The Test of Time: What Makes A Classic A Classic?

by Andrew Holgate

Genres: Nonfiction

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Paul Spencer]

What makes a classic a classic? A collection of articles from semi-famous and not-so-famous people regarding what they think defines a classic, their recommendations and rejections. Overall conclusion is that a classic is a work that has endured generations and therefore is relevant and meaningful to a wide audience despite the passage of decades. Beyond that there are complaints that the term classic is used too liberally now ie ‘the new classic', and that forcing classic books down kids throats in school can potentially turn them off the books. Books that seem to be mentioned time and again are Lucky Jim by Martin Amis, Middlemarch, Midnight's Children, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. All of which I've read, thankfully.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A number of well-known writers and public figures attempt to answer this, in interesting and often subversive ways. Wish I had read this before reading Literature at University, would have given me more confidence in going against the grain.