50 Must-Read Novels from the 20th Century. Literature, as with all forms of creative expression, is a highly subjective art.
The preferences of one individual may not necessarily overlap with those of another. However, many books nevertheless hold significant influence over both contemporaries and society as a whole. If not necessarily read for enjoyment, they ought to at least be acknowledged for their insight and impact. This list intends to blend highly recognized and celebrated works with those that may have gone overlooked by those outside the literary community and deserve more mainstream attention. Regardless of their status, each novel provides readers with something valuable, whether it be historical context, an intelligent exploration of some aspect of society, or some combination thereof. 1.
A muckraking exploration of worker exploitation and inadequate food safety laws in America, this novel directly led President Teddy Roosevelt to pass the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. 25 Banned Books That You Should Read Today. Almost since the dawn of publishing, books have been banned for one reason or another.
Many notable banned books are also compelling reads from classic or contemporary literature. This list summarizes 25 of the most controversial banned books from throughout history. #1 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Harper Lee's only novel is considered by many to be among the greatest works of fiction in American literature. Yet the story of young Scout Finch and her father, Atticus, has often been banned. . #2 American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis Ellis is a frequent target for protests due to the nature of his writing, but none has faced the level of opposition of American Psycho. . #3 And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson This picture book tells the true story of Roy and Silo, two male penguins in New York City's Central Park Zoo. . #4 The Awakening by Kate Chopin #5 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R.
. #6 Candide by Voltaire #7 Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut #9 Forever by Judy Blume. Bloom. Western Canon. Frequently Asked Questions Who wrote this list?
See the heading above and the credit below to find out who wrote this list. If you don't like the selections in this list or the arrangement, take it up with the author(s). Why isn't my favorite author listed here? This list may not include your favorite author, but he or she may be on other Great Books lists. See the Great Books FAQ for more about the Great Books and these lists of them.
This page: A. A. "Since the literary canon is at issue here, I include only those religious, philosophical, historical, and scientific writings that are themselves of great aesthetic interest. "I have included some Sanskrit works, scriptures and fundamental literary texts, because of their influence on the Western canon. The Ancient Near East Gilgamesh Egyptian Book of the Dead Holy Bible (King James Version) The Apocrypha Sayings of the Fathers (Pirke Aboth) Ancient India (Sanskrit) Mahabharata Bhagavad-Gita Ramayana The Ancient Greeks B.
Italy C.