Classic fiction refers to creative works that have received recognition or scholarly discussion, including novels and short stories. Lists of classic fiction often focus on Western European works but can include texts from other regions and genres. These lists shape literature courses and academic debate, while commercially marketed classic editions appeal to readers seeking intellectual stimulation. The concept of classic fiction is constantly evolving to incorporate newer works and remove those that fall out of favor.
The term classic fiction can be broadly applied to any creative fiction that has received special recognition or has been deemed worthy of scholarly discussion. The most common uses of the phrase generally refer to prose works, such as novels or short stories, that have been given literary significance or merit. This term is distinct from classical literature, which may include non-fiction genres such as stories, biographies, or religious texts. Classic fiction can be broken down by genre, language, time period, region, and other methods.
The most popular lists of classic fiction in the United States contain predominantly English novels written in the 19th century. Among them are works by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy. Such lists may also include works by French, Russian and American novelists as well as epic poems such as The Iliad and The Divine Comedy. While the commercial market remains largely focused on Western European popular works, academic institutions foster a much broader sense of classical fiction that may include Asian, Native American, and Eastern European creative texts along with some from authors and genres. previously underrepresented.
These lists are important because they help define what fictional works students are introduced to in class, as well as what they are encouraged to read during the summer and in their free time. The lists also help organize college-level literature courses and frame academic debate. Classic fiction can also provide a bridge between generations who have grown up with the same reading experiences. Many everyday phrases and idioms entered the language from these works.
In addition to defining the literary canon, the term “classical novel” can also be used to indicate works of particular significance within certain genres. Classic detective fiction includes works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dashiell Hammett. Robert A. Heinlein and Isaac Asimov’s books are often described as classic science fiction. While these genres and subgenres are often excluded from mainstream and scholarly debate, many readers debate these texts and try to determine which stories deserve special attention.
Commercially, classic fiction is generally marketed to students or an audience seeking intellectual stimulation. Special Classic Editions often feature higher quality binding and paper so that customers can view the work in their bookshelf or on a coffee table. Texts considered classics are typically shelved in a marked section of a bookstore, regardless of their genre. While most fiction filed under this category was first published before 1950, the concept of classic fiction is always being reevaluated to incorporate newer works and remove texts that fall out of favor.
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