World Classics List (Best +20 Books)

World classics I'm here with the list. You will find the best set of world classics in this guide. I have presented some great alternatives that you can enjoy reading that are not really out of date. You can examine the world classics that must be read, liked by all segments, from the list below.

You know, they say that classics never get old, they never go out of style… This is actually true for books as well. Books that we call world classics; They are works that have survived from ancient times to the present day, written by the world's most famous, most successful and widely accepted authors.

These books, most of which have a history of 200-300 years, are mostly; Selected from Russian, French and English literature. The value that Russians added to world literature is already known to everyone. Dostoyevsky, who produced works especially from the realism movement, wrote delicious books.

Fool, The Gambler, The Brothers Karamazov, Crime and Punishment are just a few of them.

World Classics List

1. The Three Musketeers – Alexandre Dumas

The Three Musketeers, considered the masterpiece of Alexandre Dumas, one of the most famous writers of French literature, is an adventure novel. The book, which is among the must-read world classics, was first published in 1844. engraved in our memories "One for all, all for one" The book with the slogan is a legendary sisterhood story tells.

This work of the author has been adapted into many TV series, movies and cartoons. The book, which tells the story of three friends running from adventure to adventure, will allow you to read it in one breath with its fluent and exciting language. Moreover both children and adults It is on the list of world classics because it is a world classic that you can read.

Summary of The Three Musketeers

Our book tells the adventurous story of three friends named Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Coming out of his village to join the knights Dartanianencounters three musketeers. Athos, Porthos and AramisHe wants to duel with all of them by starting a fight with him. In fact, with this fight date, the foundations of a good friendship are laid. Dartanyan makes a contract by giving separate hours to all three of them.

In the first duel, Athos takes Porthos and Arami with him as witnesses. However, at that time, when the cardinal's men appear, the three musketeers and Dartanyan fight together with the cardinal's men. After that, a friendship begins that will continue throughout the novel. You will have a lot of fun reading the book, which tells the story of a wonderful brotherhood.

2. Red and Black – Stendhal

French writer Stendhal 1830 The work he wrote in Red and Black also translated. The author chose most of the names he used in the novel from his own life and the people around him. This book is the most important of several works written by the author during his lifetime.

a perfect psychological novel The book uses a lot of description. Although it is a love story, the work in which Catholic France was criticized is a classic that you will read without losing your excitement until the last page. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

Summary of the Red and Black Book

The 600-page book is not only a literary work, but also a psychological novel that will strengthen your analysis skills. Napoleon Bonaparte He is exiled, the Restoration Period, which started with his exile, is described. In the book, which tells a passionate love story, there are many views about the France of that period.

The main character of the book, Julien Sorel, does many things with a sense of elevation. There are even hypocritical acts among them. On the other hand, his love and admiration for the exiled Napoleon causes him to experience psychologically difficult days.

3. Dead Souls – Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol

Anyone who knows a little about the Dead Souls book will know. The writing process of the book is more impressive than the subject. While writing this book, Gogol was influenced by Dante's Divine Comedy. the first volume 1842 He completes it in the second volume, but cannot complete this chapter due to the psychological disorders he has experienced.

He even burns all the manuscripts he wrote for the second volume by throwing them into the fire. It then tries to rewrite these sections. Although it is not as comprehensive as the first, these sections are also added and published. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

Summary of Dead Souls Book

The novel Dead Souls, designed by Gogol in three volumes, is actually not completely finished. hero of the novel Chichikovtravels through cities in Russia, buying slave peasants. But the most interesting thing is that instead of healthy, useful slaves, he wants dead ones.

He collects the documents of the people who died in the surrounding towns one by one. The people see him as a rich and respectable person, and it is thought that he is looking for a worker with the documents they collect. However, after a while, Chichikov's game for the sake of his own interests is understood.

4. Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights is Emily Brontë's only novel. Windy Slope also translated. Author 1847 He did not publish his novel under his own name. His real name was announced in the second edition of the book. The book, which is among the most important works of English literature, was highly appreciated by some, while it was heavily criticized by others. However, his criticism and strangeness caused him to be heard and recognized more. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

Wuthering Heights Summary

The events in the book, which includes many characters, take place in the Wuthering Hills mansion. 6 years old to the mansion heathcliff A child named. Over time, Heathcliff falls in love with Catherine, with whom he grew up. After Catherine married someone else, Heathcliff left the mansion and disappeared for several years. Three years pass and he returns to avenge the injustice and exclusion done to him before.

