sampson, Low, & Co., 1879.

[134] Check out Parton's "Sketches of Men of Progress." (U.S., 19th cent.)

[135] "Lights of Two Centuries." (U.S., 1800s)

[136] "Our Great Benefactors." (U.S., 19th century)

[137] "Book of Martyrs." (Eng., early 16th century)

[138] "The Life and Times of Goethe," and "Michelangelo." Really fascinating books. (Germany, 19th cent.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ "English Statesmen." (Eng., 1800s)

[140] "Life of Napoleon." (France, 19th century)

[141] "Lives of the Poets." (Eng., 18th century)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Walton's "Lives." (English, 17th century)

[143] "Life of Dr. Arnold." (Eng., 19th century)

[144] "Life of Washington." (U.S., 19th century)

[145] "Life of Nelson." (Eng., 19th century)

[146] "Life of Pitt." (Eng., 19th cent.)

[147] "Life of Byron." (Eng., 19th cent.)

[148] "Lives of Female Rulers and Notable Women." (Eng., 19th cent.)

[149] "Lives of the Saints." (Eng., 19th century)

[150] "Memories of many People." (U. S., 19th cent.)

"Memories." (U.S., 18th century)

The Life and Letters of Darwin, Talleyrand, and Macaulay; the Journals of Miss Alcott, Marie Bashkirtseff, and Eugénie de Guerin; the Autobiography of Joseph[49] Jefferson; the "American Statesmen" series, edited by John T. Morse, Jr., and the "English Men of Letters" series are all important reads. The Journals of Miss Alcott and Marie Bashkirtseff share stories of emotional struggles, desires, setbacks, and victories, making them highly engaging and widely popular. The Journal of Eugénie de Guerin deserves more recognition for the gentle beauty of emotion that fills its pages.

[152] Green's "History of the English People" likely has the strongest appeal for the average reader. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[153] Bancroft's "History of the United States" is a must-read for every American citizen, alongside Dr. Strong's "Our Country." (U. S., 19th cent.) The only drawback with Bancroft is that he doesn't cover history up to modern times. Hildreth caters to students, while Ridpath is geared toward practical business people to fill this gap. Doyle's "History of the United States" may be the best concise book, and his "American Colonies" is also worthwhile. McMaster's "History of the People of the United States" is an outstanding work, focusing significantly on the social life of the people.

[154] Guizot's "History of Civilization" and "History of France" (France, 19th century) are some of the greatest books in the world; together with Buckle's "History of Civilization" (England, 19th century), they provide a thoughtful reader with a level of intellectual depth and education that far exceeds what most people, even avid readers, achieve.

[155] Parkman is the Macaulay of the New World. He brings the truths of serious history to life with the allure of poetic imagination and elegant style. His literary contributions deserve to be recognized alongside those of Scott and Irving. Check out his "France and England in North America," "Conspiracy of Pontiac," and "The Oregon Trail."

Freeman, Fiske, and Fyffe are also important historians who deserve a mention here. Freeman's "Comparative Politics," "History of the Saracens," "Growth of the English Constitution," "History of Federal Government," and "General Sketch of History" are all excellent works—the last being the best concise overview of general history that we have. (Eng., 19th cent.)

Fiske's "Civil Government," "War of Independence," and "Critical Period of American History" are classic books. (U.S., 19th century)[51]

Fyffe's "Modern Europe" is considered the most vivid depiction of the Revolutionary Period available. It is definitely one of the finest histories.

[155a] "Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World." (Eng., 19th century)

[156] "History of England in the 18th Century," "History of European Morals." These books are highly regarded for their style, accuracy, and thoroughness. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[157] "Ten Great Religions," by James Freeman Clarke. (U.S., 19th century)

"Comparative History of Religion."

[159] "Intellectual Development of Europe." A powerful work. (U. S., 19th cent.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ "Middle Ages." (Eng., 1800s)

[161] "Constitutional History of England." Bagehot's "English Constitution" should be read alongside the works of Hallam, Freeman, and May on this topic, due to its insightful generalizations and clever ideas. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[162] "History of England." (Eng., 18th cent.)

[163] "History of England." (Eng., 19th cent.)

