Think about social impact, writing style, etc.
2007-11-21 14:45:28 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
In my opinion the greatest writer of all time was Charles Dickens pick any of his work and you will find a social commentary. I especially love "A Christmas Carole" and "A Tale of Two Cities" which is the best book of all time in my humble opinion.
2007-11-21 14:49:45 · answer #1 · answered by Jackie Oh! 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ah, but greatest American novel? Greatest Russian? English? Would a Russian's answer be different from an American's? I agree that Dickens is one of the best novelists of all time. Some critics think Twain is one of the greatest American novelists and I would agree. For social impact, Harry Potter novels, though not particularly well written, have gotten many to read who otherwise would not.
2007-11-21 23:32:07 · answer #2 · answered by Dale 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That's a tough one, because everyone has their own tastes. I agree that Charles Dickens was an exceptional writer, and I enjoyed all of his novels (I really wish he'd been able to finish The Mystery of Edwin Drood...).
However, according to my tastes, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is the greatest classic novel of all time. It's not because it had social impact - Dickens' books do - but because the wit and concise/pithy prose is still enjoyable 190 years after Jane Austen's death. It's just so timeless and appealing even in a tech-savvy, fast-paced world that's full of "I'm not interested in anything that doesn't give instant gratification."
I never get bored of the novel and have read it many times. It never gets old, it doesn't get less interesting, and I still have a hard time believing that the characters didn't actually exist in the real world. I'm sure I'll read it again, many times (God willing).
2007-11-21 23:00:53 · answer #3 · answered by ck1 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I have not read every novel that has been written, including ones that have had great impacts. It is also hard to consider writing style, as it changes through out time. What flows today, will not tomorrow.
But as far as today, I will say that JK Rowling's Harry Potter books have had the greatest impact, great writing style and well, amazing stories.
These are books which appeal to so many age groups, from eight year olds who have merely begun reading, to those in their fourties who are past their teenage years but still enjoy Harry's adventures. JK Rowling has done something right, but I think that her novels will be more appreciated in the future. She is still alive.
I would say all seven books are amazing, I cannot pick a single one out of the series.
2007-11-21 23:25:59 · answer #4 · answered by agrin1369 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Any book by Charles Dickens. His books had a tremendous social impact. I think Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfiels all are truly the greatest novels ever written.
TW K
2007-11-22 00:36:07 · answer #5 · answered by TW K 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I can't really decide on just one as so many novels are amazing . My favourite books are the His Dark Materials trilogy, which have a fantastic story and a very deep social commentary. But To Kill a Mockingbird is also brilliant for its characters and commentary, the Chronicles of Narnia have a developed and intriguing plot, and of course the Bible (if that counts as a novel) has influenced more people than any other book. I think many novels stand out to me as great, but each of them are great in their own way.
2007-11-21 23:36:43 · answer #6 · answered by Collie-flower 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Social impact - 1984 no doubt. You cannot finish reading that book without feeling sick, disgusted and frightened
Writing style - to many to name and it's really subjective. I've read quite a bit of fiction but not in the past few years so maybe I'm not the most qualified to say.
2007-11-22 00:02:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jane Eyre
2007-11-21 23:41:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
A Seperate Peace by John Knowles or 1984 by George Orwell.
Both have changed the way I view the world, people, and their motives.
2007-11-21 23:41:45 · answer #9 · answered by Austin =] 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
2007-11-22 00:24:45 · answer #10 · answered by xrhett 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