The Lifetime Reading Plan, 3rd ed. New York: Harper & Row, 1988. (c) 1960, 1978, 1988 by Clifton Fadiman.
See also the 1997 4th Edition .
The Beginning
Homer. The Iliad.
Homer. The Odyssey.
Herodotus. The Histories.
Thucydides. The History of the Peloponnesian War.
Plato. Selected Works.
Aristotle. Ethics; Politics.
Aeschylus. The Oresteia.
Sophocles. Oedipus Rex; Oedipus at Colonus; Antigone.
Euripides. Alcestis; Medea; Hipploytus; Trojan Women; Electra; Bacchae.
Lucretius. Of the Nature of Things.
Virgil. The Aeneid.
Aurelius, Marcus. Meditations.
The Middle Ages
Augustine, Saint. Confessions.
Alighieri, Dante. The Divine Comedy.
Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales.
Plays
Shakespeare, William. Complete Works.
Molière. Selected Plays.
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von. Faust.
Ibsen, Henrik. Selected Plays.
Shaw, George Bernard. Selcted Plays and Prefaces.
Chekhov, Anton. Uncle Vanya; Three Sisters; The Cherry Orchard.
O’Neill, Eugene. Mourning Becomes Electra; The Iceman Cometh; Long Day’s Journey into Night.
Beckett, Samuel. Waiting for Godot; Endgame; Krapp’s Last Tape.
Watson, E. Bradlee and Benfield Pressey. Contemporary Drama
Narratives
Bunyan, John. Pilgrim’s Progress.
Defoe, Daniel. Robinson Crusoe.
Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver’s Travels; A Modest Proposal; Meditations upon a Broomstick; Resolutions when I Come to be Old.
Sterne, Laurence. Tristram Shandy.
Fielding, Henry. Tom Jones.
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice; Emma.
Brontë, Emily. Wuthering Heights.
Thackeray, William Makepeace. Vanity Fair.
Dickens, Charles. Pickwick Papers; David Copperfield; Bleak House; Great Expectations; Hard Times; Our Mutual Friend; Little Dorrit.
Eliot, George. The Mill on the Floss; Middlemarch.
Carroll, Lewis. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland; Through the Looking-Glass.
Hardy, Thomas. The Mayor of Casterbridge.
Conrad, Joseph. Nostromo.
Forster, E, M,. A Passage to India.
Joyce, James. Ulysses.
Woolf, Virginia. Mrs. Dalloway; To the Lighthouse; Orlando; The Waves.
Lawrence, D. H.. Sons and Lovers; Women in Love.
Huxley, Aldous. Brave New World; Collected Essays.
Orwell, George. Animal Farm; Nineteen Eighty-Four.
Mann, Thomas. The Magic Mountain.
Kafka, Franz. The Trial; The Castle; Selected Short Stories.
Rabelais, François. Gargantua and Pantagruel.
Voltaire. Candide and Other Works.
Stendhal. The Red and the Black.
Balzac, Honoré de. Père Goriot; Eugénie Grandet.
Flaubert, Gustave. Madame Bovary.
Proust, Marcel. Remembrance of Things Past.
Malraux, André. Man’s Fate.
Camus, Albert. The Plague; The Stranger.
Poe, Edgar Allan. Short Stories and Other Works.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter; Selcted Tales.
Melville, Herman. Moby Dick; Bartleby the Scrivener.
Twain, Mark. Huckleberry Finn.
James, Henry. The Ambassadors.
Faulkner, William. The Sound and the Fury; As I Lay Dying.
Hemingway, Ernest. Short Stories.
Bellow, Saul. The Adventures of Augie March; Herzog; Humboldt’s Gift.
Saavedra, Miguel de Cervantes de. Don Quixote.
Borges, Jorge Luis. Labyrinths Dreamtigers.
Márquez, Gabriel Garcia. One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Gogol, Nikolai Vasilievich. Dead Souls.
Turgenev, Ivan Sergeyevich. Fathers and Sons.
