We’re proud to offer you, as our reader, a library of over 50,000 free e-books, but where do you start? What books will make you laugh, make you cry, keep you on the edge of your seat, and stay with you long after you finish them? tastes differ, but there are a couple of books that are almost universally regarded as classics that should be read by anyone who loves literature. To help you out, we’ve scoured our library and identified some of our all-time favourites. you’re welcome!
romance
pride & prejudice
jane austen
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pride & Prejudice is one of the most endearing romance novels of all time and has not only sold more than 20 million copies, but has also inspired numerous film and television interpretations. is the humorous story of the bennet sisters, all of whom will be left homeless if their father dies before one of them marries and can produce a male heir. this causes quite a stir when the very rich and very eligible mr. bingley moves into his neighborhood.
wuthering heights
by emily bronte
Wuthering Heights was written by Emily Bronte a year before her death, which is a shame as not only is it her only novel, but it is also widely regarded as a classic of English literature. It is not a typical romance novel as the love between two of the main characters, Heathcliff and Catherine, is doomed from the start. The two develop feelings for each other after Catherine’s father adopts Heathcliff, but life has some cruel twists in store for them.
jane eyre
by charlotte bronte
the love story of jane eyre and mr. Rochester is another classic romance that has stood the test of time and can still captivate modern readers. The story follows Jane’s trials and tribulations, from her early childhood to working for Edward Rochester, with whom she falls in love with. Like other classic books, Jane Eyre has been adapted into everything from film and television to theater and operas.
away from the madding crowd
by thomas hardy
Away from the maddening crowd is the story of Bathsheba Everdene, a strong-willed and independent woman who becomes a farmer in the rural town of Weatherbury. her presence attracts the interest of three different suitors, a soldier, a shepherd, and a farmer. however, Bathsheba is determined not to simply marry the first man who proposes, causing a stir among her admirers as they all compete for her affections.
ana kerenina
by leo nikolayevich tolstoy
Anna Kerenina, the story of a married noblewoman who falls in love with a wealthy count, is considered by many to be one of the greatest books ever written. The author, Leo Tolstoy, also wrote the epic “War and Peace” and this book further cemented his reputation as a master of his craft. It’s a long book, but it’s packed with enough romance, drama, and intrigue to keep you on the edge of your seat.
mystery / detective
the adventures of sherlock holmes
by arthur conan doyle
Sherlock Holmes, the fictional detective created by Arthur Conan Doyle, has become synonymous with solving puzzling mysteries through clever deduction, and it all started with this book. Contains a collection of twelve mysteries for the brilliant detective to solve, many of which are firm favorites among fans of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson.
the secret adversary
by agatha christie
Agatha Christie had the ability not only to create compelling mysteries, but also the fascinating detectives to solve them. The Secret Adversary features the detective duo of Thomas Beresford and Prudence Cowley, also known as Tommy and Tuppence. Christie has written many other novels in this genre, but The Secret Adversary is a stand-alone mystery, which serves as an excellent introduction to her work.
crime and punishment
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Crime and Punishment is an interesting take on the genre as it focuses on the mental anguish faced by a former student named Rodion after the murder of a moneylender. rodion tries to justify the murder by arguing that the pawnbroker is unscrupulous and that the money he would earn from his death would help him not only free himself from poverty, but also perform great deeds. Of course, this doesn’t turn out as easy as expected, and Rodion must face the harsh reality of his actions.
the complete works of edgar allen poe volume 1, raven edition
by edgar allen poe Many people mistakenly believe that edgar allen poe only wrote horror stories, but the work contained in this volume will quickly dispel that. Stories like “The Rue Morgue Murders” clearly show how much influence Poe had on other writers like Arthur Conan Doyle. Readers unfamiliar with Poe will also appreciate the essays on him by other authors included in the book.
the abandoned room: a mystery story
by charles wadsworth camp
The Abandoned Room: A Mystery Story kept readers guessing when it was first released, and time has done nothing to diminish its popularity. features an impossible murder as well as an interesting cast of characters who could all be responsible. each of them had a sufficient reason to commit the deed, but finding out who really did it will not be easy.