5. War and Peace – Lev Tolstoy

One of the first books that comes to mind when world classics are mentioned is the famous Russian writer Tolstoy's War and Peace. First time 1869 The original of the book, published in 2200 consists of pages. According to the publishers, there are editions in two or four volumes. However, do not be intimidated by the fact that it is so thick. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

Summary of War and Peace

17th among the longest novels in the world The original version of the book was published in four volumes. The book tells about the events that took place in Russia in the 19th century. Inside; You can encounter war, peace, love, revenge, friendship, enmity, existence, absence, joy, happiness and many other emotions.

So many and independent emotions are written in such a masterful way that it is impossible not to admire the author. In addition, the book, which reflects the perspectives of noble families on war, is also among the most successful historical novels.

6. Notes from the Underground – Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Notes from Underground, for the first time 1864 Published in. The book, in which you will witness the inner conflicts of a person, is a touchstone for getting to know Dostoevsky's pen. The master author almost reaches the brain folds of the reader with the subject and narration he deals with in the book. Book "Underground" and "Notes" consists of two parts. While reading the book, which is one of the most widely read classics, I recommend that you pay attention to the fact that it was written by a successful translator. It is on the list of world classics.

Summary of Notes from the Underground

The first part of the book tells about the very confused inner world of the author. In the second part, you suddenly find yourself in a fluent and immersive narrative. The author, who defines himself as an extremely intelligent person, also attributes his choice of solitude by avoiding people to this. He constantly criticizes people and closes himself to the underworld, hating his friends who don't understand him.

7. A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens

1859 The work, which was written in XNUMX, has such a wonderful feature that it deserves all the praise. And this With sales reaching 200 millionWe can understand that it is one of the most read and most famous books of all time. With this book, Dickens tries to explain to his readers the painful days of the French Revolution and the aftermath. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

In the book, in which the blood spilled and the people who died at that time are told, you witness so many deaths that you feel like blood is dripping from the pages of the book. Tale of Two Cities, one of the most read world classics books, has an extremely gripping subject and a fluent language.

Summary of A Tale of Two Cities

As I mentioned in my comment on the book, its subject consists of the events that took place before and after the French Revolution. Imprisoned for 18 years without guilt Dr. Manettereturns when he returns to London. Here, his daughter and marriage add movement to their lives.

Then there is the French Revolution. The next part of the book is about the effects of the revolution on people's lives. Mentioning the spiritual dimensions of these effects, the author keeps the reader's curiosity alive until the last page.

8. Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert

realist Mademe Bovary is one of the author's most famous works. So that; by Time magazine "Top Ten Books of All Time" ranks second on the list. Even though you get a little bored at the beginning of the book by having a hard time adapting to the subject, you feel immersed in the following pages. The book, which tells the story of a woman who did not know exactly what she wanted from life, and therefore could not find what she wanted in a quest, is a work that will translate the souls of especially female readers. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

Summary of Madame Bovary's Book

Our book; It tells the quests and adventures of Madame Bovary, who has a very ordinary and monotonous marriage, to add color to her life. Among these adventures, of course, there is also forbidden love. These parts, which the author added to the book, had great repercussions at that time and were highly criticized. The book, in which the descriptions are dominant, conveyed the inner world of the cheating woman in a very beautiful language. For the subject of the book, we can say that Anna Karenina and Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil's novel Aşk-ı Memnu, which we have mentioned above, is similar.

9. Main – Maxim Gorky

1917 The book titled "Ana", which was written in , is the most important work of Maxim Gorky. It has a very fluent, expressive and understandable language. In the book, there is a mother who raises her son alone after her husband's death and is killed by going the same way as her son. The book, which includes concepts such as the state, working class, police, revolutionism, terrorist, prosecutor and capital, actually contains a story about events that happened in every period. I think that if you put aside all the thoughts and ideologies in your mind while reading the book, you will understand it better and be influenced by it.

