Buzz
Authors are often celebrated for just a fraction of their literary output. This can occur when a single masterpiece overshadows their other works, or when their bibliography is so extensive that only the most devoted readers explore it entirely. While some of these selections may be familiar, others could be fresh discoveries. Below are ten lesser-known works by acclaimed authors. If you have any overlooked treasures by famous writers, feel free to share them in the comments.
10. James Joyce - The Cat and the Devil
James Joyce is renowned for his challenging prose, as highlighted in Mytour's list of the top ten difficult literary works. For those who find his complex language daunting, 'The Cat and the Devil' offers a more accessible option. This charming children's book, written for Joyce's grandson, tells a timeless fable about striking a deal with the Devil, infused with Joyce's signature wit. The story revolves around the town of Beaugency, which struggles to afford a bridge over the river. The Devil, learning of their plight, offers to build the bridge overnight in exchange for the first soul to cross it. The Mayor agrees, but when the bridge is completed, no one dares to cross, fearing the Devil's claim. In a clever twist, the Mayor outsmarts the Devil using a bucket of water and the titular cat. True to Joyce's style, the tale includes humorous touches, such as the Devil's poor French spoken with a thick Dublin accent.
9. Emily Dickinson - Death is like the insect
This entry might feel like a slight cheat, as it highlights just one poem from Emily Dickinson's vast collection of over 1800 works. However, this piece exemplifies the depth and richness awaiting those who venture beyond her most famous verses. While many are familiar with her iconic poems like ‘Because I could not stop for Death’ and ‘I heard a Fly buzz – when I died,’ her lesser-known works are equally compelling. For those who appreciate her style, exploring her broader oeuvre reveals countless gems that match the emotional depth and literary brilliance of her celebrated pieces.
Death is like the insect, threatening the tree, capable of destroying it, yet it may be diverted.
Lure it with balsam, pursue it with a saw, and thwart it, even if it demands everything you possess.
If the insect has burrowed beyond reach, wring the tree and abandon it, for such is the will of the pest.
8. Charles Dickens - American Notes for General Circulation
Charles Dickens' novels are not only engaging reads but also serve a profound social purpose. Having experienced financial struggles in his youth, Dickens remained acutely aware of the plight of the poor. During his visit to the United States, he applied his sharp observational skills to critique what he saw. 'American Notes' emerged from this journey, offering a fascinating glimpse into 1840s America and Dickens' own perspectives. He recounts his enthusiastic reception in Boston with delight but takes issue with the American press, which criticized his efforts to profit from his novels due to lax copyright laws. While he admired many prominent figures he met, Dickens harbored deep concerns about American society, and the trip solidified his stance as an abolitionist. The book shines with Dickens' characteristic wit and insightful commentary.
7. Geoffrey Chaucer - Treatise on the astrolabe
While 'The Canterbury Tales' stands as a cornerstone of English literature, Geoffrey Chaucer also penned other notable works like ‘The Parliament of Fowles’ and ‘The Legend of Good Women.’ However, I’ve chosen his ‘Treatise on the astrolabe’ for this list. This work demonstrates Chaucer’s versatility, showcasing his ability to write clear, instructive prose alongside his poetic brilliance. Written for his son Lowys, the treatise aims to explain the workings of the astrolabe. Chaucer composed it in English, noting, ‘for Latyn canst thou hit but small,’ as Lowys had limited knowledge of Latin. This decision gifted us the first English-language work on a scientific instrument. Even if the technical details of an astrolabe don’t captivate you, the heartfelt dedication Chaucer writes to his son remains deeply moving.
6. William Golding - The Inheritors
While William Golding is best known for ‘Lord of the Flies,’ he regarded his second novel, ‘The Inheritors,’ as his finest work. This unusual entry in the oeuvre of a Nobel laureate blends elements of science fiction with literary depth. The story follows a group of Neanderthals struggling to survive and their encounters with a more advanced, fire-wielding tribe—our human ancestors. Through keen observations of early human behavior and societal evolution, Golding explores profound questions about the human condition. Despite our technological advancements, the novel challenges readers to consider whether humanity has truly evolved beyond its primal instincts.
