The best 17 19th Century books

Villette (1853) tells the tale of Lucy Snowe who, after a series of family deaths, immigrates from England to the fictional French town of Villette to teach at a girls' school, where she encounters love, loss, and linguistic barriers.

The Birth of Tragedy (1872) interprets Greek tragedy’s birth and death. The narrative advocates the re-emergence of tragic arts and rejects the societal shift towards rationality and science during the time when it was written.

Bleak House (1853) is a stinging critique of the delays and complexities within the British legal system, wrapped in a richly woven tapestry of colorful characters, unforgettable drama, and Dickens’ characteristic wit.

Madame Bovary (1856) is the story of Emma Bovary, unhappily married to a provincial French doctor, and her ultimately futile attempts to exchange dull reality for a more romantic life. In the years since its publication it has been hailed as a groundbreaking and classic work of realist literature.

Moving between love and duty, Daniel Deronda (1876) explores the life of its eponymous protagonist, torn between his loyalty to his past and an unfamiliar Jewish heritage. It navigates through societal expectations, morality, self-realization, and the idea of destiny in Victorian England.

Silas Marner (1861) is the story of a lonely outcast weaver, and the child who unexpectedly arrives in his solitary life, bringing him slowly back into the society that he has rejected and that has rejected him.

On the Genealogy of Morals (1887) delves deeply into Nietzsche’s evolving moral philosophy, exploring the origins and meanings of traditional Western morality. It suggests a radical departure from it and posits the emergence of new moral constructs.

The Woman in White is a gripping Victorian mystery novel that tells the story of a young art teacher who becomes entangled in a web of deception and madness. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, the novel explores themes of identity, love, and the power of the human spirit. It is a timeless classic that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Leaves of Grass is a collection of poetry by American poet Walt Whitman. First published in 1855, it is considered one of the most important and influential works in American literature. The poems celebrate the beauty of nature, the human spirit, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Whitman's free verse and unconventional style challenged traditional poetic forms and themes, making it a groundbreaking and timeless work.

Hedda Gabler is a play written by Henrik Ibsen that delves into the complex and tragic life of the title character, Hedda Gabler. Set in 19th century Norway, the play explores themes of power, control, and societal expectations as Hedda navigates her unhappy marriage and the constraints placed upon her as a woman. With its gripping plot and thought-provoking dialogue, Hedda Gabler is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences.

Billy Budd is a classic novel by Herman Melville that tells the story of a young sailor who is falsely accused of mutiny and sentenced to death. Set aboard a British naval ship during the Napoleonic Wars, the novel explores themes of innocence, justice, and the corrupting influence of power. It is a gripping tale that raises thought-provoking questions about morality and the nature of good and evil.

Daisy Miller is a novella by Henry James that tells the story of a young American girl named Daisy Miller who travels to Europe and becomes entangled in a scandal due to her unconventional behavior. The book explores themes of social class, gender roles, and cultural differences, and offers a critique of the rigid social norms of the time. It is a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the clash between American innocence and European sophistication.

"Fathers and Sons" is a novel by Ivan Turgenev that explores the generational divide between fathers and their sons in 19th century Russia. Through the complex relationships and contrasting beliefs of the characters, the book delves into themes of nihilism, tradition, and the changing social and political landscape of the time. It offers a thought-provoking examination of the tensions and misunderstandings that can arise between different generations.

In this philosophical work, Nietzsche explores the complexities of human nature and the inherent flaws and contradictions within us. He delves into topics such as morality, religion, and society, offering thought-provoking insights and challenging traditional beliefs. Through a series of aphorisms and essays, Nietzsche invites readers to question their own assumptions and embrace a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be human.

"Notes from the Underground" is a novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky that delves into the inner thoughts and feelings of an unnamed narrator living in 19th-century St. Petersburg. Through a series of fragmented and philosophical musings, the book explores themes of alienation, free will, and the nature of existence, offering a profound and thought-provoking examination of the human condition.

Notes from the Underground is a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky that delves into the mind of an unnamed narrator living in isolation. Through a series of disjointed thoughts and reflections, the book explores themes of free will, alienation, and the nature of humanity. It offers a profound and thought-provoking examination of the inner workings of the human psyche.

On The Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche is a thought-provoking examination of the origins of our moral values. In this book, Nietzsche challenges the traditional notions of good and evil, and delves into the history of human morality to reveal its underlying power dynamics and contradictions. Through his unique and controversial perspective, he invites readers to question their deeply held beliefs and reevaluate the foundations of our ethical systems.