In your opinion, what is the greatest book ever written by a single author?

Question

Other than Harry Potter, that is.

I'm looking for some great books in terms of plot, eloquence, character depth, originality, and other such literary elements, so any recommendations (they don't really have to be the greatest ever) would be great.

I generally enjoy fantasy books, or dramatic ones.

Thank you!

In response to MJ-indyRn, I do read the Bible, but note that I said the greatest book ever written by a SINGLE author. The Bible is THE Holy Book, and yes, great writing has come from it, but it was written by many people.

Answer 1

Many critics say that "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens is the greatest novel in the English language. The plot is good (much better than in his earlier works) and the characters are well-developed. Dickens writes wonderful descriptions, although some readers find him tedious (he got paid by the word, so it made sense to spend three pages to say, "He was not a very good student.") One other draw-back: I've read "Great Expectations" three times, but I still don't like it.

My favorite is "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain. I've read it four times, and many critics consider it the best novel by an American. The story moves quickly, and the characters are both colorful and unique.

Life will not be complete until you have read "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville.

If you want fantasy, try "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien. If you've already seen the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, why not read Tolkien's other book, "The Silmarillion"?

I've heard people say that greatest novels of all time are "Crime and Punishment" by Dostovesky and "War and Peace" by Tolstoy. Both are long but extremely well-written.

For short stories, I suggest "the Metamorphisis" by Kafka and "The Overcoat" by Gogol. No other story has moved me as much as Gogol's, which I first read when I was in the 7th grade. Perhaps it is because it was the story that moved me from the children's section of the library to the adult's section.

Answer 2

The Holy Bible. Try the English Standard Version, if you are not familiar with the King James Version.

Everything authors know about writing great books comes from God's Holy Word.

All of what you mentioned: plots, eloquence, character depth, originality and any other literary element comes from studying the Bible.

Answer 3

Lord of the Rings, of course. In fact, everything by J.R.R. Tolkien. Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, The Lost Tales, The Lays of Beleriand, etc.

The man created an entire world, complete with geography, history, languages, politics, races, everything.
I'd suggest you start with either Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit if you haven't read any of Tolkien's books yet. The Hobbit is the easiest and Lord of the Rings is the best known.

Answer 4

Single author - Harry Potter

Pair of authors - King Fortis the Brave

Answer 5

I LOVE J. D. Robbs books - fantasy with a murder thrown in - try it is a series best start with the first one - makes more sense that way - PS she also writes under the name Nora Roberts!@~

Answer 6

I don't really have a book but more like an author. I love John Grishm, All his books are so good that when i start to read them i get so engorged in them that i can't put them down.

Answer 7

The Princess Bride by Goldman. I love that book!

Answer 8

"Rebecca" by Daphne Du Maurier.

Characters very clearly drawn. Mystery from page one, word one, twists in plot, surprise ending, encapsulates life in those days both in Europe and England for the very rich, suspense, insanity, obsession, incest, - you name it. It's got it all and then some.

Answer 9

what about a classic
odyssey by homer classic book good story.
and it fits both your categories