[164] "History of England." (Eng., 19th century)

[165] "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." (Eng., 18th century)

[166] "History of Greece." (English, 19th century)

[167] "History of New England." (U.S., 19th century)

[168] "Conquest of Mexico," "Peru," "Ferdinand and Isabella," etc. Prescott's writing is top-notch, clear, vivid, and always engaging. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[169] "Rise of the Dutch Republic." (U. S., 19th cent.)

[169a] "Rise of the Republic of the United States." (U.S., 19th century)

"Ancient Egyptians." (Eng., 1800s)

[171] "History of Rome." (Eng., 19th century)

[172] "History of the Germans." (Ger., 1798.)

"Latin Christianity." (Eng., 19th century)

[174] "History of the Papacy in the 16th and 17th Centuries." Ranke is one of the most prominent figures in history. (Ger., 19th cent.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ "Italian Republics." (France, 1773-1842.)

[176] "History of France." (France, 19th century)

"French Revolution." (Eng., 1800s)

[178] "History of France," "Norman Conquest of England." (France, 19th cent.)

[179] "Germany." His "Life of Agricola" is also notable for the insight into character, the emotion, energy, and warmth shown in its flattering pages. (Rome, 1st century)

[180] "History of Rome." (Rome, 1st cent. BCE)

[181] "The War of Catiline." (Rome, 1st cent. B.C.)

[182] The history of almost all the nations recognized at the time he was writing. (Greece, 5th century BCE)

[183] "Anabasis, the Retreat of the Greek Mercenaries of the Persian King." (Greece, 5th cent. b. c.)

[184] "History of Athenian Rule in Greece." (Greece, 5th century BCE)

[185] "History of the Jewish Wars." (Jerusalem, 1st century.)

Mackenzie's "History of the Nineteenth Century" is the best English book on this topic.

Rawlinson's "Five Great Monarchies" comes highly recommended.[53]

[186] Spencer's Philosophy is the most impressive body of thought that any one person has ever contributed to the world. Anyone who wants to keep up with current ideas can't afford to be unfamiliar with his works, from "First Principles" to his Essays. He believes that all ideas, or their components, come through the pathways of the senses. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[187] Plato and Socrates are like a double star in the realm of Philosophy that even the most powerful telescopes can’t fully distinguish. Socrates didn’t write anything down, but he spoke a lot. Plato was his student and features Socrates as the main character in his works. Ten philosophical schools claimed Socrates as their leader, but only Plato truly captured the master in depth. Given the era he lived in, the greatness of his ideas, the strength of his imagination, and the nobility, elegance, originality, and beauty of his writings, Plato stands out as unparalleled in all of literature. For Plato, ideas are the only true realities; physical things are just imperfect reflections of those ideas, and all knowledge is simply a recollection of what the soul learned when it was in the spiritual realm, face to face with pure ideas. Check out his dialogues, especially "Phædo" and the "Republic." (Greece, 429-348 b. c.)

[188] An extremely sharp idealist, whose argument against the existence of matter is one of the great pieces of literature. (Eng., 18th cent.)

[189] Kant argues that the forms of thought, time, and space are inherently intuitive and not based on sensation, as they are necessary for sensation to occur. Check out the "Critique of Pure Reason," "Critique of Practical Reason," where he discusses moral philosophy, and "Observations on the Sublime and Beautiful." (Germany, 18th cent.)

[190] Locke grounds knowledge in sensory experience. His "Essay on the Conduct of the Understanding" is one of the most important books in the English language. Spencer, Mill, and Locke have absorbed so much of Hobbes' valuable insights that it's hardly essential to read his work. (Eng., 17th cent.)

[191] Comte's "Positive Philosophy" dismisses intuitive knowledge. It's defined by strong logic, extensive research, a significant ability to generalize (often extending beyond what the facts support), and a vast amount of content. (France, 19th cent.)

[192] Sensationalist. A really powerful writer. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[193] "Limits of Religious Thought." A strong critique of the limitations of human imagination. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[194] "Matter and Force." A strong exploration of Materialism. (Ger., 19th cent.)

[195] "Freedom of the Will." A demonstration of the impossibility of free will. (Amer., 18th cent.)

[196] A highly perceptive English philosopher. (Eng., 1748-1832.)

[197] Moral and Metaphysical Philosophy. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[198] A profound and insightful thinker, who was naturally skeptical and revealed the shortcomings of traditional philosophies. (Eng., 1711-1776.)

