I went to a lecture on Victorian literature which discussed how these novels originated as serials-- working people would buy a chapter each week for a schilling. It is how books such as Dickens became affordable for the masses in 1830's England..................interesting topic

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My favorite Nathaniel Hawthorne picture:

I very much enjoy CS Lewis's writings and agree with this philosphy. Have you read any of Taylor Calwell's books ? She was popular in the 40's and 50's I think.

I just finished Madame Bovary ,  and The Sun also Rises .

I also enjoy fictional Historical  writings . Kings and Queens of England and France. Mary queen of Scots and Anne Bolyn being all time favorites .

Last Christmas, my [youngest] son gave me three books from Barnes & Noble's, Library Of Essential Writers: Charles Dickens [Five Novels], Jane Austen [Seven Novels], and Leo Tolstoy [Tree Novels].  The latter included, The Cossacks, War and Peace, and Anna Karenina.  I had not read Tolstoy for years; first in college and later when I was 32.  Curiously, I assumed War and Peace would be a 'quicker' read the third time. I was wrong.  It was as if I was reading it on an entirely new level of comprehension, which made it all the more interesting.

Since last winter, I've also re-read, The Covenant, Alaska, The Good Earth, and just finished, Shogun.  Incidentally, I've not re-read the Jane Austen or Charles Dickens classics because I've watched film adaptations on PBS [and DVD].  Usually, the film adaptations pale in comparison to the novels, yet there has been excellent productions of these classics on Masterpiece Theater these past two seasons on PBS. The one film disappointment was The Far Pavilions.  After reading the book, I purchased the DVD.  It was a regret.

I'm about half way through "Two Years Before the Mast," and am delighted that this BBS made me think about reading it!

Ol' "JW"

Thanks for the post!  I look forward to reading the Scarlet Letter.  I've had this book in my library for years and have never read it.  Look forward to your future posts.

Thanks, John

Here, Here! I totally agree. As a high school English teacher I taught The Scarlet Letter so many times and each time, I believe I found something new and fresh. Now that I'm retired I find myself with my nose in the classics quite often. There are some wonderful new books out there as well, but like another post says, the classics read like poetry. I couldn't agree more! JoAnn

Thank you for your comments. My friends think I am crazy reading ancient tomes, but I enjoy. Like the ancient king that appeared from no where, I pay homage to your post and have saved the article to read later.

Thanks for your post.  Although cannot say that I would read two old books to one new one, it has been my intention to read some of the old classics.  I have put The Scarlet Letter on reserve and decided to begin with it at your recommendation!  It was one that was not required while I went to HS.  Keep posting your recommendations.