Dostoevsky, Feodor Mikhailovich. Crime and Punishment; The Brothers Karamazov.
Tolstoy, Leo Nikolayevich. War and Peace.
Nabokov, Vladimir. Lolita; Pale Fire; Speak, Memory.
Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr Isayevich. The First Circle; Cancer Ward.
Philosophy, Psychology, Politics, Essays
Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan.
Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government.
Hume, David. An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding.
Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty.
Engels, Karl Marx and Friedrich. The Communist Manifesto.
Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm. Thus Spake Zarathustra; Selected Other Works.
Freud, Sigmund. Selected Works.
Macchiavelli, Niccolò. The Prince.
Montaigne, Michel Eyquem de. Selected Essays.
Descartes, René. Discourse on Method.
Pascal, Blaise. Thoughts (Pensées).
Tocqueville, Alexis de. Democracy in America.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo. Selected Works.
Thoreau, Henry David. Walden; Civil Disobedience.
James, William. The Principles of Psychology; Pragmatism and Four Essays from The Meaning of Truth; The Varieties of Religious Experience.
Dewey, John. Human Nature and Conduct.
Santayana, George. Skepticism and Animal Faith; Selected Other Works.
Poetry
Donne, John. Selected Works.
Milton, John. Paradise Lost; Lycidas; On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity; Sonnets; Areopagitica.
Blake, William. Selected Works.
Wordsworth, William. The Prelude; Selected Shorter Poems; Preface to the Lyrical Ballads, 1800.
Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. The Ancient Mariner; Christabel; Kubla Khan; Biographia Literaria; Writings on Shakespeare.
Yeats, William Butler. Collected Poems; Collected Plays; The Autobiography.
Eliot, T. S.. Collected Poems, Collected Plays.
Whitman, Walt. Selected Poems; Democratic Vistas; Preface to the first issue of Leaves of Grass (1855); A Backward Glance O’er Travel’d Roads.
Frost, Robert. Collected Poems.
Poets of the English Language, edited by W.H. Auden and Norman Holmes Pearson.
The Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry, edited by Richard Ellmann and Robert O’Clair.
History, Biography, Autobiography
Basic Documents in American History, edited by Richard B. Morris
The Federalist Papers, edited by Clinton Rossiter. Rousseau, Jean Jacques. Confessions.
Boswell, James. The Life of Samuel Johnson.
Adams, Henry. The Education of Henry Adams.
Braudel, Fernand. The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II; Civilization and Capitalism, 15th-18th Century.
Annex
McNeill, William H.. The Rise of the West
Durant, Will and Ariel. The Story of Civilization.
Morison, Samuel Eliot. The Oxford History of the American People
Smith, Page. A People’s History of the United States.
Whitehead, Alfred North. Science and the Modern World.
Whitehead, Alfred North. An Introduction to Mathematics.
Gombrich. The Story of Art.
Adler, Mortimer J.. How to Read a Book (co-authored with Charles Van Doren)
(Here’s an excerpt from one of Charlotte Bronte’s letters – I love it. In it, she answers a friend’s request for a reading list.)
I would add Joyce’s Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. I mean, compared to the accomplishment of Ulysses, Portrait is just a nicely put-together novel with some good ideas in it (I’m exaggerating – but still – even War and Peace seems like a nice little novel when placed next to Ulysses)… but read in conjunction with Ulysses, Portrait GLOWS. In it, Joyce explains (in language we all can understand) who he is and what his themes are, what the themes of Ireland are. a great book.
also: No Jane Eyre? That’s one of the best novels ever written. No contest.
Hi Red,
This is a very nice liberal arts reading list, however, upon its completion one still might never imagine that the earth orbits the sun. In the 21st century every educated person should have a grounding in science. The “great books” in science are not very approachable even for scientists, but there are numerous biographies and lay texts that could be classics.
An English literature major once asked me in a suprised tone, “You mean you can’t see atoms under a microscope?” Well, no you cannot. — It is similarly relevant to understand that Aristotle and Plato didn’t have a clue about the workings of the world. Moral and ethical philosophy cannot and should not be discussed in isolation from science. Our moral, ethical, social and aesthetic underpinnings are, after all, molded by evolution, and constrained by biology.
