All-Time Classics, According to Academics

This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.

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  • Collected Poems by Wallace Stevens

    Cover of 'Collected Poems' by Wallace Stevens

    "Collected Poems" is a compilation of the author's lifetime work in poetry, showcasing his unique style of combining philosophy and aesthetics into his verse. His poems, often complex and introspective, explore themes of reality, imagination, and the nature of the human mind. The collection is known for its rich imagery and profound contemplation, offering readers a deep and thought-provoking exploration of life and consciousness.

    The 464th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

  • Mourning Becomes Electra by Eugene O'Neill

    A Trilogy
    Cover of 'Mourning Becomes Electra' by Eugene O'Neill

    "Mourning Becomes Electra" is a trilogy of plays that retells the Oresteia story of the House of Atreus in a modern American setting. The narrative explores the themes of revenge, obsession, and guilt within the Mannon family, who are haunted by a dark, cursed past. The plot follows the aftermath of the American Civil War, with the characters struggling to escape their tragic fate, ultimately leading to their downfall.

    The 2088th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

  • Death Of A Salesman by Arthur Miller

    Cover of 'Death Of A Salesman' by Arthur Miller

    This classic play explores the life of a failing salesman who, in his quest for the American Dream, struggles with his relationships and his own sense of reality. The protagonist's life spirals into despair as he grapples with his unfulfilled ambitions, strained family dynamics, and ultimately, his own mortality. The narrative delves deep into the themes of identity, illusion, and the destructive nature of the American Dream.

    The 426th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
About this list

The Commercial Appeal , 103 Books

This list contains several different pages/links:
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal/141617077/
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal/141617064/
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal/141617235/
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal/141617445/
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal/141617490/

These selections were submitted by literature professors from a variety of different universities. Seven professors/experts contributed in total. Here are their names:
Evans Harrington, chairman of the Liberal Arts college at the University of Mississippi
Keneth Kinnamon, an English professor at the University of Arkansas
Ethel Pumphrey Stephens, chairman of the English department at the University of Arkansas
William Bennett, the United States Secretary of Education
Richard Wood, an English professor at Rhodes College
Robert Allen, an indepedant literature scholar
Joseph K. Davis, chairman of the English department at Memphis State University

This list was originally published in 1985 and was added to this site about 1 year ago.

How Good is this List?

This list has a weight of 41%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.

Here is a list of what is decreasing the importance of this list:

  • Voters: Voter Count
  • List: only covers mostly "Western Canon" books
  • Voters: are mostly from a single country/location

If you think this is incorrect please contact us.

List Information

Number of Voters:
7
Voter Count Unknown:
No
Voter Names Unknown:
No
High Quality Source:
No
Location Specific:
No
Category Specific:
No