The 1800s saw a resurgence of literature that had been absent during the previous century. Many of these books have gone on to become classics, and have gone on to be some of the most famous books in history. In this article, we will be looking at the top 10 books from the early 1800s that are still widely read and discussed today.
1. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley’s most famous work, Frankenstein, was first published in 1818. This gothic horror novel tells the story of a mad scientist named Victor Frankenstein who creates a monstrous creature from pieces of dead bodies and then struggles with the consequences of his actions. Frankenstein has been adapted into numerous films, plays and television series, and is one of the most iconic works of horror and science fiction in history.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice is arguably her most famous work, and is one of the most beloved novels of all time. Published in 1813, the novel follows the lives of the five Bennet sisters as they navigate the English social hierarchy in search of suitable husbands. The novel is renowned for its witty dialogue and its exploration of the complex dynamics of courtship and marriage.
3. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Moby-Dick, published in 1851, is one of the most celebrated novels of all time. Written by Herman Melville, the novel follows the obsessive quest of the whaling captain Ahab to hunt down the white whale Moby-Dick. The novel is renowned for its vivid descriptions of the ocean and its philosophical explorations of good and evil.
4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights is a classic of English literature, first published in 1847. The novel tells the story of the passionate and tumultuous love affair between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, and is renowned for its exploration of the darker themes of obsession, revenge, and the destructive power of unrequited love.
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Published in 1884, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of the most widely read and beloved novels in American literature. Written by Mark Twain, the novel follows the adventures of the young Huck Finn and his friend Jim as they travel down the Mississippi River. The novel is renowned for its humorous dialogue and its exploration of race and morality in the pre-Civil War United States.
6. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield is one of the most famous books of the 19th century. Published in 1850, the novel follows the life of the titular character from his childhood to adulthood. The novel is renowned for its vivid characterizations and its exploration of the themes of identity, family and social class.
7. Emma by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s novel Emma is another classic of English literature, published in 1815. The novel tells the story of the young Emma Woodhouse and her attempts to find suitable husbands for her friends and family. The novel is renowned for its exploration of the nuances of English society and its witty dialogue.
8. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Published in 1850, The Scarlet Letter is one of the most famous novels of American literature. Written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the novel follows the plight of Hester Prynne, who is condemned by the Puritan society of Salem for committing adultery. The novel is renowned for its exploration of morality and its vivid descriptions of life in 17th century America.
9. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre is another classic of English literature, first published in 1847. The novel tells the story of the young orphan Jane Eyre and her quest for love and independence. The novel is renowned for its exploration of gender roles in Victorian society and its passionate portrayal of Jane’s inner struggles.
10. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Published in 1869, War and Peace is one of the most famous novels of all time. Written by Leo Tolstoy, the novel follows the lives of five aristocratic families during the Napoleonic Wars. The novel is renowned for its exploration of the themes of war and peace and its vivid depictions of 19th-century Russian life.
Conclusion
The early 1800s saw the emergence of many of the most famous books in history. From Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, these novels have gone on to become classics and have shaped the way we think about literature and culture. In this article, we have looked at the top 10 books from the early 1800s that are still widely read and discussed today.