Science, I would add, is also aesthetically and spiritually awe inspiring.
OK I’m done…have a nice day…
Many centuries ago I attended Columbia college (NYC). This is the reading list, more or less, of their core course Lit Humanities 1 & 2, and Contemproary civilization.
Excuse me for a moment while I go get my club and join the rest of the cavemen….My, there are times in life when I realize I am not as well-read as I should be. Me must get book. Me must not eat book.
well, BF, come on then – illuminate us. what books in the realm of science should be on the lifetime reading plan?
“what books in the realm of science should be on the lifetime reading plan?”
First let me say that I’d advise Humanities curriculums have a mandatory overview of science – with basic Biology, Chemistry and Physics for non-science majors – I say this because textbooks, even basic ones, will otherwise not be picked up and read – and these should be on one’s lifetime reading plan. One should also have the experience of interaction with scientists during university years. (I’d similarly advise that all science majors be compelled to take expository writing and and some literature and philosophy…).
Books that come to mind:
Lives of a Cell Lewis Thomas
Coming of Age in the Milky Way Timothy Ferris
Isaac Newton — James Gleick
Anything written by Stephen Jay Gould
Chance and Design : Reminiscences of Science in Peace and War – by Alan Hodgkin
The Diversity of Life EO Wilson
These provide a good science eye for the humanities “guy” — but of course, cannot be regarded as classics. The real classics are typically in the form of specialized papers that are not approachable – even for other scientists not within the specialty.
Lives of a Cell is great. Pick it up.
One of my favorite classes in college was called, basically, The History of Science. It was a broad overview, and was a good way for theatre-types like myself to get my science credits – but it was a GREAT class.
Would you count In Search of Schroedinger’s Cat as a science book? I treasure that book. Love it. I also could “get” it … (although parts of it I had to squint to understand.)
“Would you count In Search of Schroedinger’s Cat as a science book?”
Sure, why not? I haven’t read it, but just looked at the blurb on Amazon. It may somewhat dated (1984). I don’t squint in the face of quantum physics – I gawk and drool…
…when I read that particles can appear spontaneously in “empty space” I realize that our everyday perception and understanding of things is an expedient artifice.
I try to read that stuff, but I’m more at home with science I can comprehend without majoring in General Relativity. Is the earth getting warmer?…uhhhh feels like it Homer…
Go get Lives of a Cell…you won’t be sorry…
it’s the concepts i like in Schroedinger’s Cat. it touches on the essence of reality. and it isn’t necessary that i understand the math in order to get the book.
and i will get Lives of the Cell. thank you.
Dear Sheila:
In reviewing your list, I was pleased to note that through my college-life and later-life as well, I’ve read most of them.
My Dad always told me, “Study history. Study philosophy. They’re the only things worth knowing. Everything else is tradecraft.”
Perhaps that’s not quite true today. I’d like to believe at least a part of it IS.
The study of such things enables a person to develop the habit of reading and doing research; of forming one’s own opinions and not relying on the word of Someone Else. For that reason, I also learned quite a bit of hard-science by osmosis, if nothing else.
Yes — I also know that you can’t see atoms in a microscope – I can also carry my own whilst discussing how many angels can dance on the head of a pin….
Be well!
-Will
Will, what you wrote reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from John Adams:
“I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study paintings, poetry, music, artchitecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”
“I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study paintings, poetry, music, artchitecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”
I know the quote. It is, of course, a statement of political and economic necessity, not a description of intellectual and generational ascent. If it was the latter, then God help the 4th generation!
“Everything else is tradecraft…”
I’m glad you find this not to be quite true. No disrespect to your Dad, but this is a bit arrogant – perhaps the original words of a 19th century British patrician? I have heard scientists refer to pure philosophy as mental masturbation – that’s an equally arrogant, and uncredible assertion.
Philosophy cannot be divorced from natural science. Thinkers of the Enlightenment understood this.