suspense
the phantom of the opera
by Gaston Leroux
the phantom of the opera is one of those stories that has become so ingrained in popular culture that even people who have never read the book know the main character. In this thriller, a physically deformed man named Erik makes his lair under the Opera Garnier in Paris. People think the opera house is haunted by a phantom, but when Erik kidnaps a soprano named Christine, she discovers the “Phantom of the Opera’s” true identity.
the most dangerous game
by richard connell
While the plot of Richard Connell’s Most Dangerous Game may sound familiar, it’s only because it has been copied many times since it was first published. is about a big game hunter who becomes the hunted after being stranded on a remote Caribbean island. The hunter, named Sanger Rainsford, has to use every trick in his arsenal to outsmart the Russian aristocrat, General Zaroff, who has taken to hunting humans for sport.
the angel of terror
by edgar wallace
edgar wallace’s angel of terror is a gripping story of a lawyer named jack glover, who has his work cut out for him when his cousin is accused of murder. It’s clear to Jack that he was cheated on by a woman named Jean Briggerland, but her beauty serves as a good disguise for his sociopathic tendencies. To further complicate matters, a poor woman named Lydia gets swept up in the mess when she inherits the fortune Jean was willing to kill for.
greencloak
by john buchan
greenmantle is the gripping story of major richard hannay, who barely has time to recover from battle wounds when he’s sent on another dangerous mission. It appears that the Germans are secretly plotting to cause a jihad in Africa and the Middle East, requiring Hannay’s intervention. The problem is that the stakes are high and Hannay has very little to go on, which makes for an exciting adventure.
dead men tell no tales
by e. w. hornung
ernest william hornung was not only the brother-in-law of arthur conan doyle, but also an accomplished writer in his own right. Dead Men Tell No Tales is the story of a man who is the sole survivor of a boating accident. he not only loses everything, but then finds out that the fire that caused the ship to sink might not have been an accident after all.
science fiction
20,000 leagues under the sea
July Verne
French author Jules Verne has written several classic novels, including Around the World in Eighty Days and Journey to the Center of the Earth, but Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea remains one of his best. Submarines existed at the time the book was written, but they were very primitive compared to Verne’s description of the Nautilus, which made the story all the more captivating.
the war of the worlds
by h. gram. wells
The War of the Worlds is a science fiction classic not only because it is an exciting story, but also because it is one of the first stories that focused on humanity coming into conflict with an alien race. its popularity has ensured that the book has never been out of print and its influence can be seen throughout the world of science fiction. In addition to numerous movies and television shows, the book also inspired many other writers to come up with their own versions of the alien invasion concept.
anthem
by ayn rand
anthem is a dystopian novel in which all traces of individualism have been eliminated among humans. instead, people live in collectives and all decisions are made by a committee. however, a person has the courage to break from this mentality and think for himself, but unfortunately this is seen as a great sin and the penalty is death. The size of the hymn compared to some of Rand’s later books makes it a good introduction to the author.
a connecticut yankee in king arthur’s court
mark twain
a connecticut yankee in the court of king arthur not only deals with science fiction in the form of time travel, but also combines a lot of humor and adventure, which is one of the reasons the book is so timeless . It’s also a story that, if you pay close attention to what the two of them are saying, goes a little further than the fish-out-of-water story of a 19th century person getting stuck in the 6th century.
the machine stops
by e.m. forster
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the machine stops for e.m. Forster is one of those books that not only told a fascinating science fiction story, but also predicted many technologies that didn’t exist when it was written, but are now commonplace. takes place in a world where humanity has been driven underground and must rely on a machine for survival, which they eventually come to worship. however, when the machine begins to break down, it has dire consequences for humanity.
fantasy
warbreaker
by brandon sanderson
Fans of the fantasy genre know they can always count on a Brandon Sanderson book to deliver in terms of world building and magic. was published in 2009, but unlike most free ebooks written recently, it is a stand-alone novel and not part of a series. Featuring princesses, magical powers, action and politics, the story garnered praise from renowned fantasy authors such as Michael Moorcock.
