There is really nothing that compares to picking up a good book from time to time and becoming completely engrossed in a story. Some of the best books to read over the history of literature have topped lists around the world time and again, despite the constant flow of new writing every year. Here is a list of some of the world's greatest stories of all time.
'Don Quixote', written by Miguel De Cervantes, is a book that was published in 1605 and 1615 in two separate volumes. This is one of the most influential pieces of Spanish literature. The story follows the protagonist - Alonso Quixano - as he sets out on a journey to revive chivalry and uphold justice, having lost all common sense and sanity after reading too many romances. His sidekick, Sancho Panza provides witty comic relief throughout.
'A Tale of Two Cities' is set in Paris and London simultaneously before the French Revolution. In this book, Charles Dickens details the plight of peasants who are frustrated with the poor treatment they have been receiving from the aristocracy and the actions that follow. This story was released in monthly installments in the mid-1800s in Dickens' literary periodical called All The Year Round.
J. R. R. Tolkien has two of his works on bestselling lists around the world and both were made into blockbuster Hollywood movies. 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings' are both classed as fantasy novels for children. However, the writing in these works is so wonderful that, much like J. K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series, the books are read by audiences of all ages.
'The Hobbit' was published in late 1937 and follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who generally likes to be in his home doing normal, everyday things, but is suddenly thrust into a sinister world of adventure searching for treasure guarded by a dragon. The novel was a Carnegie Medal nominee and also received a prize for best juvenile fiction given by the New York Herald Tribune.
'The Lord of the Rings' was written following 'The Hobbit', intended originally as a sequel, but over the years it morphed into a much larger body of work by itself. Completed in 1949, it tells the tale of three hobbits and their allies as they travel across Middle Earth on a mission during the War of the Ring. The story is divided into three volumes - 'The Fellowship of the Ring', 'The Two Towers' and 'The Return of the King'.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery's 'The Little Prince' is in fourth place when it comes to the most translated books in the world. It has also been voted as the 20th century's best book in France. The story documents the interaction between a stranded pilot who meets a young boy, a prince who has fallen to Earth from an asteroid. The book contains many themes and lessons.
When it comes to mentioning some of the greatest books of all time, Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' surely makes the cut. The Brazilian author has many highly acclaimed works under his belt, however, 'The Alchemist' is a story about the ultimate quest for self-knowledge and understanding. The key theme in this book is that of destiny.
'Don Quixote', written by Miguel De Cervantes, is a book that was published in 1605 and 1615 in two separate volumes. This is one of the most influential pieces of Spanish literature. The story follows the protagonist - Alonso Quixano - as he sets out on a journey to revive chivalry and uphold justice, having lost all common sense and sanity after reading too many romances. His sidekick, Sancho Panza provides witty comic relief throughout.
'A Tale of Two Cities' is set in Paris and London simultaneously before the French Revolution. In this book, Charles Dickens details the plight of peasants who are frustrated with the poor treatment they have been receiving from the aristocracy and the actions that follow. This story was released in monthly installments in the mid-1800s in Dickens' literary periodical called All The Year Round.
J. R. R. Tolkien has two of his works on bestselling lists around the world and both were made into blockbuster Hollywood movies. 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings' are both classed as fantasy novels for children. However, the writing in these works is so wonderful that, much like J. K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series, the books are read by audiences of all ages.
'The Hobbit' was published in late 1937 and follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who generally likes to be in his home doing normal, everyday things, but is suddenly thrust into a sinister world of adventure searching for treasure guarded by a dragon. The novel was a Carnegie Medal nominee and also received a prize for best juvenile fiction given by the New York Herald Tribune.
'The Lord of the Rings' was written following 'The Hobbit', intended originally as a sequel, but over the years it morphed into a much larger body of work by itself. Completed in 1949, it tells the tale of three hobbits and their allies as they travel across Middle Earth on a mission during the War of the Ring. The story is divided into three volumes - 'The Fellowship of the Ring', 'The Two Towers' and 'The Return of the King'.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery's 'The Little Prince' is in fourth place when it comes to the most translated books in the world. It has also been voted as the 20th century's best book in France. The story documents the interaction between a stranded pilot who meets a young boy, a prince who has fallen to Earth from an asteroid. The book contains many themes and lessons.
When it comes to mentioning some of the greatest books of all time, Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' surely makes the cut. The Brazilian author has many highly acclaimed works under his belt, however, 'The Alchemist' is a story about the ultimate quest for self-knowledge and understanding. The key theme in this book is that of destiny.
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