Our brilliant staff here at World of Rare Books, have been given the opportunity to review their favourite classics.

Here are their top picks…

Animal Farm – George Orwell

Les says:

This was one of the first things I was given to read in my first year at senior school and while not fully understanding the issues within the book at the time, much to the annoyance of my English teacher, it left an impression with me that has never faded. This has subsequently led me to read the book many times over the years, and I now fully grasp the issues! 1984 is a great book, but this is the one that sticks with me, as the issues within the book are still relevant today and reflected in news we see each day.

The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Mike says:

I probably read this at the right time of life, mid 20’s, not in a relationship, a small amount of expendable cash, its fair to say that this story inspired my purchase of a drinks cabinet a book on cocktail making and some multi-coloured liquids to put in said cabinet. The fact that I remember little of the coming year or 2 was confirmation that I was inspired! Like any great character you would love to be Jay Gatsby (for a bit) until you realise the tragic perfection in the story telling in the desperation of Gatsby and most who followed him. This is a true modern classic which was way ahead of its time, inspired many great stories but none that inspire the reader quite like Gatsby.

The Golden Ass by Apuleius

Matt says:

Being one of the seminal works of the Ancient World, The Golden ass can be enjoyed as both a magical journey, filled with excitement and humour, as well as a study of life and society in the Roman world. Apuleius’ witty tale is complemented by an invaluable insight into the culture and religion of the time. Being the only Ancient Roman novel in Latin to survive in its entirety, it is a must read for anyone interested the history of the period, including fans of mythology, theology, fantasy and adventure.

 

The works of Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston.

Claire says:

Josephus was a Jewish historian, scholar and chronicler living and writing in Jerusalem in the first century AD. He can be widely used as a primary source for the rise of Christianity and for the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD as well a life under Roman rule in the Middle East. Whiston’s translation stays fairly true to the original writings without the usual heavy bias toward Christian theology seen in later Victorian translations. Recommended for anyone interested in or studying early Christianity or Roman history.

Carry on Jeeves by P.J. Wodehouse

Charlie H says:

This is perhaps Wodehouse’s greatest book of short stories. As a stylist Wodehouse is always fresh, even more so here as Jeeves and Wooster arrive in New York.

The Hobbit, or there and back again – J.R.R. Tolkien

Oliver says:

A good classic fantasy story for both children and adults alike. The perfect introduction to Tolkien’s in-depth fantasy world, The Lord of the Rings. With plenty of action and an engrossing storyline, Tolkien takes the reader on a great adventure across middle earth, introducing you to dwarves, elves and trolls and many great characters.

Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen

As bizarre as it may seem, I found the novel incredibly easy to relate to and there are many similarities between their lives and my own. I come from a very close-knit family and although I didn’t have any sisters, I had 5 female cousins who lived within 3 miles from me, so there was a lot to contend with there. Of course, there were plenty of squabbles and tantrums along the way but we always helped, looked after and supported one another, the way the Bennet sisters do. Their relationship with each-other was always a comfort to me and whilst there was the slight element of competition between them, there was no malice or scorn that you so often find with a group of female characters.

Find all this and more here at World of Rare Books.