[199] One of the greatest philosophers of our time, and the inventor of quaternions, the newest concept in Mathematics. (Scot., 19th cent.)

[200] Aristotle was the Bacon of the Old World. His method was the complete opposite of Plato's. He pursued knowledge primarily by observing the world around him, rather than through self-reflection. No one has had a greater impact on global thought than this profound and dedicated thinker. (Greece, 4th cent. b. c.)

[201] A very talented writer from the idealist movement, even though he says he's eclectic. (France, 19th cent.)

[202] Hegel aimed, through the approach outlined in his "Absolute Logic," to consolidate all knowledge into a single discipline. (Ger., 1770-1831.) Schelling, in his "Philosophy of Identity," attempts to demonstrate that the same principles apply in the realm of spirit as in the realm of matter. Schelling's system is founded on an intuition that is beyond reason, and it allows for neither doubt nor explanation. (Ger., 1775-1854.)

[203] Fichte takes Kant's ideas to their extreme: for him, everything except the workings of the mind is an illusion. (Ger., 18th cent.)

[204] A notable German philosopher during Luther's era (16th century), highly educated, sophisticated, and humorous. Check out his "Familiar Colloquies."

"Cosmic Philosophy." (19th-century America)

[206] "Rational Cosmology, or the Eternal Principles and Necessary Laws of the Universe." (U. S., 19th cent.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Scottish Philosophy. (U.S., 1800s)

[208] Theological-political-moral, extensive essays. (Amsterdam, 17th century)

[209] Emerson's Essays and Lectures definitely deserve our primary focus in this area, due to their poetic beauty and their ability to inspire the imagination and everything that is pure, strong, and noble in character. (Amer., 19th cent.)

[210] You won't find as much wit and wisdom packed into such a small space as in Bacon's Essays. (Eng., 1600.)

[211] Montaigne is the most famous essayist in the world, known for his practical wisdom, sharp insights, and complete honesty. He's the only author we definitely know was in Shakespeare's own library. (France, 1580.)

[212] Ruskin's "Ethics of the Dust," "Crown of Wild Olives," and "Sesame and Lilies," while a bit unconventional in both content and title, are definitely worth reading for the intellectual excitement they provide through their broad perspective, fresh language and imagery, and the intense passion—almost fanaticism—that defines everything Ruskin writes. Ruskin is one of three contemporary authors that Farrar claims he would want to save first from a disaster that destroys the world's library. Carlyle is another one of those authors. Check out his "Past and Present," a powerful essay on Justice. (Eng., 19th cent.)

As far as style goes, Addison's Essays in the "Spectator" are probably the best out there.

[213] "Heart of Midlothian," "Waverley," "Ivanhoe," "Kenilworth," "Guy Mannering," "The Antiquary," "Rob Roy," "Old Mortality," "Red Gauntlet," etc. Many people—including some of the greatest—love Scott more than any other novelist. The clarity, beauty, scope, and strength of his works will always keep them among the most sought-after reads. (Eng., 19th cent.) Hutton's "Sir Walter Scott," Carlyle's "Essay on Scott," Hazlitt's Essay in "The Spirit of the Age," and other books mentioned in the head notes to Poetry and Fiction will be helpful for anyone studying Scott.

[214] "Adam Bede," "Mill on the Floss," "Romola," "Silas Marner," etc. All of George Eliot's works showcase deep philosophy and an understanding of character. (Eng., 19th cent.) Lanier's "Development of the Novel" is essentially just an enthusiastic study of George Eliot.

[215] "Pickwick," "David Copperfield," "Bleak House," "Martin Chuzzlewit," "Old Curiosity Shop," etc. Dickens speaks for himself. His popularity is recognized in every home. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[216] Hawthorne's "Scarlet Letter," "Marble Faun," "Great Stone Face," and others are widely recognized as the top American novels and are among the best anywhere. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[217] "Vicar of Wakefield." One of Goethe's earliest favorites. (Eng., 18th cent.)

