Top 20 Most Iconic Classic Books of All Time

"Don Quixote - The Noble Knight of La Mancha" is a renowned Spanish literary masterpiece by Miguel de Cervantes. Written during an era when the age of chivalry had long passed, the novel explores the story of a man who clings to outdated ideals in an industrialized world. Despite a society that has moved on from the romanticism of knighthood, there are still many who, caught in nostalgia, attempt to live in the past through false ideals. Cervantes' novel critiques this phenomenon, using the protagonist, a misguided old knight with noble but impractical ideals, to illustrate the futility of clinging to outdated beliefs in a changing world. The repeated failures of the central character serve as a cautionary tale about those who live in unrealistic dreams and past glories.

The novel Wuthering Heights is the only work of the renowned writer Emily Brontë, published in 1847 under the pen name Ellis Bell. The second edition, released after Emily's death, was edited by her sister, Charlotte Brontë. It was voted by the British public as the most romantic novel of all time. The work creates a unique world that disregards conventions, exploring poetry and delving into the darkest depths of the human soul. It captures the intense emotions of grief, blissful madness, cruelty, and the haunting power of love in a beautifully dramatic way.

The characters in Wuthering Heights are unlike any others, often shadowed by darkness, selfish, and strangely unkind. Yet amidst their complexities, the novel also reveals stories of love that are wild, pure, and untamed. This is the brilliant style of the great novelist Emily Brontë. The novel has become one of the most tragic love stories ever written, an iconic masterpiece in the world of classical literature.

"The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" tells the story of the bell-ringer of Notre-Dame. A wild, hardened hunchback, whose heart seemed made of stone, incapable of feeling. Yet, this very man is capable of loving with a passion that borders on madness. He falls in love with Esmeralda, who fears his grotesque appearance, while her heart belongs to another. It is love that drives every action of Quasimodo.

He is willing to sacrifice everything he has ever known to experience the purest form of love. His journey is one of redemption, from the moment he chooses to kill the man who had raised him, to free Esmeralda, marking the end of his own life in the process. The novel concludes with tragic deaths, cries of grief, and sorrowful winds that tug at the reader's heart.

"The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" endures as a timeless story of love, which, no matter how it manifests, holds an irresistible and uncontrollable power that transcends time and fate.

"Les Misérables" tells the captivating story of shattered dreams and unrequited love, intertwined with themes of passion, sacrifice, and redemption. It follows the life of Jean Valjean, a former convict relentlessly pursued by the unforgiving inspector Javert for decades. Valjean's life takes a pivotal turn when he agrees to care for Cosette, the young daughter of a factory worker, forever altering both their destinies.

This novel is not just about the clash of good versus evil or law versus justice; it is a profound and expansive encyclopedia of 19th-century French history, politics, architecture, and philosophy. Victor Hugo believed this work to be one of his greatest achievements, and it remains a monumental masterpiece in world literature, constantly regarded as one of the most essential reads of all time.

If you haven't heard of Greek Mythology, it's certainly a major gap in your knowledge, as it is an immortal masterpiece and a priceless contribution to human literature. Greek mythology is far more than a collection of simple tales; it brings forth a wealth of knowledge. This work compiles the legends and myths of ancient Greece, involving gods, heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their religious beliefs and rituals. It forms an integral part of the ancient Greek religion, now known as Hellenism, which continues to influence Greece today. Modern scholars study these myths to understand ancient Greek religious and political systems, as well as the civilization that gave birth to them, offering insights into the creation of legends.

Reading these stories, one can appreciate the profound creativity and imaginative thinking of the ancient Greeks. The language is simple yet full of humanity and incredibly captivating. Greek Mythology should be considered a must-read for those interested in understanding Greece, its people, and the famous proverbs and lessons that have resonated across the world.

The Lord of the Rings is a monumental masterpiece by J.R.R. Tolkien, a linguist, professor, and philosopher from England. He taught Old English and English at Oxford University until his retirement in 1959. Tolkien devoted much of his life to studying the history of Northern European mythologies, including English and Finnish folklore. With 150 million copies sold, the novel is the second-best-selling book of all time, just behind A Tale of Two Cities.

