What Are The Oldest Novels In The 100 Greatest Novels Ever List?

2025-08-14 04:53:07 72

5 Answers

Vance
Vance
2025-08-15 07:28:40
I’m obsessed with tracking how literature has evolved, and the oldest novels on these lists are treasures. 'The Tale of Genji' is my favorite—it’s astonishing how a story from 1000 years ago feels so vivid. Then there’s 'Don Quixote,' which is basically the first buddy comedy ever written. 'The Decameron' by Boccaccio (1353) is another early standout, a collection of tales that’s both racy and philosophical. 'The Canterbury Tales' (1400) by Chaucer is similarly brilliant, mixing humor and social commentary. These books aren’t just old; they’re the blueprint for everything that came after. Every time I reread them, I find something new.
Clara
Clara
2025-08-16 21:33:18
Old novels have a magic all their own. 'Don Quixote' is my go-to for a laugh and a lesson in idealism. 'The Tale of Genji' is lush and immersive, like stepping into a painted scroll. 'Pamela' (1740) by Samuel Richardson is an early epistolary novel that’s surprisingly gripping. 'Tristram Shandy' (1759) breaks the fourth wall centuries before it was cool. These pioneers remind me why storytelling is eternal—they dared to be different, and we’re still talking about them.
Violet
Violet
2025-08-17 14:49:07
For me, the charm of old novels lies in their boldness. 'Don Quixote' is a riot—imagine a guy so obsessed with chivalry that he attacks windmills. 'The Tale of Genji' is like an 11th-century soap opera, full of drama and poetic letters. 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' (circa 2100 BCE) isn’t technically a novel, but it’s one of humanity’s first epic stories. 'The Princesse de Clèves' (1678) is a French gem about forbidden love. These works prove that people have always craved great stories.
Veronica
Veronica
2025-08-19 13:36:31
the oldest novels on the '100 Greatest Novels' lists are fascinating glimpses into the evolution of storytelling. One of the earliest is 'The Tale of Genji' by Murasaki Shikibu, written in the early 11th century—often called the world's first novel. This Japanese masterpiece follows the life and loves of Prince Genji, blending poetry, romance, and courtly intrigue.

