Classics

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You can’t beat a classic. From solving cases with Sherlock Holmes to falling in love with Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the popularity of classic books proves they stand the test of time. Some of our most popular titles include Little Women, Great Expectations, Wuthering Heights and the works of George Orwell and Oscar Wilde. You can find the most beautiful editions of these titles and more in our Little Black Classics, Clothbound Classics and Modern Classics collections. But if you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our list of 100 must-read classics.

Bestselling classics

Latest releases

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Little Black Classics

Little Black Classics celebrate the huge range and diversity of the Penguin Classics list – from drama to poetry, fiction to history. Shop the beautifully collectible box set of the first 80 titles.

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Clothbound classics

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Modern classics

Photo of the Vintage Classics bundle of George Orwell books, including Nineteen Eighty-Four, Animal Farm, Homage to Catalonia and Down and Out in Paris and London

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Vintage Classics Orwell bundle

Grab the Vintage Classics collection of four of George Orwell's most famous works over on the Penguin Shop.

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Classics in translation

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Clothbound Classics

Choose three Clothbound Classics – bound in cloth and designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith – for £33.

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Where to start reading Jane Austen

A collage of book covers on a light blue background. Titles include I Capture the Castle, Beloved, The Secret History and The Wind in the Willows.

100 must-read classics, as chosen by our readers

We asked you for your must-read classics; in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, here is one book for her every year, from iconic bestsellers to lesser-known gems.

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Classic horror and dark tales

A photograph of Austen clothbound classics

Where to start with Jane Austen

You may have watched a dozen TV and film adaptations but have you read the books? We asked Austen super-fan Anna James to share her guide to which novel to start with first.

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Penguin English Library

A flatlay of covers of classic books in translation

The 20 must-read classics in translation

From Arabic masterpieces to Japanese novellas, these books will transport you to places – and eras – you’ve never been to before. How many have you read?

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