Released two decades ago, The Lord of the Rings continues to be recognized as one of the most influential works in history. The story is divided into three parts: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. The novel’s playful, whimsical narrative draws readers in from the first page and keeps them hooked until the very end. The Lord of the Rings captivates readers of all ages, immersing them in an epic adventure alongside its beloved characters.

How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the most famous, best-selling books that has been continually reprinted to meet the demands of readers. This book provides valuable advice on improving communication skills to achieve success in life. It also teaches the art of understanding people, building rapport, and guiding others. By incorporating the positive habits presented in this book, you'll soon discover the long-lasting benefits that come from them.

First published in 1936, Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People remains a timeless classic. It is considered a groundbreaking phenomenon, having been translated into nearly every language and becoming one of the world's best-selling books.

This book's place as a top-seller on e-commerce platforms week after week and year after year is undeniable evidence of its enduring popularity. Dale Carnegie’s lessons on winning hearts and mastering interpersonal skills remain relevant even after nearly a century, making this book an invaluable treasure not to be missed.

The Alchemist is often considered a perfect counterpart to How to Win Friends and Influence People. Published in Brazil in 1988, it became the most renowned book by author Paulo Coelho. Since its release, it has consistently ranked alongside How to Win Friends and Influence People on global bestseller lists. Translated into 67 languages and having sold over 95 million copies (as of May 19, 2008), it has truly left its mark on the world.

This novel follows the journey of Santiago, a young man in pursuit of his destiny. Along the way, he learns the profound significance of happiness, the interconnectedness of the universe, and human relationships. After facing numerous challenges, Santiago reaches an oasis where he meets Fatima, a woman he falls in love with. At this point, love could have swayed him from his search for treasure, but Fatima encourages him to continue on his quest. The Alchemist carries a powerful message: “Never give up on your dreams,” told through a tale steeped in Eastern wisdom and insightful reflections.

A Brief History of Time is a groundbreaking popular science book by British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, first published in 1988 by Bantam Dell Publishing. Written for readers with little to no background in physics, the book became an international bestseller, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. Additionally, it set a record by remaining on The Sunday Times bestseller list for 237 weeks and earned a place in the 1988 Guinness World Records.

This book aims to explain key concepts in cosmology, such as the Big Bang theory, black holes, light cones, and string theory, in a way that is comprehensible for the general reader. Unlike many other science books, it also ventures into explaining complex mathematical theories. In the 1996 edition and subsequent printings, Hawking discusses the possibility of time travel, wormholes, and explores the concept of a universe that doesn't contain quantum singularities at its inception.

This is one of the most inspiring books that has transformed the lives of millions worldwide. The book, The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino, tells the story of Hafid, a poor camel boy from ancient Jerusalem. Throughout his journey, Hafid learns valuable lessons from Pathros, a wealthy merchant, through ten ancient scrolls.

Though the book focuses on sales, the wisdom contained in these scrolls goes beyond selling techniques. It offers principles that help individuals overcome challenges and succeed in any field they choose. These timeless lessons, written in the scrolls, emphasize the importance of unwavering self-belief in achieving success and seizing opportunities in life.

Nearly 50 years since its release, To Kill a Mockingbird is a beloved novel by Harper Lee, one of the world's best-selling books with over 10 million copies sold. Published in 1960, it won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1961. The story is based on the lives of the author's friends and family, though the characters' names were altered. The character of Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, the narrator, is said to be based on the author herself.

Despite being told from the perspective of a young girl, To Kill a Mockingbird does not shy away from addressing difficult issues, both small and large: racism, harsh prejudices, and gender inequality. Set in Alabama, a southern state rife with racial bias, the novel was written during a time when the civil rights movement, led by figures like Martin Luther King, Jr., was gaining national momentum. Notably, the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-1956 led to a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. The novel's central theme is racial discrimination, and its underlying messages of love and understanding are what make To Kill a Mockingbird such a powerful and timeless read.

When discussing the most iconic books worldwide, we can't miss The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This book, loved by both children and adults, leaves a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

First published in 1943, it remains the most renowned work of French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. He wrote it during his stay at The Bevin House in Asharoken, Long Island, New York. The novel includes numerous illustrations by Saint-Exupéry himself. Translated into over 250 languages (including local dialects), it has sold over 200 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling books of all time. The book has been adapted into a 39-chapter comic series by Élyum Studio and a hardcover graphic novel by the talented artist Joann Sfar. It also serves as a valuable resource for language learners.