[218] "Rienzi," "The Last Days of Pompeii," "The Last of the Barons," etc. Most powerful, enjoyable, and expanding books. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[219] "Malcolm," "Marquis of Lossie," "David Elginbrod," etc. Books with amazing spiritual support. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[220] "Esmond," "Vanity Fair," etc. Very well-known books. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[221] "Westward, Ho!" "Two Years Ago," etc. Among the best and most well-known depictions of genuine English character. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[222] "Ben Hur." This book is considered along with the Bible and Bunyan. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[223] "Hot Plowshares," "The Fool's Errand," "The Invisible Empire," "Appeal to Cæsar," etc. These are well-known books, but their true value isn't fully appreciated. Tourgée, while inconsistent, is a writer of significant talent. His "Hot Plowshares" is a compelling historical novel, and few books in all of literature are as gripping and free from any objectionable content in terms of subject or execution. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[224] "Les Misérables," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "The Toilers of the Sea," etc. Wraxall's translations of these great French novels are outstanding. (France, 19th cent.)

Some critics believe that no characters in Shakespeare are more vividly portrayed than those in Dumas's work. "Monte Cristo," "The Vicomte de Bragelonne" (Stevenson's favorite), "The Three Musketeers," "Twenty Years After," "The Marie Antoinette Romances," and others are strong and gripping novels. (France, 19th cent.)

[225] "Robinson Crusoe." There are hardly any people who don’t find joy and inspiration in Defoe's amazing story. (Eng., 1661-1731.)

"Tom Brown at Rugby" and "Tom Brown at Oxford," by Thomas Hughes, are great books for boys. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[226] Mrs. Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was God's rallying cry for the fight against slavery. Her "Oldtown Folks" and "Sam Lawson's Fireside Stories" present witty portrayals of life in New England. (U. S., 19th cent.)

Cooper's "The Spy," "The Pilot," "Leatherstocking," "The Deerslayer," "Pathfinder," etc., are books that disrupt our meals and sleep, keeping us glued to their pages. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[227] "Prue and I," by George William Curtis, is one of the most intriguing stories available, and it's a truly enjoyable book. "Potiphar Papers," "Our Best Society," "Trumps," "Lotus Eaters,"—really, everything Mr. Curtis writes is highly engaging and deserves the utmost attention. (U. S., 19th cent.)

The same can be said about the works of Charles Dudley Warner—"Being a Boy," "A Hunting of the Deer," "In the Wilderness," "Backlog Studies," "My Summer in a Garden," etc. (U.S., 19th cent.)

[228] T. B. Aldrich may not be on the same level as Scott, Eliot, and Hawthorne, but he is still one of the most engaging and refreshing authors today. "The Stillwater Tragedy" is his best work. "Prudence Palfrey," "The Story of a Bad Boy," "Margery Daw," and "The Queen of Sheba" are likely to be enjoyed by anyone who gets to know his writing. (U. S., 19th cent.)

The first part of Hearn's "Chita" surpasses any other piece of descriptive writing we know in beauty and strength. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[229] Ebers' "Homo Sum," "Uarda," and "An Egyptian Princess" are compelling explorations of Egyptian life and history. (Ger., 19th cent.)

"With Fire and Sword," along with its sequels, "The Deluge" and "Pan Michael," by Henryk Sienkiewicz, are some of the greatest books of modern times. They are historical romances centered around the conflicts between Russia, Poland, and Sweden. Their impact can be seen in the way critics have favorably compared the author to Scott, Dumas, Schiller, Cervantes, Thackeray, Turgenev, Homer, and even Shakespeare. (Poland, 19th cent.)

[230] Miss Austen's "Emma," "Pride and Prejudice" (English, 19th century), and Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" (English, 19th century) are all classic and celebrated novels.

[231] Louisa Alcott's "Little Women" is a beautiful story about family life, and its immense popularity is one of the most encouraging indicators of the increasing appreciation for wholesome, gentle, and authentic literature. (U. S., 19th cent.)

Mrs. Burnett's "Little Lord Fauntleroy" quickly became very popular and is recognized as one of the top stories about childhood. It is invaluable as a lesson in kindness and good manners.

[232] Cable's "Grande Pointe," "The Grandissimes," and others should be read by anyone who wants to know the best contemporary novelists. (U. S., 19th cent.)

Craddock's "Where the Battle was Fought," "Despot of Broomsedge Cove," "Prophet of Great Smoky Mountain," "Story of Keedon Bluffs," and "Down the Ravine" are captivating stories, with the last two being excellent books for kids. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[233] Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney's "Sights and Insights," although a bit too lengthy for today's fast-paced world, deserves a spot here due to its spiritual depth and practical wisdom regarding marriage and relationships. (U. S., 19th cent.)

