Originally Posted by Bookpossum

From time to time there seem to have been discussions about what is (or isn't) literature. As you are planning an update to the opening post in this thread, sun surfer, could I suggest that it includes a definition or at least guidelines for what we mean by literature?

I know that's hard to do, but I think it would include things like having lasting merit, having themes of universal interest, illuminating a culture or a period, and of course being well written. (No Nevil Shute in this Book Club!)

My Concise Oxford Dictionary says:

"Writings whose value lies in beauty of form or emotional effect."

My Macquarie Dictionary (a very good Australian dictionary) says:

"Writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic and essential features, as poetry, romance, history, biography, essays, etc; belles-lettres."

And thanks again, sun surfer, for all your work in making the Literary Book Club such a good place to be!