Reading Classics, Chronologically Through the Ages discussion

I have a number of ideas for personal reading projects that reflect my reading and learning interests, so this will be my place to keep track of them. I see this as a continual work-in-process; added to and/or changed at any time. All of my projects are a part of my self-directed education effort. (There may be some overlap in titles among projects. Putting books that I want to read into lists like these helps me organize my reading.)

The TWEM Project (placeholder)

Self-Directed Learning Project

This is my attempt at self-education, which is initially what led me to TWEM. I admit that I am literally "winging" this project, but have decided that I can/will learn just by reading and studying. I feel that anything is better than nothing :)

These books are outside the TWEM, but I feel they will provide background and help my understanding of the TWEM list:

The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt, Wilkinson
Civilizations Of The Ancient World: A Visual Sourcebook, Rathbone
The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome, Bauer
The History of the Medieval World: From the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade, Bauer
The History of the Renaissance World: From the Rediscovery of Aristotle to the Conquest of Constantinople, Bauer
The Discoverers: A History of Man's Search to Know His World and Himself, Boorstin
The Creators: A History of Heroes of the Imagination, Boorstin
The Seekers: The Story of Man's Continuing Quest to Understand His World, Boorstin
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, Hamilton
Bulfinch's Mythology, Bulfinch

Author Project - Les Rougon-Macquart (Emile Zola) (placeholder)

Author Project - Herman Melville (placeholder)

Project Placeholder

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Sharon, I think that it's a wonderful idea to read through the works of an author in sequence. It gives such insight into their ideas and the growth of their worldview.

I started to read through the Rougon-Maquart series a couple of years ago. I decided to follow Zola's recommended order instead of the published order so I am on book #5 The Dream (Le Rêve). Zola is a masterful writer and his descriptions are breathtaking, but his subject matter can be heavy and I find I'm needing breaks in between.

Best of luck with your projects!! :-)

Cleo wrote: "Sharon, I think that it's a wonderful idea to read through the works of an author in sequence. It gives such insight into their ideas and the growth of their worldview.

I started to read through t..."

Thank you, Cleo! I didn't know that Zola had a recommended reading order. I've only read them as I've come to them, so I will definitely check it out. I love Zola - I know what you mean about his subject matter, but his books are some of my favorites. But then I'm also a big Thomas Hardy fan :)

You're welcome! You actually reminded me that I should add my Zola project to my lists so I've gone and done just that. Hardy ....... another author I struggle with, simply because his works are so depressing. But I must start reading him. I've only read Under the Greenwood Tree, which is not enough exposure to fairly judge. I'm adding him to my TBR list.

Cleo wrote: "You're welcome! You actually reminded me that I should add my Zola project to my lists so I've gone and done just that. Hardy ....... another author I struggle with, simply because his works are so..."

I enjoyed Under the Greenwood Tree, but for a true sense of Hardy, I highly recommend Far from the Madding Crowd, The Mayor of Casterbridge, The Return of the Native, and my absolute favorite, Tess of the D'Urbervilles. A lot of people don't like Tess, and I can understand why, but it is achingly beautiful. These are the works by Hardy that I've read (along with Desperate Remedies (which is in a class all its own), so they are the only ones I can speak to. I do hope you will give him a try!

Thanks for the recommendations, Sharon. I'm glad that you showed up to push me into unfamiliar (scary) territory! I'll definitely get in at least one Hardy before the year's out.

Sandy wrote: "Hardy is an author that I have added to and removed from my TBR a few times. I have read both enthusiastic and critical reviews of his work, and I just don't know where to start with him. I appreci..."

Sandy, I would love to read Hardy with you! (And anyone else who is interested!) There are a number of his works that I haven't read yet, plus he published quite a few short stories and poetry. And I certainly don't mind re-reading ones that I've already read. (It would be a good exercise for me in the Trivium method...) I will set up a project thread for Hardy.

Sandy wrote: "Sharon, I stand in awe of anyone who is able to tackle that series by Zola. I was an in another group where a sub-group of members were doing it. I got the impression that his workwas a bit -- how ..."

Sandy, I believe there are 20-ish novels in the Zola series, and I have only read 4 of them. Like Hardy, they are very intense, but I loved them. (OK, Nana not so much but it was still excellent!) Raw is a pretty accurate description, especially in Nana. I've never read Balzac but would like to :)

I've come to the sad conclusion that there are not enough years in my future to read all that I want to, but I won't let that stop me from trying :)

Sandy wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I've come to the sad conclusion that there are not enough years in my future to read all that I want to, but I won't let that stop me from trying :) "

That pretty much sums up my ap..."

Sandy, he certainly is! In fact, Hardy and I share a birthday, so I was thinking about reading one of his novels as a June DWS selection, too :). I'll be happy to join you for Far from the Madding Crowd.

Sandy wrote: "Sounds great, Sharon. I guess we should move the discussion to DWS then?"

Yes - I didn't mean to hijack the thread....my apologies, Kenia!

Sharon, this is your thread! You didn't hijack anything. ;)

I also have been thinking about Hardy recently. I've only read Jude the Obscure before and loved it, but am still a little afraid to read more Hardy because of how depressing he can be. Maybe I should join DWS to read along with you ladies.

Sarah wrote: "I also have been thinking about Hardy recently. I've only read Jude the Obscure before and loved it, but am still a little afraid to read more Hardy because of how depressing he can be. Maybe I sho..."

Yes, please do, Sarah!

I am just getting around to reading this thread more than 4 months later -- but I have to say I'm glad to hear that others are also depressed by reading Thomas Hardy. Here's what I wrote last week after reading the first part of Jude the Obsure:
"Ooof. I am taking a break from Jude the Obscure. Hardy's thesis seems to be that getting mixed up with a woman will completely ruin a man's life, and it's all her fault. This truly had me depressed yesterday even hours after I was no longer listening to the book."
I am feeling better now, and I do think I will be up to finishing the book later this month.
Oh, and by the way, I've just applied to join The Dead Writers Society group.
-Julie (Sorento62)