Sarah Orne Jewett has earned a great reputation with her wonderful stories, like "Deephaven," "Betty Leicester," and others. Her "Play Days" is an excellent book for girls. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[234] Fielding, Le Sage, and Balzac are powerful writers whose works are appreciated for their artistic quality, cleverness, and the intense excitement many of them provide; however, the overall moral tone of their writings ranks them lower than the purer writers mentioned earlier in terms of their value to the average reader, whose key interest is character development.

Fielding's "Tom Jones" is considered by many to be the greatest novel ever; and it definitely would be, if it had the elevated tone of Curtis or Scott along with its literary talent. "Jonathan Wild" is also a compelling story. (Eng., 18th cent.)

"Gil Blas," by Le Sage, is one of the most famous and widely read books in the world. (France, 1668—1747.)

Balzac's best works include "Le Père Goriot" (especially the brilliant preface to this book), "La Recherche de l'Absolu," "Eugénie Grandet," "La Peau de Chagrin," and so on. (France, 19th cent.)

[235] Rousseau's "Emile" has been labeled the greatest book ever written; however, we assume that critics' biases and limited understanding (which are not uncommon) could lead to a similar opinion about almost any unique and impactful book. Rousseau's "Confessions" also deserve some attention. (France, 18th cent.)

Saintine's "Picciola" is a beautiful story. (France, 19th cent.)

[236] Coffin's "Boys of '76," "Boys of '61," "Story of Liberty," and so on, are great books for young readers. The last one tells the story of humanity's journey from slavery to freedom. (U. S., 19th cent.)

Charles Reade's "Hard Cash," "Peg Woffington," and "Cloister and Hearth" are captivating stories. (Eng., 19th cent.)

Warren's "10,000 a Year."

[237] Landor's "Imaginary Conversations of Great Men." (Eng., 18th century)

Turgeniev's "Liza," "Smoke," and "Fathers and Sons." (Russia, 19th century)

Eugene Sue's "The Wandering Jew."

Manzoni's "The Betrothed."

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Cottin's "Elizabeth."

Besant's "All Sorts and Conditions of Men." (Eng., 19th century)

Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." A book that shows the risks of surrendering to the darker side of our nature.

[239] Mrs. Ward's "Robert Elsmere" is a well-known depiction of the struggle within today's religious mindset. (Eng., 19th cent.)

Margaret Deland's "John Ward, Preacher" is a book in the same category as the last one, but it's not as engaging as her "Florida Days" or her Poems. (U. S., 19th cent.)

Anna Sewell's "Black Beauty" is the autobiography of a noble horse and is both heartfelt and insightful. It's a book that anyone involved with horses or any kind of animal simply can't overlook. (Eng., 19th cent.)

Bret Harte's "Luck of Roaring Camp" is a fascinating depiction of Western life and introduces a new style of storytelling. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[240] Green's "Hand and Ring," "Leavenworth Case," and others are great examples of logical thinking, without the usual annoying features seen in detective stories. (U. S., 19th cent.)

Miss Mulock's "John Halifax, Gentleman," is an important and well-known book. (Eng., 19th cent.)

Disraeli's "Lothair," "Endymion," and others are powerful novels that deserve attention from anyone who reads extensively in English fiction. (Eng., 19th cent.)

Howells’ "A Modern Instance," "The Undiscovered Country," "A Hazard of New Fortunes," "A Chance Acquaintance," "Lady of the Aroostook," etc., are not problematic. (U. S., 19th cent.)

Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" is worth mentioning, but we can't fully agree with Howells that Tolstoy is the greatest novelist. The themes and vibe of his books aren't uplifting, and some of his work is downright disgraceful. (Russia, 19th cent.)

[241] George Sand's "Consuelo" is an excellent book in more ways than one; and although it deserves to be in this lower list, there are so many better books that if someone follows the actual order, they might run out of time to read a four-volume novel by an author like George Sand. (France, 19th cent.)

Black's "Strange Adventures of a Phaeton," "Princess of Thule." (Eng., 19th century.)

Blackmore's "Lorna Doone." (Eng., 19th century)

Olive Schreiner's "Story of an African Farm" is impactful, but not entirely wholesome. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[242] Bremer's "The Neighbors." (Norway, 19th century)

Trollope's "Last Chronicles of Barsetshire." (Eng., 19th century.)