Summary of Main Book

The protagonist of the book is Ana. Coat's husband, who constantly beat himself, dies. Then he raises his son Pavel in great difficulty and poverty. However, after a while, he realizes that his son is constantly reading and has a different structure from other young people. Pavel is working on the path of revolution with a few of his friends.

Ana meets her son's libertarian and pro-life friends. After a while she joins their meetings and starts working together. Pavel and his friends are exiled to Moscow. He is killed because of a speech he made in the main court.

10. Fathers and Sons – Ivan Turgenev

1862 It is the most famous work of Ivan Turgenev. The book, which is among the classics that should be read before you die, includes social events. The first modern novel example of Russian literature You will come across poetic expressions from place to place in the book shown as. The work, which describes different perspectives and father-son conflicts in the same society, has a magnificent literary language. Please do not pass without adding the book about the conflict between two generations to your to-read list.

Summary of the Fathers and Sons Book

The book depicts the contradictions between a strict conservative father and a libertarian, innovative and western-leaning son. While reading the book, in which the differences between the two generations are conveyed to the reader in a wonderful language, you will surely find something of yourself. Bazarov and Arkady two young friends, one moderate and the other aggressive.

The relationships these young men have with their families, each other's families, and society are described. The book, which is among the most important world classics, shows us that there will be a generational conflict as long as the world exists.

11. The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck

by English writer John Steinbeck 1939 The book, written in XNUMX, tells about the economic depression and crisis periods in America. The story of a family struggling with hunger and struggling to survive despite leaving their homes, the book is impressive enough to touch the deepest parts of your heart.

The book, which has also been made into a movie, has a very gripping and understandable language. Pulitzer PrizeWhile reading the Grapes of Wrath book, you will not only be overwhelmed with emotions, but you will also learn about the cruel side of life.

Summary of The Grapes of Wrath

The book tells the story of a family's struggle for survival during the economic crisis that started in America and spread all over the world. You may find yourself crying while reading the book, which describes situations such as poverty, hunger, the struggle for survival, and most importantly, bullying.

Like many families, the Joad family is forcibly removed from the fields they have cultivated until then. On their journey to find a job, they constantly experience sad events. The work, which describes the effects of capitalism on the people, was banned in some countries for a while.

12. The Sorrows of Young Werther – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

The book, which belongs to the German writer Goethe, is a letter novel. First time 1774 The book was published in just 2 weeks. The book had such a great impact at the time it was written that young people in yellow trousers and blue jackets were wandering around. worse many cases of suicide occured. Again, we come across a love story, but this one has a very different place from the others. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

If you haven't read the book, on which the effects of social degeneration and socio-cultural change are felt, I suggest you add it to your to-read list. A letter novel Although it is written in the style of poetry, you will also have read a work in the taste of poetry and essay.

Summary of The Sorrows of Young Werther

The main character of the book, Werther, moves away from city life due to his emotional breakdown and settles in a village. There he falls in love with a girl named Lotte. However, Lotte is engaged to someone else and soon marries. In this process, Werther is always close as a family friend.

But with feelings fed so intensely, he realizes that he can't stay close to the woman he loves anymore. Unable to bear this pain, Werther writes a letter to his beloved and ends his life. It is known that Goethe was inspired by a love he lived while writing this book.

13. Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare

The work written in the style of a play in the 15th century; theatre, ballet, opera and cinema adapted. Written by William Shakespeare, the play contains lines that are breathtakingly exciting. Although it is a classic love story, the fact that it is one of the most important masterpieces in the world is hidden in its author. Shakespeare tells the events in such a magnificent way that it is impossible not to admire the book. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

People generally think that reading a play is not as enjoyable as reading a novel. This is the book that will wipe out your prejudices. If you haven't read it yet, you should definitely read this sad love story.

Summary of Romeo and Juliet

The protagonists of the book, Romeo and Juliet, are the children of two hostile families. One day, Romeo attends the masquerade ball held at the Capulet's house. There he sees Juliet and falls in love. Juliet also does not go unrequited with these feelings. From that day on, Romeo comes to the window of Juliet's room every night and their love progresses in this way. They soon get married in a secret wedding. But Juliet's parents want her to marry another young man. Juliet goes to the priest who had their wedding ceremony and explains the situation.

