Classics are a cornerstone of literature. They are considered one of the formative text types of our history, as well as being constantly referred to in modern works. Familiarity with the classics is often seen as a mark of education, intelligence, and good taste. From Greek epics to postmodern novels, classic books have something to offer everyone.
Ancient Greek literature is often seen as the start of literature as we know it today. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey are two of the most famous of the classics. These epic poems offer an insight into Ancient Greek society and its culture. The gods and goddesses, heroes and villains, and the complexities of war and politics are still relevant today. Homer's influence is still felt in modern books, from fantasy novels to historic epics.
The Romans were particularly prolific writers, with many of their works still admired today. Virgil's Aeneid is one of the most famous of the era, telling the story of how Aeneas founded Rome and claimed the throne for his descendants. Lucretius' On the Nature of Things was an important piece of philosophical literature, exploring the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. Plato's Dialogues are among the best-known works. Socrates is often considered one of the founders of Western philosophy, and his teachings are still discussed today.
Medieval literature is full of stories and poetry written by both monks and lay people. The most famous include the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, such as The Canterbury Tales and Troilus and Criseyde. They provide great insight into life during the Middle Ages, including the power of the Church and the relationships between the classes. Similarly, Dante's Divine Comedy offers a unique view of the afterlife, while his New Life is a major work of Italian literature.
The Renaissance is usually viewed as the beginning of the modern world, and some of the most well-known works of literature are from this time period. William Shakespeare's plays continue to be studied and performed today, with Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth being favourites. Also from the period are John Donne's metaphysical poetry, and Cervantes' Don Quixote. These works have stood the test of time, influencing many other books and forming part of the foundation of literature.
The 19th century saw the emergence of the novel as a popular literary form. Charles Dickens' Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities remain amongst the best-known works of the period. The Bronte sisters also wrote some incredible novels, with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights being the two most famous. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a Gothic masterpiece, exploring the limits of science and morality. These works have remained highly influential to this day.
The 20th century saw the rise of postmodern literature, challenging traditional values and forms. James Joyce's Ulysses is considered a modern classic, with its stream of consciousness style and experimental narrative. George Orwell's 1984 and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World are two dystopian classics, exploring the oppressive nature of totalitarian systems. Toni Morrison's Beloved is an important piece of literature, exploring the legacy of slavery and racism. More recently, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale has become a modern classic, exploring issues of sexism and oppression.
Classics bring us timeless stories, deep insights, and incredible characters. They provide us with a window into worlds long gone, but often just as relevant today. Whether you're reading a thousand year old epic poem or a postmodern novel, classic books can unlock exciting new perspectives and help us understand ourselves and the world around us. Enjoy taking the time to explore them for yourself!