Literary classics are described as  “A novel that represents a genre or a writing style or it can be a novel that makes a contribution to literature.” The definition of the word “Classic” as described by the Oxford dictionary is: “A work of art of recognised and established value.” These definitions clearly describe that for a book or any piece of literary art to be a “classic”, it must be impactful, important and revolutionary. My question or maybe a “bone to pick” with this, would be: who decides? Who or what people, institutions or communities decide that something is a “classic” or worthy of international or historical acclaim?

 

On Penguin.co.uk, on their page of 100 must-read classics, the first book that is suggested, and claimed to be their “must read”, is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Now this book is easily an undeniable classic, it’s held it’s place as one of the most greatest books since it’s was first published.

However, as you go down the list, passing copies of Gatsby & Great Expectations, you start noticing a pattern. The most recent book on that list is Suite Francaise published in 2004, the penultimate being The Secret History released in 1992. But most books mentioned on the Penguin Must-Read Classics, are mainly published in the late 1800’s spanning to the 1960’s. Now there are exceptions, with a few books appearing from the 70’s-80’s and the earliest being from the 8th century BC ( however that is just 2 books ). What my point is, is there such thing as a modern classic?

 

The most popular author in the world is J.K Rowling, with an estimated 600 million copies of her books sold world wide, however no Harry Potter books appear in Penguins list.

Shakespeare although best know for writing plays - has no book adaptations of his work that place on Penguins top 100.

Goodreads most popular book of 2022 was Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover - Colleen does not appear in the top 100.

 

Really the definition of a classic is very obscure. I truly believe that someone’s opinion on a book defines wether they see that piece of literature to be a classic or other.

 

Many will disagree with Penguins list, confused as to why ‘Charlie and the chocolate factory’ by Roald Dahl places 47/100, while ‘Lolita’ written by Vladimir Nabokov stands at 53. 

And confused as to why a book about a boy and chocolate comes 11 places before Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy) and 31 places above A Christmas Carol ( Charles Dickens. )

 

In total classics are works of literature that have been around long enough to mark an era or culture of significance, and something that has an impact on the reader or readers, that holds the same popularity or applause now as it did when it was written. Which, when you really think about it - it’s all opinion based.

 

So when you think of a book that you love - wether it’s a defined classic or not, if it gives you that sense, really there’s no one from stopping you calling it a classic, your very own classic.