Classic Novels

[Freeshadow]

+1 to that Harry. And let us emphasise that a lot of the old kids adventure stories are still after decades or even centuries more readworthy than all the current stuff hyped now - books aimed towards adult readership included. And far more educative.
The Chronicles of Pyrdain are IMHO a perfect example of that. Written in a way even young readers can mentally process and teaching a set of values which would make the world far a better place would more adults subscribe to them.
But hey, I'm just a disenchanted old-fashioned romantic (in the original meaning of that)

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by Jozawun

it doesn't mean nothing, but long-term popularity doesn't, of itself, make it a classic, any more than does popularity alone.
Some books now generally described as classics weren't popular originally, and/or aren't popular now.
Still, if you think GWTW is a classic, it might help if you say what makes you think so - in other words, give us a definition of classic.

I already did.

[Jozawun]

Originally Posted by Catlady

I already did.

Yes, my apologies, I missed it.

[kennyc]

Wow, never fails to amaze my how this topic always brings out the boxing gloves.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by John A. A. Logan

My goodness, they look appetizing indeed(!!)

....and if you saw them being made....

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by jgaiser

Sure.. Just so you understand something published in the past couple of years doesn't meet the longevity requirement (just off the top of my head):

To Kill a Mockingbird
The Catcher in the Rye
The Great Gatsby
Lord of the Flies
1984
Animal Farm
Fahrenheit 451
Catch-22
Brave New World
Slaughterhouse-Five
A Clockwork Orange
Old Man and the Sea
Grapes of Wrath

I'm sure others can add to the list

Excellent List!

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by jgaiser

Upthread I posted *a couple* definitions of Classic Literature. They are definitions that *most* people would agree with. Obviously you don't. Until you get "Supreme Arbiter of Classic Literature" after your name, you're just going to have to live with other peoples opinions.

If you don't like a "Classic" don't read it. Telling other folks that what you don't like isn't "Classic" is just going to get you ignored.

Which is what I'm going to do.

Yep.


.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

This is why classic is not a good classification. Too many variations.

Of course it's a good/useful general classification. People would stop using it if it weren't. The "Classic Little Black Dress": like it, love it, hate it, can't pull off the look yourself; these things have no bearing on the fact that deep down, despite the myriad of subtle possible variations, everyone knows what it means. I'm not certain why you have the misconception that when it comes to literature, that "classic" should somehow imply that most people will enjoy it. Classic isn't a qualitative term, IMO.

The term works perfectly well for discussions between people of varying backgrounds/tastes/inclinations. It may not get you to the exact same street address, but it will get all participants in the same "zipcode" rather quickly and efficiently—where they can then present the individual cases for or against their personal pet fringe (in|ex)clusions.

As for the "modern" qualifier... well, you're just being pedantic. The "Modern Art" period started in the late-mid 1800s and ended in the 1970s. There's no hard and fast date parameters. Modern is relative. So is Classic. So is Good. But of those three; only the first two are even moderately useful when discussing literature in groups containing more than a single participant.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Excellent List!

Only if Slaughterhouse-Five is removed. I've read it and found it to be a mess.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

As for the "modern" qualifier... well, you're just being pedantic. The "Modern Art" period started in the late-mid 1800s and ended in the 1970s. There's no hard and fast date parameters. Modern is relative. So is Classic. So is Good. But of those three; only the first two are even moderately useful when discussing literature in groups containing more than a single participant.

From what I've been able to find out, a modern classic is different then a classic in that the modern classic was written after WWII. That's the difference between classic and modern classic until modern classic will need to be redefined.

[jgaiser]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Only if Slaughterhouse-Five is removed. I've read it and found it to be a mess.

Thanks Jon. I haven't read it yet, but of course we know your tastes are superb.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by jgaiser

Thanks Jon. I haven't read it yet, but of course we know your tastes are superb.

What is it they say about some people's taste all being in they mouths?

[Freeshadow]

Jon there's something you should consider as a tattoo in mirror script on your forhead, so you 'd be reminded of it every time you shave:

De gustibus et coloribus non est disputandum

[Jozawun]

Quote:
De gustibus et coloribus non est disputandum

Does this mean "Don't argue, just eat your crayons?