5. Oscar Wilde - The Selfish Giant
Oscar Wilde is celebrated for his sharp wit, iconic plays, and the tragic circumstances of his later life. His incisive critiques of adult society have cemented his status as one of history’s most quotable writers. Wilde, a father of two, penned a collection of stories for his children, published as ‘The Happy Prince and Other Tales.’ Among these is ‘The Selfish Giant,’ a Christian allegory exploring themes of love and generosity, though it also stands as a charming children’s tale. The story revolves around a giant who selfishly bars children from playing in his garden, causing it to remain trapped in perpetual winter. Only when he allows a child to enter does spring return, symbolizing redemption and renewal. The full text, available online, remains deeply poignant.
4. Dante Alighieri - La Vita Nuova
Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’ has profoundly shaped Western literature since its creation. The epic poem chronicles Dante’s journey through the afterlife, culminating in his ascent to heaven guided by his beloved Beatrice. Yet, the nature of their relationship remains enigmatic. It is in ‘La Vita Nuova’ that Dante unveils the depth of his love for Beatrice. He recounts their two brief encounters, which sparked an enduring, chaste affection. Despite her marriage to another, Dante’s distant admiration became a hallmark of medieval romance, fueling his poetic genius. He immortalizes her as ‘the magnificent woman of my mind.’ While ‘The Divine Comedy’ demands familiarity with Dante’s Florence and theological concepts, ‘La Vita Nuova’ resonates universally, as its themes of love are timeless and relatable.
3. Niccolò Machiavelli - La Mandragola
Machiavelli is synonymous with his political treatise ‘The Prince,’ so much so that the term ‘Machiavellian’ has come to denote cunning and deceit. However, Machiavelli was also a historian, penning insightful commentaries on Livy’s works, and a talented playwright. ‘La Mandragola’ (The Mandrake) is a satirical comedy centered on Callimaco’s desperate desire to seduce the beautiful but married Lucrezia. True to Renaissance comedy, the plot is intricate, and the characters are ripe for ridicule. The play features a foolish husband, a scheming accomplice, a willing adulteress, and, notably for the time, a greedy friar. While the play thrives as a standalone comedy and has seen successful modern revivals, it also offers a fascinating glimpse of Machiavellian tactics applied to personal relationships, showcasing how the clever prevail.
2. Franz Kafka - A Hunger Artist
Franz Kafka’s works capture the alienation of modern life and humanity’s struggle against an indifferent world. His stories, open to myriad interpretations, have garnered widespread acclaim. Despite his untimely death, Kafka left behind a modest yet profoundly influential body of work. In his short story ‘A Hunger Artist,’ he portrays a man who starves himself as a public spectacle. Crowds gather to witness his self-imposed deprivation, yet the hunger artist, unnamed and misunderstood, grows frustrated with his audience and overseer. As public interest wanes, he is forgotten, continuing his fast in obscurity. Near death, a circus worker discovers him and hears his final, proud confession. Many draw parallels between the hunger artist’s plight and Kafka’s own life, as both struggled for recognition while battling illness.
1. Plato - Letter Seven
Alfred North Whitehead famously remarked that Western philosophy is ‘a series of footnotes to Plato,’ a statement that rings true. Plato’s influence endures, with his dialogues still debated today. Among his lesser-known works is a collection of letters, the seventh of which is widely accepted as authentic. In this letter, Plato recounts his failed attempt to educate Dionysius of Syracuse, aspiring to mold him into a Philosopher-King. The endeavor, fraught with disappointment and even captivity, highlights the challenges of imparting wisdom. Despite these setbacks, Plato remains steadfast in his vision of an ideal society, offering a timeless lesson on perseverance and the complexities of human ambition.
