[Harmon]

Okay, type first, read the thread later. But here's my take:

1. If you have reached the point where you think you need to read the classics, you have passed the point where you have time to read the classics. It follows that you can only read some of the classics. Therefore, do not read what you find you don't like.

2. The purpose of reading the classics is to be entertained and/or instructed. The classics worth reading for those purposes cluster in the histories, the novels, and the biographies. (All of these being, of course, degrees of narrative fiction.) Review point 1.

3. If, after reading the first chapter of any classic, you find that you do not care to read the second chapter, put it down and choose another book. Review point 1.

4. There are two general areas of history you should read in: the Greeks, and Shakespeare. Everything that has ever happened, happened to the Greeks. All the rest is commentary. Remember, Homer and the related Greek plays are history, even if they didn't happen. As for Shakespeare, you must read his histories because he wrote them.

5. There are three general areas of novels you should read in: English, Russian and French. It is important to find a translation you like in the latter two. Read the English for entertainment, the Russians for instruction, and the French for Flaubert and Proust, even though you probably won't finish Proust. At this point I throw in Montaigne, who doesn't fit anywhere else.

6. Biographies: Boswell's Life of Johnson, and Shakespeare's tragedies. 'Nuf said.

7. The Bible, in that it contains history, novels and biography. Consider it as a kind of literary and moral reference source for the English and the Russians. For the French, it's politics, and is therefore of little consequence.

8. Always check Project Gutenberg and your friendly neighborhood Mobileread for free eClassics.

9. Review point 1.