Another ancient gem is 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes, published in 1605. It's a hilarious yet profound adventure about a delusional knight and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza. Then there's 'The Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan (1678), an allegorical journey through faith and temptation. These works laid the groundwork for modern fiction, and their themes still resonate today. I also adore 'Robinson Crusoe' (1719) for its survivalist spirit and 'Gulliver's Travels' (1726) for its biting satire. Classics like these remind me how timeless great storytelling can be.
Ivy
Ivy
2025-08-20 15:46:20
I’ve always been drawn to the roots of storytelling, and the oldest novels on these lists are like time machines. 'The Tale of Genji' is a masterpiece of Heian-era Japan, dripping with elegance and melancholy. 'Don Quixote' is timeless—part adventure, part satire, all heart. 'Robinson Crusoe' feels like the birth of the survival genre, while 'Gulliver’s Travels' is Swift’s genius wrapped in fantasy. Even 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' (1774) packs emotional punches. These books didn’t just age well; they defined literature.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Hayle Coven Novels
Hayle Coven Novels
"Her mom's a witch. Her dad's a demon.And she just wants to be ordinary.Being part of a demon raising is way less exciting than it sounds.Sydlynn Hayle's teen life couldn't be more complicated. Trying to please her coven is all a fantasy while the adventure of starting over in a new town and fending off a bully cheerleader who hates her are just the beginning of her troubles. What to do when delicious football hero Brad Peters--boyfriend of her cheer nemesis--shows interest? If only the darkly yummy witch, Quaid Moromond, didn't make it so difficult for her to focus on fitting in with the normal kids despite her paranormal, witchcraft laced home life. Forced to take on power she doesn't want to protect a coven who blames her for everything, only she can save her family's magic.If her family's distrust doesn't destroy her first.Hayle Coven Novels is created by Patti Larsen, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author."
10
803 Chapters
A Second Life Inside My Novels
A Second Life Inside My Novels
Her name was Cathedra. Leave her last name blank, if you will. Where normal people would read, "And they lived happily ever after," at the end of every fairy tale story, she could see something else. Three different things. Three words: Lies, lies, lies. A picture that moves. And a plea: Please tell them the truth. All her life she dedicated herself to becoming a writer and telling the world what was being shown in that moving picture. To expose the lies in the fairy tales everyone in the world has come to know. No one believed her. No one ever did. She was branded as a liar, a freak with too much imagination, and an orphan who only told tall tales to get attention. She was shunned away by society. Loveless. Friendless. As she wrote "The End" to her novels that contained all she knew about the truth inside the fairy tale novels she wrote, she also decided to end her pathetic life and be free from all the burdens she had to bear alone. Instead of dying, she found herself blessed with a second life inside the fairy tale novels she wrote, and living the life she wished she had with the characters she considered as the only friends she had in the world she left behind. Cathedra was happy until she realized that an ominous presence lurks within her stories. One that wanted to kill her to silence the only one who knew the truth.
10
9 Chapters
The List
The List
Rebecca had it all planned out, she had the career, the house, the guy who ticked all the boxes. Sure life was a little dull, but that's what happens when you grow up, doesn't it? Then one day, the guy she thought she'd marry decided he wasn't sure and with the help of her best friend and a rather unconventional bucket list, Rebecca might find out that being a grown up, doesn't have to be dull at all.
Not enough ratings
2 Chapters
Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours
Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours
"Just because we're married, doesn't make us a real couple. Take it as a contract" He said in a business tone before leaving. "Like I want to be with you" I muttered under my breath as my tears threatened to spill. Natalie learns that she has been promised to the eldest son of the mighty and powerful Maxfields. She has no choice but to accept reality and decides to proceed with the arranged marriage her parents and grandparents had fixed, long ago. Little did she know that she would be treated as a contract wife. ------------------------------------------- "You force your children to get married. Force them to fall in love as if they were key operated toys and now that they've fallen in love, you want to separate them?" Natalie questions, tears threatening to fall, her voice almost on the verge of breaking. ------------------------------------------- Read more to find out All the images that I use in the story belong to the rightful owners. I do not own any of them.
Not enough ratings
16 Chapters
THE CONQUEST LIST
THE CONQUEST LIST
Rich, handsome and intelligent heir to the billionaire company, The Grey Business Empire, Andrew Alexander Grey, has always got all he ever wanted with his charm, looks and brilliance which attracts all the girls. Being the most popular and the number one heartthrob of every girl on campus, Andrew is shocked when he meets Robin, the only girl resistant to his looks and fame and vows to date her and include her name in his long list of conquests to prove that he is the greatest player of all to his friends. But what if he finds himself catching real feelings for her? Will the player be tricked in his own game? ★★★★★★★★ She is beautiful, tomboyish, fierce, headstrong and intelligent, a scholarship student from a modest background, she is Robin Jane Stevens. Having met Andrew after an accident involving her brother she is shocked by his ego and arrogance. So when fate brings about several encounters between them, Robin decides that Andrew must be taught a lesson to change his habit of looking down on others and makes it her goal to crush his inflated ego by dating him and being the first girl ever to dump him. Considering herself immune to his charms, Robin is surprised to find herself getting too involved with him and forgetting all about her original plan. Could she be falling for the player after all? Things get complicated when secrets are revealed and lots of hurdles come in between them. Will the player finally change his ways and what secret exactly would he discover?
10
75 Chapters
Her Dying List
Her Dying List
Not enough ratings
13 Chapters

Related Questions

Which 100 Greatest Novels Ever Have Been Adapted Into Movies?

4 Answers2025-08-14 02:43:19
I’ve spent years geeking out over novel-to-film adaptations. Some of the greatest novels ever written have been brilliantly translated to the screen. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee became an iconic film, capturing the essence of racial injustice and childhood innocence. 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo is another masterpiece, with the film elevating the novel’s gritty storytelling. Then there’s 'Gone with the Wind,' a sweeping epic that brought Margaret Mitchell’s vivid prose to life. Modern classics like 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien set a new standard for fantasy adaptations. Don’t forget 'Fight Club' by Chuck Palahniuk, which gained a cult following thanks to David Fincher’s direction. For a mix of drama and romance, 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen has been adapted multiple times, each version offering something unique. These adaptations prove that great stories transcend mediums, inviting audiences to experience them in new ways.

Which 100 Greatest Novels Ever Are Banned In Some Countries?

5 Answers2025-08-14 20:24:46
I’ve come across quite a few acclaimed novels that have faced bans in certain countries. One of the most famous is '1984' by George Orwell, which has been banned in places like Russia and China for its critique of totalitarianism. Another classic, 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger, has been banned in schools across the U.S. for its rebellious tone and themes of teenage angst. 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov is another masterpiece that’s often banned due to its controversial subject matter, despite its literary brilliance. 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley has faced bans for its depiction of a dystopian society that challenges traditional values. Even 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, a staple in American literature, has been banned in some schools for its racial themes and language. These books, while celebrated globally, remind us of how powerful literature can be in challenging societal norms.