More than just a novel, The Little Prince presents profound lessons and thought-provoking stories that resonate with readers. Written during the author's exile in New York, it was first published in 1943. To date, it has been translated into 250 languages and sold over 200 million copies worldwide. The Little Prince is regarded as one of the best-selling literary works in history.

One Hundred Years of Solitude is the most renowned novel by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Márquez. The work was first published in Spanish by Sudamericana in Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 1967. By 1970, it had sold over half a million copies in Spanish alone, not including the 100,000 copies printed in Cuba. At that time, 17 contracts had been signed for the book's translation into various languages.

To date, the novel has been translated into over 30 languages, including Vietnamese. It won the Chianchiano Prize in Italy, was named the best book of the year in France, and was listed by American critics as one of the top 12 books of the 1960s. Considered one of Márquez's masterpieces, along with works like The Colonel No One Writes To (El coronel no tiene quien le escriba, 1959) and The Autumn of the Patriarch (El otoño del patriarca, 1975), One Hundred Years of Solitude helped him win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982.

The central message of One Hundred Years of Solitude is the importance of staying true to oneself, avoiding isolation, and remaining connected with the community and society. Furthermore, Gabriel Garcia Márquez emphasizes the need for unity among people to fight, overcome, and create strength that no power can oppose.

Lord of the Flies is the debut novel of British author and Nobel laureate William Golding, first published in 1954. The story follows a group of young British boys stranded on an uninhabited island, whose attempts at self-governance spiral into chaos and violence. Themes include the tension between collective thought and individualism, the clash between reason and emotion, and the conflict between morality and immorality.

The novel has been widely praised and has earned its place among the 100 greatest novels of the Modern Library, ranking 41st in the editor's list and 25th in the reader's list. In 2003, it was listed 70th in BBC's Big Read, and in 2005 Time magazine ranked it as one of the 100 greatest English-language novels published since 1923. It has also been widely adopted in educational settings, particularly in English-speaking countries. A 2016 survey in the UK found Lord of the Flies to be the third most-loved book in schools.

The novel explores the boys' descent into savagery as their desire for survival leads them to abandon their innocence. Instead of nurturing a community, they betray and harm each other, embracing their primal instincts. With its haunting and compelling narrative, William Golding created a powerful journey that is both painful and terrifying. This literary classic earned the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1983.

The Fountainhead is a novel by the American author Ayn Rand, first published in 1943. This was her first major success, both critically and financially. The book's royalties and its subsequent film adaptation brought Rand fame and financial stability. More than 6.5 million copies have been sold worldwide, and it has been translated into several languages, including Vietnamese.

The story centers on Howard Roark, a young architect who is a staunch individualist. He refuses to compromise his principles, choosing to struggle rather than bend his passion and ideas to please others. The novel follows his journey through modern architecture, a style he considers superior to traditional designs worshipped by society. Through the relationships Roark forms with other characters, Rand explores various human personality types, all of which contrast with the ideal character of Roark. She refers to those who depend on others as 'second-handers,' people who survive by living off the achievements of others. The complex relationships between Roark and those around him—some helpful, some obstructive—create a richly dramatic and philosophical narrative. Rand portrays Roark as the embodiment of the human spirit, with his struggle symbolizing individualism in opposition to collectivism.

The manuscript was rejected by twelve publishers before it was accepted by a young editor, Archibald Ogden, at Bobbs-Merrill Company. Despite initial negative reviews, the novel gained popularity through word of mouth and sold hundreds of thousands of copies. The Fountainhead was adapted into a film in 1949, with Gary Cooper playing Howard Roark and Rand herself writing the screenplay.

Great Expectations is a timeless novel by the famous English author Charles Dickens. It is a captivating story with an unexpected yet fascinating plot, blending complexity and simplicity to highlight the true value and truths of life.

