The 100 best novels written in English: the full list

[left-of-center2012]

After two years of careful consideration, Robert McCrum has reached a verdict on his selection of the 100 greatest novels written in English.

Robert McCrum is an associate editor of the Observer. He was the literary editor of the Observer from 1996 to 2008, and has been a regular contributor to the Guardian since 1990.

1. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan (1678)
2. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (1719)
3. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift (1726)
4. Clarissa by Samuel Richardson (1748)
5. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding (1749)
6. The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne (1759)
7. Emma by Jane Austen (1816)
8. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818)
9. Nightmare Abbey by Thomas Love Peacock (1818)
10. The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket by Edgar Allan Poe (1838)

Full list at:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/aug/17/the-100-best-novels-written-in-english-the-full-list

[dameatball]

1. I would have thought "Grapes of Wrath" would be a little higher, but wuddo I know? Indeed, this list

would make a helluva library.

[SCantiGOP]

4. List is in date order, not what is considered best

[dameatball]

6. Ohhh...duh. I wondered why the writer was so enamored with the older novels. It should have been

obvious to me. Thanks for pointing it out....

[Bradshaw3]

2. Only one by Faulkner? At 55th. Seriously?

Seems heavily weighted toward the English classics. Oh well, each to his own.

[left-of-center2012]

3. "Oh well, each to his own"

"Robert McCrum has reached a verdict on his selection ..."

[Bradshaw3]

5. Yes and I gave MY opinion

On his opinion.

[left-of-center2012]

7. .

[Bradshaw3]

9. ...

[TeamPooka]

8. list from 4 years ago.

[left-of-center2012]

11. Add additions if you like