Winthrop's "Cecil Dreeme," "John Brent." (U.S., 19th century)[67]

[243] Richardson's "Pamela" and "Clarissa Harlowe" are intriguing because they mark the start of the English novel; however, they aren't very pleasant or realistic and only have appeal due to their historical significance. (Eng., 1689-1761.)

Smollett's "Humphrey Clinker" is his best work. "Peregrine Pickle" is really clever, and "Adventures of an Atom" is just a terrible book. Smollett had talent, but his writing is at a pretty low level. (Eng., 18th cent.)

Boccaccio's "Decameron" is a collection of beautifully narrated stories, from which Chaucer took much more than just inspiration. The book is powerful, but has a much weaker moral tone.

[244] "Fable for Critics," "Biglow Papers." Given the sharpness and range of humor, the depth of sarcasm, the wide perspective, and the significance of its theme, the "Biglow Papers" is the most outstanding humorous work in all of history. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[245] "Autocrat of the Breakfast Table," "Professor at the Breakfast Table," etc. (U.S., 19th century)

"Pickwick Papers." (English, 1800s)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ "Don Quixote." (Spain, 1547-1616.)

[248] In addition to a lot of harsh mocking and insulting those in higher positions, Ingersoll's speeches feature some of the sharpest wit in the language. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[249] Marietta Holley's "Sweet Cicely," "Samantha at the Centennial," "Betsey Bobbet," "My Wayward Pardner," "Samantha at Saratoga," "Samantha among the Brethren," and others are filled with quirky humor, sharp insights, and practical wisdom. They may be a bit more wordy than we'd like, but they are genuinely uplifting, and the author's intentions are always noble. Her humor isn't just for laughs; it's like the twinkle in someone's eye and the smile on their lips, reflecting thoughts and deep feelings. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[250] G. W. Curtis's "Potiphar Papers" is a great example of subtle, sophisticated humor. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[251] Chauncey M. Depew's speeches and after-dinner talks are worth reading for anyone who appreciates humor and intelligence. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[252] Mark Twain is the best at using humor as a main focus. Unlike Artemus Ward, he doesn’t rely on it completely—there’s a lot of sharp common sense in "A Yankee in King Arthur's Court," and his willingness to engage with the latest ideas shows that he’s one of the most alert thinkers of his time. "Innocents Abroad," "The Prince and the Pauper," "Roughing It," and others are really entertaining, but sometimes you can tell he’s trying a bit too hard to be funny. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[253] Charles Dudley Warner's "In the Wilderness" provides some really funny portrayals of life in the woods. Check out other books listed under Fiction as well. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[254] S. K. Edwards' "Two Runaways, and Other Stories" is a book that any fan of humor shouldn't miss. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[255] E. E. Hale's "My Double, and How He Undid Me," along with other stories, offers a lot of harmless entertainment. (U.S., 19th cent.)

[256] Nasby's "Echoes from Kentucky" and "Swingin' Around the Circle" are packed with sharp political sarcasm. Lincoln was so impressed with Nasby's talent that he said he would rather have such gifts than be President of the United States. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[257] "Artemus Ward His Book" is humorous, but it doesn't have any deeper meaning beyond making people laugh. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[258] "Caudle Lectures," "Catspaw," etc. Jerrold is one of the wittiest people around. (Eng., 19th cent.)

[259] Voltaire was the French version of Ingersoll, but even more so. His "Dictionnaire" is filled with sharp sarcasm and intense humor. (France, 18th cent.)

"English Bards and Scotch Reviewers." The sharpest edge of Byron's sharp intellect. (Eng., 1788-1824.)

[260] "Hudibras." A critique of the Puritans. (Eng., 17th cent.)

"Gulliver's Travels," "Tale of a Tub," etc. Crude mockery. (Eng., 18th cent.)

[261] "Gargantua and Pantagruel." Huge, crude humor. (France, 16th cent.)

"Tristram Shandy." It's not delicate, but it's packed with humor. (Eng., 18th cent.)

[262] Juvenal is one of the greatest satirists in history. (Rome, 1st cent.)

Lucian is the Voltaire of the ancient world. In his "Dialogues of the Gods," he mocks the people's religious beliefs. (Greek Lit, 2nd cent. a. d.)

