The Literary 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Novelists, Playwrights, and Poets of All Time

Every reader should have this book in his/her collection! It's a terrific research tool and makes a great gift for readers of all ages. Check out "The Novel 100" while you're at it!

Mr. Burt has put together a wonderful list of the most influential authors in Western (and a few Eastern) literature. It is a great companion to any literary enthusiast's library; conversly it would also be an excellent guide for someone who is looking to broaden their literary horizons, and not waste any time on overly-obscure or difficult to decipher texts. Don't get me wrong, not everything on this list is easy (If you can get through Joyce's Ulysses you are a better man than I), but each text is well known enough that a wealth of criticism or in many cases reading companions can be found for them. My only gripe is the exclusion of Dr. Samuel Johnson from the list. The man wrote the first English Dictionary - what's more influental that that? But the fact that you can argue with Burt's lineup while at the same time seeing the sense of his choices - that's what makes for an excellent piece of work.

This book is a fun introduction to some of the world's greatest writers and their works. It is both entertaining and educating. The whole "ranking" idea is a bit silly and seems to be an american obsession. Like all "rankings", however, it is quite subjective and not that important. The important thing is that its author provides insightful and meaningful introductions to many wonderful writers that make up an essential part of our shared cultural history. Approximately two to three pages are devoted to each writer and the high quality of the individual introductions is maintained throughout. The book is not too scholarly and not too general or simple...just right for the type of book one expects it to be.

...and good reading. This book presents three-page summaries of 100 great writers, each with an illustration and introductory quote. Different from encyclopedia entries, these pieces emphasize the significance of each writer's contribution, from a literary-academic point of view (good for once-upon-a-time English majors). It's not a stuffy book, however -- it's written for the general reader, with interesting anecdotes. And of course the ranking provides some thought-provoking entertainment.

Burt has entered the lion's mouth daring to rank the greatest literary figures of all time. Sure, you will disagree, but that seems to be the point: to get you to think comparatively. Each choice features a brief profile and summary of achievement. Get this book to begin an acquaintance with some remarkable writers or to compare your own choices. Fun and useful.