Reverend Laurence gives Juliet a potion that will make her dead in just 48 hours. But his family thinks he is really dead and bury him. Learning of this, Romeo dies by drinking poison at Juliet's grave. The priest awakens Juliet, and this time Juliet, seeing the lifeless body of her loved one, stabs herself with a dagger and kills herself. The play, which is a dramatic love story, has been shown in many theaters, operas and ballets until today.

14. The Divine Comedy – Dante Alighieri

The Divine Comedy, written in the 14th century, is one of the world's most important and great works. It is among the longest epic poems in Italian literature. You can find the book, which is quite long, in different ways according to the publishers. Some may publish it in the form of a single book because it is given as a summary. The language of the book written by Dante Alighieri is quite heavy.

But when you read by deciphering the words and meanings, you fall under its spell. The book was first 1472 Published in. From 14.233 lines Never allow this masterpiece to get dusty on the shelves of your bookshelf. The work, which you will want to read more than once, has aspects that will surprise you every time. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

Summary of the Divine Comedy Book

Dante's Divine Comedy, which has an extraordinary subject, is among the masterpieces of world poetry. Dante; in heaven, purgatory and hell He narrates his journey in an epic language. The journey of the year 1300 on a Thursday night takes a week. Dante is 35 years old on this trip, he also “halfway in our life” in his words. They describe Hell as 9 circles, and the number of circles increases according to the sins committed. This gigantic poem, which tries to establish a similarity with the real world in every line, makes people think and question themselves, forces the imagination.

15. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen

The novels written by Jane Austen, one of the most successful English writers of the 19th century, are among the works that do not lose their popularity today. Almost all of Austen's novels have been adapted to the cinema, depicting the heroes and characters in her books very successfully. Love and Pride is one of the books that were made into movies and television series. What to read before you die I suggest you add it to the list.

Summary of Pride and Prejudice

The most romantic book of all time we can say for Pride and Pride… In the book, which has a great fiction, a mother of five daughters is in a hurry to get her daughters married for fear of staying at home. However, his exaggerated behavior makes the reader smile in many places. The book is a masterpiece that has defying the years since the day it was first written and reminds the conditions of those days. Our book, which proves that there is no pride and prejudice in love, has a happy ending.

16. The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a great world classic. The book, which has a sad story, has several versions that have been adapted into movies. Book completed by the author in 6 months 1831 Published in. With this book, Hugo touches on the effects of poverty and destiny in people's lives. The purpose of the author in writing the book is: Notre Dame Cathedral, which was very neglected at that time, is desired to be demolished. Victor Hugo wrote this book to attract public attention. The result is successful, after the book the decision to demolish the cathedral is canceled and repairs are made.

Summary of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The book tells the sad love of Quasimodo, who works as a church sexton, for Esmeralda. Born an ugly baby Quasimodo He is left to the church by his family. Growing up here, Quasimodo works as a church bellman. However, in the following years, his ears begin to lose their hearing due to the ringing tone. One day he meets the beautiful Esmeralda and falls in love with her. Esmeralda has fallen in love with another man. The characters do not end there in this very complex love trilogy. One day, a murder committed falls on Esmeralda. Quasimodo takes refuge in the church by kidnapping him. I guarantee you won't be able to hold back your tears while reading this extremely sad story.

17. Lily of the Valley – Honoré de Balzac

Honoré de Balzac, famous for his successful descriptions, 1835 Lily of the Valley, which he wrote in must read a classic. The book, which is quite emotional, tells a love story. The book may tire the reader at the beginning, especially with its ornate narration, but towards the end, its grip increases. The following sentence, in which the author defines love, gives an idea about the subject of the book; “Love should be lived in the soul, not in the body, and love should be eternal, not temporary, with the whole being. And it must be abundant and childish in all its purity.” .

Summary of the Lily of the Valley Book

Lily of the Valley, which is on the 100 Essential Works list of the Ministry of National Education, is a wonderful book where you will experience the conditions of that period exactly. having a difficult childhood FelixHe tells about the love that he is passionately attached to. In the first parts of the book, the hard days of Felix, his exclusion from his family, etc. are told. Later, the great love he experienced is conveyed to the reader down to the smallest detail. Felix falls in love with Henriette, who is married and has children, and loves her enough to sacrifice his life. The book, which deals with the painful aspect of love, is among the most successful world classics given in the romance movement.