the iron devil
by robert e. howard
robert e. Howard was an author who didn’t just stick to one particular genre, but wrote about everything from boxing to westerns. however, his fantasy stories are some of the best and definitely had a huge influence on the authors that followed him. The Iron Devil features Conan the Barbarian, which is one of Howard’s most famous creations and serves as a good introduction to both the author and the character. for those who are hooked, there is a whole world of books in the same line that awaits them.
the land of the blue flower
by frances hodgson burnett
Frances Hodgson Burnett was best known for her children’s novels, like The Secret Garden, but she also wrote this very inspiring fantasy story. It is about a young king who inherits the kingdom of his father, who ruled him with great cruelty. this has resulted in it becoming a miserable place, but the prince is determined to make it a land of magic and goodness again.
tales of dreamers
by lord dunsany
Anyone interested in fantasy should be familiar with the work of Lord Dunsany, the Irish author. His work is considered by many to have influenced everyone from j.r.r. tolkien to h.p. lovecraft and others. Tales of a Dreamer is one of his earliest books and serves as an excellent introduction to his style as it introduces a collection of fantasy tales.
alice adventures in wonderland
by lewis carroll
The fantasy world that Lewis Carroll (the pseudonym used by Charles Lutwidge Dodgeson when he wrote the book) remains one of the most memorable in the genre. The book, which features a young woman named Alice who fell down a rabbit hole only to find it populated by strange anthropomorphic creatures, has had a major influence on the fantasy genre.
action & adventure
the count of monte cristo
by Alexander Dumas
The Count of Monte Cristo is considered by many to be one of the best books by Alexandre Dumas, who also wrote The Three Musketeers and many other novels. The book is packed with action and adventure as it follows the story of a young sailor named Edmond Dantes, who falls victim to a plot hatched by his envious rivals. Instead of becoming a captain and marrying his girlfriend, Edmond is imprisoned. however, he not only escapes, but acquires a fortune before leaving to take revenge on those responsible for the injustice he suffered.
quick as the wind
by nat gould
fast as the wind is an action-packed story about love, horse racing and a healthy dose of adventure. The protagonist, Picturn Woodridge, is supposed to take part in some races on Dartmoor, but it is also the place where his brother is serving time in prison.
around the world in 80 days
July Verne
Betting and racing always lead to action-packed adventures and Around the World in 80 Days is based on this concept. It follows Phileas Fogg, who after betting his companions that he can circumnavigate the world in just eighty days, quickly proceeds to do so using various modes of transportation along the way.
treasure island
by robert louis stevenson
Treasure Island is probably one of the best-known pirate tales in literature and offers plenty of action and adventure. is a timeless classic that’s packed with great characters and of course, a hunt for buried pirate treasure. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way that are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
white fang
by jack london
What makes White Fang such a compelling book is the fact that it is written from the perspective of a wolfdog. It is set during the Klondike Gold Rush era and features the adventures of White Fang as he slowly transitions from a wild animal to a tame one.
biographies & story
abraham lincoln
by lord charnwood
Lincoln is without a doubt one of the most famous and respected American leaders in history, which makes this biography a fascinating read. It was published fifty years after Lincoln’s death, making it not only one of the first books about the president, but also one of the most comprehensive.
Beethoven: the story of a boy who was forced to practice
by thomas tapper
Although this biography is geared more towards younger readers, it still offers an interesting insight into Beethoven’s life and what it took for him to become so proficient in music. It covers his early years as well as his career and contains a lot of excellent information on Beethoven.
“over there” with the Australians
by r. hugo knyvett
It’s not always the biographies of famous people that are the most interesting like this book by r. hugh knyvett demonstrates. is a first-hand account of the life of an intelligence officer working as a scout for the 15th Australian Infantry. due to the age of the book, it contains some elements that are not politically correct, but the way the author describes the combat and the dangerous reconnaissance missions are nail-biting stuff.
the story of my life
by helen keller
It’s hard to find a more inspiring example than Helen Keller when it comes to a person who faced great adversity and refused to let it dampen her spirit. This autobiography was written by Keller at the age of 22 and covers much of his life up to that point. It also features letters written by Helen during her youth, showing how much wisdom and courage she had.
