Readhowyouwant: 1418 books

19 Best Classic Plays

Fielding's play Pasquin (1736) subtitled A Dramatick Satire on the Times is a famous satirical attack on pantomime which was then in vogue on the English stage. It is one of a series of dangerously political plays that led directly to the passage of the Licensing Act of 1737. The play is set on...

The upsetting of natural order is our largest tragedy, none more than the death of a child. Thus the bones of this shattering novel. Where Himmelman, his own history of break and mend as perhaps his only aid to understanding, must move from impotence to rage and whatever beyond. But a writer too. With...

Published in 1850, Antonina, or The Fall of Rome was Wilkie Collins's first novel. Using accurate historical details about the Roman emperor Honorius and the Gothic king Alaric, he presents the fictitious character of Antonina and narrates her escapades during the siege of Rome. As she flees the city to preserve her honor, she does not realize the perils she will face.

An extraordinary chronicle of Peloponnesian War by Thucydides, an Athenian general. This war was fought between Athens' and Spartan warriors. It is unanimously considered a classic by critics and historians alike and termed as the very first book in the genre of history.

Through a disguised approach, Rowson paints the real world where the women have to suffer in each and every field. From relationships to the outside world, being daughters and being mothers, she gives voice to the under-privileged and insecure woman. Following the life of protagonist she narrates the many traps she escapes, and her efforts for survival. Thought-provoking!

THE FIVE MINDFULNESS TRAININGS are the basic statement of ethics and morality in Buddhism. In For a Future to Be Possible, Zen Master and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh discusses these Five Mindfulness Trainings and offers insights and challenges for how they might play an important role in our personal...

An intricate web of relationships is weaved in this work. The characters are drawn from the flow of the story. The well-knitted plot is bound to captivate the readers.

Published in 1800 "Castle Rackrent" is regarded as the first family saga and first regional novel in English. It chronicles the lives of four generations of 18th-century Irish landlords and how their negligent behaviour towards life and money takes them to the edge of bankruptcy and ruin. A stimulating satire!

The Crusade of the Excelsior is an outstanding parable published in 1887 it demonstrates serious social criticism. It has picturesque setting that helps the reader to comprehend the accurate theme of the story. Moving!

Described as a Gothic novel due to its dark and murky settings the book explores the wild side of human psyche. Sade has been successful in shocking readers while he gives a moral message. It is a story of four men who act out their baffling fantasies by hiring story-tellers to entertain them. Due to its graphic details and mature content this book is only for adult readers.

A splendid anthology of suspense and adventure tales this work is bound to thrill the readers. Revolving around the themes of murder insanity mystery unsolved crimes and ghosts the work depicts Doyle's interest in the super-natural. His brilliance is evident from his portrayal of the situations and circumstances. Spine-chilling!

In the backdrop of American Civil War the narrative unfolds with a great deal of action all around. The services of the Canadians during the war and how they were affected has been dwelled upon. A work of fiction that stems from reality. Worth reading!

This work beautifully portrays the remorse and desperation of a woman who realizes that her mistakes will affect her loved ones. That the consequences of mans actions are not always controlled is beautifully portrayed here. A fine amalgamation of imagination and reality.