The American Literary Canon Book List: A Must-Read Collection of Classics

In the world of literature, there are certain books that have become timeless classics. These works have stood the test of time and continue to captivate readers with their enduring themes and unforgettable characters. When it comes to American literature, these classics are considered part of the “literary canon,” a list of books that are widely recognized as important works of literature.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of essential American literary works that belong in any book lover’s collection.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

First published in 1925, The Great Gatsby is a masterpiece of American fiction that’s considered one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. The story follows Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and wealthy man who becomes infatuated with a beautiful woman named Daisy Buchanan. Fitzgerald’s vivid descriptions of the opulent Roaring Twenties and his portrayal of disillusionment and the American Dream make this book a must-read.

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

This iconic novel from 1851 is considered one of the greatest works of American literature. Moby-Dick follows the story of Ishmael, a sailor who joins the crew of the Pequod, a whaling ship captained by the obsessed and vengeful Captain Ahab. The book offers insight into the human condition, as well as commentary on religion, race, and environmentalism, making it a timeless classic.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

First published in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that deals with issues of racism and injustice in the American South. The story is told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl who grows up in a small Alabama town during the Great Depression. The book is a work of fiction, but it’s rooted in the harsh realities of racism that existed in the South during that time.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

This novel is considered a classic of 20th-century American literature. The story is narrated by Holden Caulfield, a disaffected teenager who is expelled from his prep school and wanders through New York City over a few days. The book deals with themes of teenage angst, alienation, and disillusionment with the adult world, making it a relatable read for generations of young people.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

This novel from 1884 follows the adventures of Huck Finn, a young boy who runs away from his abusive father and sets off down the Mississippi River with his friend Jim, a runaway slave. The book is famous for its commentary on race relations in the South at that time, and for its use of dialect, making it an important work in the canon of American literature.

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

The Sound and the Fury is a novel from 1929 that’s told from the perspectives of four different characters from the Compson family. The book deals with themes of time, memory, and the decline of the Southern aristocracy in the aftermath of the Civil War. The story is complex and requires careful reading, but the reward is a profound understanding of human nature and the enduring power of the past.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from 1939 that tells the story of the Joad family, who leave their home in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl and set out for California in search of work and a better life. The book deals with themes of poverty, desperation, and the plight of migrant farm workers, making it a socially conscious and important work of American literature.

These books, and many others like them, have earned their place in the American literary canon for good reason. They offer timeless insights into the human condition and continue to captivate readers with their enduring themes and unforgettable characters. Which ones have you read, and which are you excited to add to your must-read list?