[263] "Fairy Tales," "Shoes of Fortune," etc. (Denmark, 19th century)

[264] The unique French poet of Fable. (France, 17th century)

[265] The world-renowned Greek storyteller. His popularity throughout history has been limitless. Socrates found entertainment in his tales. (Greece, 6th cent. b. c.)

[266] "Household Tales." (Ger., early 19th century)

[267] "Reineke Fox." (Bohn Lib.) (Ger., early 19th cent.)

Kipling's "Indian Tales." (Eng., 19th century)

[268] "Age of Fable," "Age of Chivalry," etc. (Eng., 19th century)

[269] Fables in his poems. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[270] A French storyteller, second in fame only to La Fontaine. (18th cent.)

[271] Greek Fables. (Around the time of Christ.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ "Stories." (Ger., 19th cent.)

[273] "Metamorphoses." A story about ancient mythology. Ovid was one of Rome's top poets. (Rome, 1st cent. b. c.)

Curtin's "Myths and Folk-Lore of Ireland," "Myths and Folk-Tales of the Russians," etc. (U.S., 19th century)

Fiske's "Myths and Myth Makers." (U.S., 19th century)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Voyages. (English, 18th century)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Cosmos; Travels. (Ger., 1762-1832.)

[276] Naturalist on the Beagle. (Eng., 1800s.)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Travels. (Venice, 14th century)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Arctic Explorations. (U.S., 1800s)

South Africa. (Eng., 1800s)

[280] Exploring the Dark Continent: In the Depths of Africa. (U. S., 19th century)

[281] Travels in Africa. (France, 19th century)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ About Egypt. (Germany, 1800s)

Abyssinia. (Eng., 1800s)

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ India.

Niger.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ South America.

Upper Niger.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Iran.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Central Africa.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ West Africa.

[291] Traveled for thirty years, then wrote about the amazing things he had seen and heard; his book became very popular in the 14th and 15th centuries. (Eng., 14th cent.)

The Nile.

[293] "What to Read on the Subject of Reading," by William E. Foster, Librarian of the Providence Public Library. Anyone who cares about books should pay attention to this dedicated and passionate worker and make use of the insights he shares in his bulletins.

[294] The "Pall Mall Extra," featuring Sir John Lubbock's "List of the Best Hundred Books," along with letters from many notable individuals.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ English Lit.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ English Lit.

[297] "English Literature." This is the most thoughtful work on the topic; however, it's challenging and demands a prior understanding of the main English authors.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Handbook of Universal Literature.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Authors' Dictionary.

[300] Bartlett's "Familiar Quotations" is one of the most well-known and treasured books.

[301] "Edge-Tools of Speech." Short quotes organized under categories like Books, Government, Love, etc.

[302] "Library of Poetry and Song;" but for the average reader, Palgrave's beautiful little "Golden Treasury" is a better choice.

[303] "Primer of English Literature." The best concise book on the topic.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Bibliography Resources.

[305] "Reasons for Reading and Reading Habits."

"Book Selection."

"Sesame and Lilies."

"The Love of Books."

"History of Prose Fiction."

Baldwin's "Book Lover" is useful for its lists of books related to specific topics.

C. K. Adams' "Manual of Historical Literature" is essential for anyone studying history. There should be similar books for Philosophy, Fiction, Science, and other subjects.

[310] One of the finest little books out there; reading it adds the inspiration from hundreds of the best and most successful lives to your own. Every page deserves careful reading and reflection. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[311] A beautiful book; one of Robert Collyer's early favorites. Cherish its beauty in your heart. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[312] A book that is worth reading for its wide-ranging content. (Eng., early 17th cent.)

[313] Edward Bellamy's "Looking Backward" belongs to the same group of books as Bacon's "New Atlantis," More's "Utopia," etc., and can be enjoyed and appreciated alongside them. It essentially imagines an ideal society where today's labor issues and oppressive systems are addressed in a way similar to how the political issues and oppression of the last century were resolved; specifically, the idea that every citizen is equal in labor, just as everyone is politically equal now. It's a well-known book that has even been called the greatest book of the century, which, thankfully for the legacies of Spencer, Darwin, Carlyle, Ruskin, Parkman, Bancroft, Guizot, Bryce, Goethe, Hugo, Byron, Burns, Scott, Tennyson, Whittier, Lowell, Bulwer, Thackeray, Dickens, and Eliot, is only a reflection of personal favorite opinions and blissful unawareness. While the book may not fit well among the great literary works, it is still a very engaging story that greatly encourages thought. The concept of a future industrial democracy, which has some similarities to the political democracy we have witnessed succeed, is one that has likely crossed the minds of many thoughtful individuals; and in Bellamy's book, you can find a clever development of this idea that is much more appealing than the typical socialistic plans of the time, even though it still carries some of the unfairness found in all social proposals that fail to ensure that each individual receives the wealth or benefits that their honest efforts naturally yield. (U. S., 19th cent.)

