1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die: Revised and Updated Edition (1001 (Universe)) [Hardcover]

Peter Boxall (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 23, 2010 | ISBN-10: 0789320398 | ISBN-13: 978-0789320391 | Edition: Rev Upd

A newly revised and updated guide to the world’s best literature—all at your fingertips. For discerning bibliophiles and readers who enjoy unforgettable classic literature, 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die is a trove of reviews covering a century of memorable writing. Each work of literature featured here is a seminal work key to understanding and appreciating the written word. Addictive, browsable, knowledgeable—1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die is a boon companion for anyone who loves good writing and an inspiration for anyone who is just beginning to discover a love of books. Each entry is accompanied by an authoritative yet opinionated critical essay describing the importance and influence of the work in question. Also included are publishing history and career details about the authors, as well as reproductions of period dust jackets and book designs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Peter Boxall is a lecturer in English Literature at the University of Sussex. He has published widely on twentieth- and twenty-first-century fiction and drama.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 960 pages
• Publisher: Universe; Rev Upd edition (March 23, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789320398
• ISBN-13: 978-0789320391
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 2.5 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Education & Reference > Publishing & Books > Bibliographies & Indexes > Literature

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Flawed but engaging list, November 20, 2010

By 

PuroShaggy - See all my reviews

This review is from: 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die: Revised and Updated Edition (1001 (Universe)) (Hardcover)

Any time anyone, let alone a panel of over 100 international authors and critics, compiles a list, the end result is going to result in controversy. Whether it be sports, music, politics, foods, and yes, even books, disagreement will necessarily arise out of any list that claims to be final, definitive, or considered a "must"; and while this list has many faults- overabundance of European authors; no Styron, Helprin, Mitchell, Theruoux, and others; no real clear guidelines as to why a handful of non-fiction sneak on the list- it is nonetheless a curious, frustrating, satisfying, but ultimately entertaining, read.

I have been reading books off this list exclusively for the past 3 years, and yes, there have been quite a few clunkers that in no way should have made this list (I'll protect the innocent for now- no titles!). Being disappointed in how bad they were was a bummer, but then reading the rationalization and defense of them in the book either brought laughs or slightly opened my eyes to different things. Either way- it wasn't boring. And because of this book, incredible masterpieces I did not even know were written- Gaddis' "The Recognitions", Roussel's "Impressions of Africa" among others- have completely changed my life and my appreciation of literature. And somewhere between genius and surprising failure, lie those books you know about but never read- "The Postman Always Rings Twice", "Gone with the Wind"- which now you may be inspired to read only discover how timeless and well-written they are.

Not without its faults, this is a good read. It's a conversation starter, an excellent reference to literature, and a guide to great books that in my estimation, has an batting percentage well over .800. Worth the investment, IMO>

6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun, infuriating, informative, June 3, 2010

By 

Ian R. Bruce "Ian B" (Natick, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die: Revised and Updated Edition (1001 (Universe)) (Hardcover)

The concept is clever, but the execution flawed. Many of the books listed from the 18th and 19th centuries may still be assigned as classroom texts, might even be unsurpassed, but they definitely aren't everyday reading. It gets interesting in the 20th century and especially as the book creeps closer to the present, when it's fun to see what they've selected and omitted. All the "classics" in the best and worst sense are represented, and a few surprises. It will definitely give me some ideas...

6 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Very bad descriptions of books, June 15, 2010

By 

J. Chea - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die: Revised and Updated Edition (1001 (Universe)) (Hardcover)

I found out about this book cause everyone was talking about it online. Books like Arabian Nights, Wuthering Heights, Neuromancer, Lord of the Flies, French Lieutenant's Woman and Jude the Obscure were all listed in the 1001 books and I really thought these books were good.

So, although 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die lists 1001 great books, I personally thought that the descriptions for each of the ones I read sucked. I mean, someone who has never read these books before would not read these books after reading the descriptions.

And for this, I give it two stars. Of the 1001 authors, surely, you'd think that they could do a better job writing descriptions.

I bought two copies of this book for me and my cousin. And to my dismay, I just couldn't give such a bad book to the cousin, even though I already told him I got him a present. The author should rewrite the book and put in better descriptions to compel or persuade readers to want to read these books.