Tuesday

Book Wishlist // Classics

I love classic literature, although I don't read nearly enough of it. In fact, I didn't even start reading classics until a couple of years ago when I tried Frankenstein and fell in love. I'm a little ashamed to admit that I fell for that old stereotype of classic literature being stuffy and dull. Since my enlightenment, I've developed a long list of books that I'm eager to read.
Classic books beautiful covers
Let's start with the pretty books, yeah? I'm a sucker for a beautiful cover and classic books have a tendency to be reprinted in so many stunning designs that it's difficult to choose just one! The Penguin Clothbound Classics are my favourite by a long shot and I've always wanted to read War and Peace (it's actually one of my 101 in 1001 goals). We have a tatty old mass market paperback that Rich picked up in a charity shop but I'd much prefer to have this gorgeous edition standing proudly on my bookshelf! 

While we're on the topic of books I already own, I recently bought the most beautiful 1950s illustrated edition of Little Women and Heidi in the charity shop. However, they're quite delicate and I'm wary of damaging them by reading them properly. Besides, the Puffin in Bloom collection is such a gorgeous box set, including A Little Princess and Anne of Green Gables alongside the two former titles, that I just can't resist!

I have a confession to make: I've never read an Austen. Actually, that's not strictly true, since I have read The Beautifull Cassandra but, as it's just one of Penguin's Little Black Books, I'm not sure it counts. These Vintage Classics editions are so lovely, although it seems difficult to find a complete set in the UK. Nevertheless, Sense and Sensibility is where I want to start, if only because afterwards I can "compare" the book to the film (which really means crying over Alan Rickman because he will never be mine)

Similarly, I'm yet to fully explore the Bronte Sisters. I read Wuthering Heights last year and wasn't a huge fan but then I saw the Penguin Drop Caps editions and suddenly I wanted to try some more. Who wouldn't want a book with their initial emblazoned on the front? Exactly! (In fact, I also want the E, C, K and Y edition so I can spell out my name!) The B is Jane Eyre and I fully intend to pick it up soon. 
Vintage Red Spine Classics
Onto the still-pretty-but-not-quite-as-pretty books. A lot of these are Vintage Classics because I have a real thing about the simple covers and sleek red spines. However, I do love the ornate design of this Rebecca edition and I've heard such great things about the book. 

Lady Chatterley's Lover is a must-read and I'm eager to find out what precisely was so controversial. I'm willing to bet it was nothing much! I've wanted to read The Woman in White ever since it was mentioned in my favourite Horrible Histories book (The Vile Victorians, since you're asking) and named as the first detective novel. Finally, I was supposed to read Birdsong as part of my A level English Literature module in First World War literature but never got round to it and have been meaning to rectify that ever since.

This doesn't count those books that I've already bought and have yet to read. My mum bought me the most beautiful box set of Dickens Clothbound Classics for Christmas, of which I've only read one. I also have a Clothbound Classic of Les Misérables which I do intend to read one day, only it's 1232 pages long and I hated the only other book of Hugo's I've read- The Hunchback of Notre Dame (review here). Mind you, maybe I should get round to those books I've yet to read before I start buying more- I've got over 100 waiting for me as it is!

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8 comments :

  1. I am such a book worm but Ive not read any of these books. I will be saving this post for a later day xx

    www.beautylifebecca.blogspot.co.uk

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  2. I'm exactly like you you when it comes to classic literature ! - years of being forced to read and analyse In secondary school can put anyone off. But I've just returned to reading them for pleasure - Jane eyre I totally fell in love with and Rebecca , well it's up there with my favourite book of all time ! If you don't read anything else , definitely read those two xxx

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  3. I think the difference with me and all the other bookworms I know is that I actually love the feeling and idea of a worn in book, so I'd say just start reading any of them regardless of their cover sitch, haha. But seriously though, Tolstoy's War and Peace is a must read!

    MAY | WWW.THEMAYDEN.COM

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  4. I have SO many classics on my wish list - I love the Roads Classics versions of Dracula! x

    Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness

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  5. I liked Jane Eyre so much more than Wuthering Heights, I recommend reading! I've always wanted to read War and Peace too, although I'm trying to pluck up the courage to start it. I got through Anna Karenina, can't be too much more difficult? Great post!

    Laura Wardrobe // Laura Wardrobe

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  6. Wow - you NEED to read Birdsong - it is so incredibly power and well-written (can you tell I love it!) I made the mistake of reading Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen first (also for the Rickman love affair :'( *howls in tears!*) I would actually start with Northanger Abbey or Emma - the writing is much easier to follow and the story. S&S whilst a great story - when paraphrased - the writing is incredibly bulky!

    Ellie | ellesbellesgradblog.blogspot.co.uk

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  7. So Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier is my favourite book of all time. It's awesome! Lady Chatterly's Lover is also a very cool book...although I do hope you're not prone to blushing!
    Ellie
    xxx

    www.thiscountrygirlsjournal.com

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  8. Those pretty editions of classical novels are everything!!

    Nihaad - Read & Seek

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