The story follows an orphan boy named Pip, who dreams of becoming a wealthy gentleman. His life takes a dramatic turn when he unexpectedly meets a wealthy benefactor who promises him a large inheritance. This event marks the beginning of Pip's transformation as he encounters various characters and uncovers dark secrets about human nature. Eventually, after experiencing the wealth, luxury, and grandeur he once longed for, Pip matures and realizes that all of it is fleeting if one does not create their own destiny.

Through the novel, Dickens also explores themes of guilt and punishment, revenge and reward, wealth and morality, loss and love. With its intricate plot, fast-paced events, and occasional humor, Great Expectations has remained beloved by readers and critics alike for over a century. Many consider it one of Dickens' finest works.

The Kite Runner is the debut novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, first published in 2003 by Riverhead Books. Set against a backdrop of chaotic events, it tells the story of Amir, a young boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district in Kabul. The novel explores the collapse of the Afghan monarchy due to Soviet military intervention, the waves of refugees fleeing to Pakistan and the United States, and the rise of the Taliban.

For Hosseini, The Kite Runner is a tale of father-son relationships, with a strong focus on family, a theme that would continue to be central in his later works. Guilt and redemption are pivotal themes throughout the story. The turning point in the narrative is Hassan's sexual assault, an event that Amir is powerless to prevent, leading to the eventual breakdown of their friendship. The latter half of the book follows Amir’s efforts to redeem himself by rescuing Hassan's son two decades later.

The Kite Runner became a bestseller after its paperback edition was published and circulated in various book clubs. It spent more than two years on The New York Times bestseller list, selling over seven million copies in the United States. The novel received generally positive reviews, despite some controversial aspects of its plot in Afghanistan. It was adapted into several forms, including a 2007 film, various stage plays, and a graphic novel. Additionally, an audiobook version was released with multiple CDs included.

Among Hector Malot's works, "Nobody's Family" is the most well-known. It follows the journey of Remi, a boy without parents or relatives, living with foster parents in a remote rural area. He eventually joins a traveling circus led by the wise and kind Vitali, whose troupe includes a dog and a monkey. Remi grows up in hardship, struggling for food and warmth. After Vitali passes away, Remi must fend for himself and takes in a young boy named Matchia to join the circus. The two become inseparable friends, facing trials and enduring difficult times together.

Regardless of where he is or the circumstances, Remi embodies the values taught by Vitali: maintaining personal integrity, never lying, and always striving to be a virtuous, useful person. The novel concludes with a poignant, humanistic message: Remi is reunited with his family and lives happily among his loved ones. This story won the prestigious French Academy Literature Award and has been translated into many languages, selling in remarkable quantities. Its deep humanism and understanding of family bonds have left a lasting impression on readers, emphasizing the importance of being a good person—like Remi.

Two Destinies is a novel written by British author Jeffrey Archer in 1979. The title, Kane and Abel, is inspired by the biblical story of Cain and Abel. The story follows the lives of two men with drastically different fates, who have nothing in common except for their birthdate, April 18, 1906, and an unyielding determination to succeed in life. William Lowell Kane is a powerful, wealthy man, while Abel Rosnovski, a Polish immigrant, must struggle from the moment of his birth and grow up among the poor before eventually emigrating to the United States.

Through the tale of "Two Destinies", the novel delivers a lesson in perseverance and hard work. Being born into wealth doesn’t mean you stop learning, just as being born into poverty doesn’t limit your potential to rise. Only your willpower and determination can shape who you are in life. Learning never goes to waste, and facing challenges with diligence is the true path to success.

The story centers on Scarlett O'Hara, whose relationship with Rhett Butler has become one of the most iconic in American literature. Gone with the Wind is a captivating love story that has drawn young readers in the United States and around the world. The novel’s powerful narrative persists through times of war and post-war struggles, with love shining brightly as a force that helps individuals survive death, hunger, and degradation.

But the novel is not just about romantic love; "Gone with the Wind" is a celebration of love for one's homeland, camaraderie, and mutual support. It won 10 Academy Awards in 1940, despite tough competition from cinematic masterpieces like *The Wizard of Oz* and *Wuthering Heights*. Additionally, 35 million people in Britain have watched the film adaptation over the decades, making it the most-watched film in the country. It is undoubtedly one of the timeless novels, deserving to be read by all generations.