Of course it is a quote of political necessity. That’s what I think is extraordinary about it. The sacrifices made by former generations means that later generations can have the leisure time to pursue whatever they want to pursue.
Well – I really think you left out a big name when you left off Meredith’s favorite book, “Programmed for Love”
betsy:
HAHAHA
Sorry – In the context of the “tradecraft” quote, the Adams paragraph could be misconstrued as intellectual ascent.
-somewhat ironic that Adams’ eldest son also became a politician. I hope somewhere in the Adams lineage there are painters, poets, and musicians.
As for leisure time…I’m still waiting…
BF:
yeah, i’m still waiting too.
Dear Sheila and “BF”:
I quite remember the Adams quote, and believe it to be more true today than when it was first written. Political necessity? More than likely. Intellectual ascent? Absolutely. Sacrifices are made so that the future may be secured. This is what I decry quite often in my own ‘blog — but that’s the subject of another rant; entirely.
Arrogant? Of course he was! He was MY father, for the gods’ sake! The man was also an Air Force pilot and a full Colonel. He had — for the lack of another word — “opinions.” So do we all — we wouldn’t be communicating in this manner if it were otherwise!
Be well – and have a great holiday!
– Will
will –
My opinions are why I blog! Gotta put all that somewhere!
Sheila – my Uncle Abbot traced our family tree and found a direct line to John Adams. I’m not lying…
oh yes! i forgot!
so John Adams was looking down proudly and happily on you singing “Oom-pa-pa Oom-pa-pa” in the 6th grade
“…my Uncle Abbot traced our family tree and found a direct line to John Adams”
That’s very cool…I hope you received a good dose of his genes.
It’s time Adams was put on some currency. He never got his rightful share of credit.
Looking over this list I have realized I need to do a couple of things:
-Re-read Swift
-I have never read Leviathan (although I feel like I have because everyone references it so much)
– someday, someday, get around to reading Middlemarch
Did you HAVE to post that list? As if my own list of books to read before I die isn’t long enough!!!! Now I’ve got to add all of these!
norahnick –
Perhaps Helter Skelter should be added to this list.
It’s time Adams was put on some currency. He never got his rightful share of credit. AMEN!
BF Don’t forget “The Origin of Species.”
Lifetime Reading Plan
Via Sheila O’Malley I receive a challenge: how many of these have I read. …
This is a slightly goofy list based on the Western canon. I was struck by the differences between this list and my incomplete list of 50 essential reads.
Am I the only one to notice the holes in this particular canon?
I see one author outside of Western Europe and North America. I see no religion. I see a number of survey texts which were dropped in for their content – cultural literacy – rather than their writing. I did not notice that there was no science until one of the folks above pointed it out.
Cultural literacy is a good thing. But, as basic quality control, anytime we need to make a list we do need to articulate our criteria. In many ways, the criteria drive the list.
The other cool thing about canons is the overlap. If I asked everyone who has commented so far to make a list of, say, 20 essential books. Every list would be different, and several books would be on more than one lists.
Oh, I have read or read significantly in 43 of the items on the list. I have read bits and pieces or other works for another half-dozen or so. I am not sure if I should feel culturally literate or culturally illiterate.
More here:
http://redted.blogspot.com/2003_12_21_redted_archive.html#107218267425301092
Ted K.
Ted K.
Ted –
I noticed the Western bias as well. But it’s just one man’s opinion.
I already noted a couple of my observations in the comments.
Additionally: no Catch 22? No Catcher in the Rye?
If one reads Pilgrim’s Progress and doesn’t read those 2 masterworks, I would not call that person culturally literate.
Haven’t had a chance to check out your response yet … look forward to it.
“BF Don’t forget “The Origin of Species.”
Yeah, it crossed my mind – but I thought reading Stephen Jay Gould would give updated essentials in a contemporary style.
Altogether it’s a great list – I just wish I had more time. Also, had I the time, I would miss the ability to discuss these works with authoritative minds. For this reason, retiring in a university environment has been a life-long dream…