18. Anna Karenina – Lev Tolstoy

Anna Karenina was first written by the Russian writer Tolstoy, one of the pioneers of the realism movement. 1877 Published in. The book, which is a masterpiece in terms of fiction, style and fluency, has reached many readers by being translated into different languages, just like Tolstoy's other works. The book tells a love story that will keep you hooked. The feelings you feel towards the heroes of the event are constantly changing. Although it is quite thick, you come to the end without even realizing how the book ends. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

Summary of Anna Karenina Book

The protagonist of the book, as the name suggests, is the beautiful Anna Karenina. Unhappily married, Anna meets a man named Vronski one day, begins to fall in love and becomes pregnant with him. After a while, she tells her husband about this situation and wants a divorce. However, her husband refuses to divorce in order not to damage his reputation. But Anna continues her love affair with Vronski despite this. Anna, who lived in Italy for a while with her lover, is ostracized by society when she returns to Russia. The woman, who falls into a psychological depression, begins to experience more and more difficult days and finally commits suicide. The book tells us that even if you meet the person you love at the end of forbidden love, social moral rules do not allow it; It shows that love and passion will also end somewhere.

19. Les Misérables – Victor Hugo

Written by the French writer Victor Hugo, one of the representatives of the Romantic movement, Les Misérables was first 1862 Published in. The book is written in such a successful language that you can feel the heroes in your heart while reading it. One of the most read world classics, Les Misérables is recommended by the Ministry of National Education to secondary school students. 100 Essential Artifacts is also on the list. The book, which helps people to know the value of the things in their hands better, will win the appreciation of even those who do not like to read. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

Summary of Les Miserables

the protagonist of our book. Jean Valjeanis sentenced to 5 years of hard labor for stealing bread. However, as he repeatedly tried to escape, his sentence was increased to 19 years. After serving his sentence and being freed, a more difficult life awaits him. He is ostracized by society because he has been convicted before. In the future, he becomes rich through a job and begins to live under the name Madeleine. But one day she receives the news that a man named Jean Valjean has been caught. He is not willing to let someone else be punished for hard labor instead of him, and he goes and surrenders to the police. The Les Miserables novel, which tells the life story of a criminal, is a work with the effects of the romantic movement. There is information that Victor Hugo worked on it for 17 years to write this book.

20. Crime and Punishment – ​​Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Dostoevsky is one of the most important novelists of Russian literature. Almost every book he wrote has become famous not only in his country but also around the world. Crime and Punishment, one of the author's most important works, is also among the most widely read world classics. The book, which makes you question yourself, also makes a difference in your perspective on events. Firstly 1866 The book, which was published in XNUMX, is still read with great interest and admiration. For this reason, it is on the list of world classics.

Summary of Crime and Punishment

Poor in Crime and Punishment, which shocks the reader and can be read over and over again. raskolnikov A young man named wins law school, but drops out of school due to economic difficulties. On the other hand, he is angry that the money is in the hands of lowly people and thinks that it is wrong for him to suffer from money problems. Then he kills the sister of a rich moneylender. Although no one sees that he committed the murder, his uneasiness never ends. He begins to think that he has lost his innocence and humanity with a pang of conscience. Raskolnikov, who is psychologically affected and fights within himself, does not talk to anyone and chooses solitude. He finally surrenders, confessing to committing the murder. You should definitely read Crime and Punishment, which is one of the most important works of the world, where you will feel like Raskolnikov's accomplice and experience his feelings exactly.

Conclusion

Yes, I tried to give you information about 20 beautiful and valuable works under the name of world classics. Reading book; It is an action that you can't get enough of and that you want to read more as you read. Of course, there are books that everyone chooses according to their own style and that they enjoy reading more. Some people like romance novels, some like crime thrillers. However, the place of world classics among these books is completely different.

These works, which are among the most important of Russian, French and English literature, are read by even lovers of all kinds of books. If you have never read a world classic book, please do yourself a favor and read a classic. For you a list of the most read, most admired world classics books I prepared. I hope this list will be a beginner's guide and wish you pleasant reading.