Classics
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
The Penguin Shop
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.
Clothbound classics
Sign up to the Penguin newsletter
By signing up, I confirm that I'm over 16. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy.
Modern classics
The Penguin Shop
Vintage Classics Orwell bundle
Grab the Vintage Classics collection of four of George Orwell's most famous works over on the Penguin Shop.
Classics in translation
Coming soon
The Penguin Shop
Clothbound Classics
Choose three Clothbound Classics – bound in cloth and designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith – for £33.
Where to start reading Jane Austen
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.
Classic horror and dark tales
You might like...
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.
Penguin English Library
You might like...
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?
Penguin Classics audiobooks
Penguin Classics
Greatest works of fiction, poetry, drama, history and philosophy
VINTAGE Classics
Home to the greatest classic novels and short stories from VINTAGE