Classic English Literature Reading List
If you’re a fan of classic English literature or looking to expand your reading horizon, there are several American British novels that you should add to your reading list. From Jane Austen’s witty commentary on society to Charles Dickens’ social commentary on industrialization, here is a list of some of the timeless classics you should read:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
First published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice is Jane Austen’s most popular and beloved work. The novel follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a strong-willed and independent young woman, as she navigates family, love, and class in early 19th-century England.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Published in 1847, Wuthering Heights is a Gothic novel that tells the story of the Earnshaw family and their adopted son Heathcliff. The novel explores themes of revenge, love, and the destructive power of obsession.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Great Expectations, published in 1861, is one of Charles Dickens’ most beloved novels. Set in Victorian England, it follows the life of Pip, an orphan who dreams of becoming a gentleman. The novel explores themes of social class, identity, and redemption.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Jane Eyre is a bildungsroman novel published in 1847 that tells the story of a young governess named Jane Eyre. The novel explores themes of gender roles, feminism, and morality.
Tess of the d’Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy
First published in 1891, Tess of the d’Ubervilles is considered one of Thomas Hardy’s greatest works. The novel tells the story of Tess, a poor country girl who is taken advantage of by men in her life. The novel explores themes of sexual morality, social class, and fate.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel that explores the nature of art, beauty, and morality. The novel follows the story of a young man named Dorian Gray, who sells his soul to preserve his youth and beauty.
Reading these classic English literature works is like time-traveling back to a different literary era. So, pick one or a few from this list, grab a cup of tea, and enjoy the timeless tales.