autobiography of benjamin franklin
by benjamin franklin
this book was written by benjamin franklin in a very informal style as it was actually addressed to his son. It not only offers some good insights into the fascinating life of this great man, but also into life in the 18th century. Franklin divided his life story into four parts, and this book is still considered by many to be one of the best examples of an autobiography ever written by a famous person.
young readers
popular tradition books: Aesop’s fables
by aesop
adventures of pinocchio
by carlo collodi (lorenzini)
Pinocchio is one of the most famous and influential works of children’s literature and deserves a read even if you’ve seen one of the many film adaptations. This story of a mischievous puppet who longs to become a real boy is not only one of the most translated books in the world, but also one of the best sellers.
fairy tales by hans christian andersen
by hans christian andersen
Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales are among some of the best known and loved, as can be seen in the myriad of films, plays and even ballets they have inspired. this book contains all the classics, like the emperor’s new clothes, the snow queen, the matchgirl and many others.
the great great treasure of beatrix potter
by beatriz potter
Beatrix Potter wrote a number of children’s books about animals during her lifetime, many of which have become beloved classics. The Peter Rabbit Story is considered by many readers to be one of his best and can be found in this wonderful collection along with other great stories such as the Squirrel Nutkin Story, the Benjamin Bunny Story and more.
peter pan
by james m. sweep
peter pan is another book aimed at young readers that needs no introduction. It began as a 1904 play before becoming a novel in 1911. It starred Peter Pan, the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, as well as a host of other now-famous characters, including Tinker Bell, Wendy Darling and Captain. hook, this is without a doubt a true classic.
young adults
the secret garden
by frances hodgson burnett
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The Secret Garden is one of the best known novels written by Frances Hodgson Burnett and its popularity has continued to grow with each television, stage and film adaptation over the years. tells the story of mary, a 10-year-old girl with a tough childhood that leaves her with a bad attitude. however, things soon start to change in her life when she has to move in with her uncle and learns of a private walled garden on her property.
little women
by louisa may alcott
little woman is the moving story of four sisters and the difficulties they have to endure. The girls, who live with their mother in New England, have to deal with the absence of their father and the fact that the family recently lost their fortune. What makes Little Women such a gripping read is the fact that Alcott drew heavily on her own life.
rebecca from sunnybrook farm
by kate douglas wiggin
rebecca of sunnybrook farm tells the story of a young woman named rebecca, who moves in with her two aunts to ease her mother’s financial burden. Unfortunately for Rebecca, her aunts actually wanted her older sister to live with them because she has better domestic skills. The book also features many charming descriptions of the city and its inhabitants, making it a joy to read.
a girl from the limberlost
by gene stratton porter
A Limberlost Girl takes place in Indiana and features a young woman named Elnora who lives with her widowed mother. Elnora is a bright and courageous woman, in contrast to her mother, who has grown bitter after the death of Elnora’s father. a girl of the limberlost was a very popular book in its time and still has the ability to captivate readers.
daddy-long-legs
by jean webster
jerusha abbot is a girl who grew up in an orphanage and doesn’t know what to do with her life. then, out of the blue, she is informed that one of the orphanage administrators will pay for her to go to college. The book describes Jerusha’s upbringing as well as her personal growth and the letters she writes to her mysterious benefactor.
historical fiction
the last of the mohicans
by james fenimore cooper
Long before it was an epic historical drama film starring Daniel Day-Lewis, or even the previous seven film adaptations, The Last of the Mohicans was a historical novel by James Fenimore Cooper. It is set during the Seven Years’ War and chronicles the journey it takes to transport the two daughters of a colonel to safety through the New York desert. this book is one of the most popular historical fiction titles since its publication and is widely regarded as a classic.
a tale of two cities
by charles dickens
charles dickens based his historical novel, a tale of two cities, on the events leading up to the french revolution. It is the story of Alexandre Manette, imprisoned in the Bastille for eighteen years. After his release, he meets his daughter Lucie for the first time and she takes him back to England after the shock of discovering that he is still alive. the book also contains one of the best known opening lines of all time with “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times”.
the prince and the pauper
mark twain
The Prince and the Pauper is a historical fiction novel by Mark Twain and is known for being his first attempt at the genre. It is the story of two children, one who is poor and the other who is the son of King Henry VIII. Surprisingly, the two look identical and after a chance meeting, they decide to change clothes and experience what life is like for each other.
