Classic Books

Typically, classic books are defined as works of literature that have stood the test of time. Therefore, many of the literary pieces that are considered classic are ones that were written long ago, and in many cases are currently out of print. Searching for first and early editions of classic books can be a challenging adventure for avid antique collectors and others who appreciate great works of literature.

Classic Children’s Books

The children’s literature genre is what first comes to mind for many people when they think about classic books. There are a number of classic children’s books, each with its own timeless message, that have been shared through multiple generations. What better way to evoke memories of the stories of your childhood than to begin a collection of classic children’s literature works representative of your own family traditions?

Even as adults, the greatest children’s literature of our time speaks to us. The best children’s classics make statements about life, hope, mankind, and spirituality. Whether your collection of children’s books simply serves as a decorative element in your home, or if you and your loved ones (kids and grownups alike) enjoy reading and re-reading them, there is something comforting about being surrounded by great literary works that have played an important role in the lives of generations of children.

12 Children’s Titles to Get You Started

1. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
2. Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
3. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
4. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
5. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
7. The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
8. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
9. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
10. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
11. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum
12. Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

Classic Literature

By the time the average American has finished high school, he or she has been exposed to a number of classic books. Those who pursue postsecondary studies are likely to read even more of the works widely recognized as being literary masterpieces. Even so, there are so many different classic books, that it would be virtually impossible for an individual to run out of new works to discover, collect, and read.

The seemingly endless assortment of classic books continues to evolve as time goes by, as newer literary works are recognized as being worthy of being called classics. One of the reasons that collecting great literature is such an appealing hobby is that you are just as likely discover classics titles that you have never heard of before as you are to find early editions of books that you have read and loved numerous times throughout your life.

Building Blocks for Your Classic Literature Collection

• Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
• For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
• The Adventures of Sherlock Homes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
• The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Preserving the Printed Word

In the current information age, classic books are now available online from a variety of sources in e-book format. While there are certainly positive consequences of having easy access high-quality literature, to many lovers of literature, there is no replacement for the simple pleasure of holding a hardbound book in your hand as you read. When you have a collection of classics, you can curl up on your sofa with a great book at any time.

Finding Classic Books

There are numerous resources for finding classic books. Many books considered classic are actually still being printed and are available in bookstores throughout the world. However, a current edition is not always appealing to antiques aficionados. Fortunately, there are a number of resources for finding pieces for your collection.

Estate sales and thrift stores are excellent resources, assuming that you enjoy the thrill of the hunt and have the patience to search diligently for what you want. Other resources include used book stores, some of which specialize in helping collectors find particularly rare literary selections.

There are also a number of online resources for classics to add to your collection. For example, eBay often has an outstanding selection of classic book volumes that can be purchased for very reasonable prices. ClassicBooks.com is an e-tailer specializing in complete, unabridged classics, and will gladly help collectors locate hard-to-find titles upon request.