How Often Is The 100 Greatest Novels Ever List Updated?

5 Answers2025-08-14 11:46:15
I've noticed that major '100 greatest novels ever' lists—like those from Time, The Guardian, or Modern Library—aren't updated on a strict schedule. They tend to reflect generational shifts rather than annual changes. For instance, Modern Library's 1998 list hasn't been officially revised, while The Guardian's 2013 iteration added contemporary voices like 'Wolf Hall'. These lists often spark debates when they do change, usually every 10-15 years, as cultural perspectives evolve. Publishers might release 'updated editions' of such lists, but the core classics—think 'Ulysses' or 'To Kill a Mockingbird'—rarely budge. If you're curious about fresher takes, niche communities like Goodreads or BookTok curate more frequent 'best of' rankings that highlight newer titles alongside timeless works.

Which Publishers Own Rights To 100 Greatest Novels Ever Today?

5 Answers2025-08-14 13:00:44
As an avid reader who's spent years exploring literary classics, I've noticed that many of the so-called '100 greatest novels ever' are scattered across a handful of major publishing houses. Penguin Random House stands out as the most dominant, holding rights to timeless works like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and '1984'. They've also absorbed other imprints over time, including Vintage Classics which publishes books like 'The Great Gatsby'. HarperCollins maintains control over important titles such as 'Brave New World', while Simon & Schuster oversees 'The Catcher in the Rye'. Modern Library, now part of Penguin Random House, still curates their famous 100 Best Novels list including 'Ulysses' and 'The Sound and the Fury'. It's fascinating how corporate consolidation has shaped access to these cultural treasures.

Where Can I Read 100 Greatest Novels Ever For Free Online?

4 Answers2025-08-14 06:01:26
I can confidently recommend a few places to dive into literary classics without spending a dime. Project Gutenberg is a goldmine, offering over 60,000 free eBooks, including timeless works like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Moby Dick.' Their collection is vast and well-organized, making it easy to find what you're looking for. Another fantastic resource is Open Library, which operates like an online public library. You can borrow digital copies of many great novels, including modern classics, for free. Websites like ManyBooks and Librivox also provide free access to a wide range of literature, with Librivox specializing in audiobooks read by volunteers. For those who prefer reading on the go, apps like Kindle or Google Play Books often have free classics available. Just search for '100 greatest novels' or specific titles, and you'll likely find them.

Which 100 Greatest Novels Ever Have Won Literary Awards?

5 Answers2025-08-14 18:41:27
I’ve always been fascinated by award-winning novels that stand the test of time. Classics like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which won the Pulitzer Prize, or 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck, another Pulitzer winner, are must-reads. These books don’t just tell stories; they capture entire eras and human experiences with breathtaking clarity. Then there’s 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez, a Nobel Prize winner that blends magical realism with deep emotional truths. For something more contemporary, 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt won the Pulitzer and delivers a gripping tale of loss and art. 'Midnight’s Children' by Salman Rushdie, which snagged the Booker Prize, is a masterclass in postcolonial storytelling. Each of these novels has left an indelible mark on literature, and their accolades are well-deserved.

Are There Any Sci-Fi Novels In The 100 Greatest Novels Ever List?

5 Answers2025-08-14 08:22:21
I can confidently say that the '100 greatest novels ever' lists often include a few groundbreaking sci-fi works. '1984' by George Orwell is a staple, blending dystopian themes with profound social commentary. It's not just a novel; it's a warning about the future that feels eerily relevant today. Another frequent inclusion is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which explores the dark side of technological advancement and societal control. These books aren't just sci-fi; they're literary masterpieces that have shaped how we think about humanity. Other sci-fi gems like 'Dune' by Frank Herbert or 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin sometimes appear on expanded lists, proving that sci-fi can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the classics.

How Many 100 Greatest Novels Ever Are Written By Female Authors?

5 Answers2025-08-14 03:11:24
I’ve noticed that female authors often don’t get the recognition they deserve in 'greatest novels' lists. For example, the Modern Library’s 100 Best Novels includes around 15-20 books by women, like 'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf and 'The Handmaid’s Tale' by Margaret Atwood. Similarly, the BBC’s '100 Greatest British Novels' features about 25 female-authored works, including classics by Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. These numbers are still disappointingly low, considering the sheer brilliance of female writers. Works like 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison or 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot are masterpieces that reshape how we think about literature. The underrepresentation is a reminder of how historical biases have sidelined women’s voices, even when their stories are groundbreaking. If you’re looking to explore more, I’d highly recommend diving into authors like Ursula K. Le Guin or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie—they’re just as deserving of a spot on any 'best of' list.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status