the three musketeers
by Alexander Dumas
While many readers are familiar with the classic novel The Three Musketeers by French author Alexandre Dumas, not everyone knows that it was based in part on fact. The story is not only based on real events from 17th century France, but most of the main characters were also real people from that period. Dumas was inspired by another historical novel when he wrote The Three Musketeers, and the popularity of his short story has resulted in numerous adaptations for television, film, stage, and even video games.
the hunchback of notre dame
by victor hugo
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is not only the story of a gypsy girl named Esmeralda and a hunchbacked bell ringer named Quasimodo, but also of medieval Paris and its imposing architecture. In fact, some readers think that Hugo spent too much time describing the histories of French buildings, but it remains a classic book nonetheless.
horror
dracula
bram stoker
Based on the number of film, television and stage interpretations of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, there is no doubt that it is one of the most influential vampire novels of all time. Yet despite its age and the legions of copycats it has inspired, this book, which tells the story of the evil vampire Dracula and his plan to spread his undead curse from Transylvania to England, is still a great read.
clarimonium
by théophile gautier
while classic vampire stories will always be associated with bram stoker, theophile gautier wrote his own version of these hideous monsters in the late 19th century. Clarimonde is the story of a priest named Romuald, who falls in love with a beautiful woman he sees in church on the day of her ordination. however, this is not a simple love story and things quickly get worse.
imprisoned with the pharaohs
by h. p. lovecraft
When it comes to horror, you can’t go wrong with any of the novels from one of the masters of the genre, H.P. lovecraft. However, Imprisoned with the Pharaohs is a great place to start as it is a stand-alone story and features Harry Houdini as the lead. In this story, Houdini is kidnapped and thrown into a deep hole in Egypt, where he witnesses a series of terrifying things as he tries to escape.
carnacki, the ghost finder
by william esperanza hodgson
Readers who enjoy the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, but wish his cases were a little more horrific and supernatural, should give these stories by William Hope Hodgson a try. Carnacki the Ghost Seeker is a collection of short stories starring Thomas Carnacki, who has to deal with some pretty chilling cases as an investigator.
the familiar
by joseph sheridan le fanu
joseph sheridan le fanu was one of the best writers of the 19th century when it came to ghost stories and favored a more haunting approach compared to the shocking horror of other writers. the familiar, which is a victorian gothic horror, is no exception, featuring a sea captain who finds himself pursued by something sinister.
fiction and literature
persuasion
jane austen
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Persuasion is considered by many readers to be one of Jane Austen’s most mature and well-written novels. It was published a few months after her death and tells the story of Anne Elliot, a woman who meets the man she was engaged to in her youth. the engagement was broken because her family was not satisfied with the couple, but many things have changed since then.
Ulysses
by james joyce
James Joyce’s Ulysses is by no means an easy book to read, but those who take the time and effort will definitely agree that it is one of the most important books in modernist literature. The book follows the viewpoints of multiple characters as they go through a variety of daily events, but to fully appreciate what Joyce has done, it is recommended that readers be familiar with Homer’s Odyssey.
don quixote
by miguel de cervantes saavedra
Although this book is now over 400 years old, time has done nothing to diminish how enjoyable it is to read. The story of Alonso Quixano, a man so obsessed with chivalric tales that he himself wields a spear and sword, has entertained readers since it was first published in 1605. He is also accompanied by Sancho Panza, a simple farmer who don Quixote recruits as his squire, only for the poor man to face the consequences of his master’s most delusional actions.
the prince
Nicolas Machiavelli
After reading The Prince, it’s easy to see why Niccolo Machiavelli’s name has become synonymous with covert tactics and secret plans or acting opportunistically. however, this book, which is about gaining power and keeping it, remains a fascinating glimpse into what it took to become a ruthless leader in the 16th century.
anne of green tiles
by lucy maud montgomery
Like many classic books, Anne of Green Gables has been adapted into movies, TV shows, musicals, plays, and even cartoons. the story of an orphaned girl who accidentally ends up with a brother and sister who wanted to adopt a child to help them with her farm, has been translated into more than 36 languages and sold millions of copies since it was published in 1908.