[314] A favorite everywhere. It opens up vast areas of imagination. Ruskin mentioned that he read it numerous times when he could have been doing something more useful, and he removes it from his list. However, the fact that he read the book so many times indicates that even his profound mind found it irresistibly appealing. (First introduced into Europe in the 17th century.)

[315] The biggest lies recognized by science. (Ger., 18th cent.)

[316] The poem "Beowulf" should be examined by anyone wanting to understand the nature of the people we come from, and in doing so, grasp the fundamental aspects of our own character. (Eng., early Saxon times.)

[317] Should be looked at for the insight it provides into English history and development. (9th-12th centuries)

[318] Froissart's "Chronicles" provide a vivid account of the states of Europe from 1322 to the end of the 14th century. Scott mentioned that Froissart was his mentor. It's important to take a moment to look at the old traveling storyteller. Pay particular attention to the major uprising of the rebels in Ghent.

[319] This classic work of Old German Minstrelsy is overlooked far too often by us. Read it along with the three previous ones. (Early German.)

[320] Saga means "story" or "narrative," and it's used in Iceland for all types of traditions, whether true or fictional. Check out the "Heimskringla," Njal's Saga, and Grettir's Saga, (9th-13th centuries).

[321] The poems of the elder Edda should be read alongside the last. (Compiled by Samund the Wise, 12th cent.)

[322] The epic of Spain, featuring an amazing story about the skills of a great leader and chief. (Spain, before the 13th century)

[323] A collection of fragments about the legendary King Arthur and his Round Table. They appear throughout various periods of English literature. Check out Tennyson's "Idylls of the King," which is a poem inspired by Malory's "Morte D'Arthur," along with Cervantes' "Don Quixote," Twain's "A Yankee in King Arthur's Court," Lanier's "The Boy's King Arthur," Ritson's "Ancient English Metrical Romances," Ellis' Introduction to the Study of the same, Preston's "Troubadours and Trouvères," Sismondi's "Literature of Southern Europe," Chapon's "Troubadours," and Van Laun's "History of French Literature," all of which can be helpful for students of Malory.

A collection of Chinese poems.

[325] These and the previous ones are suggested, not for their own value, but for their scope, and to help foster an understanding and connection with four hundred million people who deeply honor these books. (China, as early as 5th century b. c.)

[326] This is the Bible of the Sufis from Persia, representing one of the many forms of mysticism that has run like a powerful current throughout history, alongside the flow of Rationalism. It has found expression in thinkers like Schelling, Swedenborg, Emerson, and continues to emerge today through the layers of materialism in the United States, taking the form of Theosophy. (7th cent.)

[327] Check out Saint Hilaire's "Buddha" and Arnold's "Light of Asia." They'll expand your thinking in significant ways.

[328, 329] These are represented by Talboys Wheeler in his "History of India." Very interesting and insightful. (Very old.)

[330-332] Not valuable reading in itself, but it effectively opens the doors of communication with the minds and hearts of entire races of people, making it very useful. The Vedas are the Bible of the Hindus, containing the revelation of Brahma (15th cent.). The Koran is the Muslim Bible (6th cent.). The Talmud is part of the Rabbinical literature of the Jews and is a collection of Jewish traditions (3rd cent.).

[333] The works of Hooker, Swedenborg, Newton, Kepler, Copernicus, and Laplace should really be looked at and browsed through to create a core of experience that can help build some knowledge about these notable figures and their contributions. This point applies with varying degrees of importance to all the names on the second shelf. Few can realistically read all these books, but it's possible to get a sense of each individual, along with their character and work, through general resources, like those listed in Column 13. There's no better way to create a mental connection to an author than to hold their book, take note of its size and unique features (visual and tactile impressions are typically easier to remember), skim through its contents, and read a passage or two.