20 Best American Classic Books (2023 Update)

The postman always rings twice by james m. cain – they shoot horses, don't they? by horace mccoythieves like us by edward anderson – the big clock by kenneth fearing – nightmare alley by william lindsay gresham – i married a dead man by cornell woolrich 990 pages – 978-1-883011-46-8 library of america volume #94 crime novels: american noir of the 1950s – the talented mr. ripley by patricia highsmith – pick-up by charles willeford – down there by david goodis – the real cool killers by chester himes 892 pages – 978-1-883011-49-9 library of america volume #95 this adventurous two-volume collection presents a rich vein of modern american writing too often neglected in mainstream literary histories. evolving out of the terse and violent hardboiled style of the pulp magazines, noir fiction expanded over the decades into a varied and innovative body of writing. tapping deep roots in the american literary imagination, the novels in this volume explore themes of crime, guilt, deception, obsessive passion, murder, and the disintegrating psyche. with visionary and often subversive force they create a dark and violent mythology out of the most commonplace elements of modern life. the raw power of their vernacular style has profoundly influenced contemporary american culture and writing. library of america is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation's literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, america's best and most significant writing. the library of america series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries.

Second printing. hardcovers with dust jackets and slip case. 2 volume box set. 8vo with 1672 pages. the book and dj are in very good condition very slight shelf wear. interior clean and tight. black and red spine with red and black text. 2nd printing.

An american tragedy is a tour de force, one of the most important novels in the american cannon. ripped from the headlines, it follows clyde griffiths, a handsome, ambitious man whose religious upbringing has left him unprepared to pay the price required to realize the american dream. it's an ambitious novel that unflinchingly confronts the lie of the american dream and myth of a classless society with opportunities for all, and an extraordinary crime novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.nothing short of monumental.– kirkus

These ten treasured stories from the most influential authors of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are selected for their literary importance as well as their dramatic, oral qualities. the following stories are included in this collection: "the one million pound bank note" by mark twain"the celebrated jumping frog of calaveras county" by mark twain"a visit to niagara" by mark twain"mysterious visit" by mark twain"the blue hotel" by stephen crane"the bride comes to yellow sky" by stephen crane"the eyes of the panther" by ambrose bierce"an occurrence at owl creek bridge" by ambrose bierce"the love of life" by jack london"to build a fire" by jack london

This collection of classic works traces the founding of america, from the birth of the nation in the late 1760s to the creation of a more perfect union at the end of the early 1800s. it celebrates the pursuit of life, liberty and justice and the freedoms that define america through notable documents, writings and speeches.

The 45th anniversary of a landmark work of teen fiction ponyboy can count on his brothers and his friends, but not on much else besides trouble with the socs, a vicious gang of rich kids who get away with everything, including beating up greasers like ponyboy. at least he knows what to expect–until the night someone takes things too far. written forty-five years ago, s. hinton's classic story of a boy who finds himself on the outskirts of regular society remains as powerful today as it was the day it was written.

This gorgeously-produced companion book to pbs's new series exploring america's best-loved novels presents all 100 finalists with fascinating information about each book, plus author profiles, themed articles about banned books, the most influential book illustrators, reading recommendations, the best first-lines in literature, and more. beautifully designed with rare images of the original manuscripts, first-edition covers, rejection letters, and other ephemera. hardcover, 288 pages.

Ernest hemingway did more to change the style of english prose than any other writer in the twentieth century, and for his efforts he was awarded the nobel prize for literature in 1954. hemingway wrote in short, declarative sentences and was known for his tough, terse prose. publication of the sun also rises and a farewell to arms immediately established ernest hemingway as one of the greatest literary lights of the twentieth century. as part of the expatriate community in 1920s paris, the former journalist and world war i ambulance driver began a career that led to international fame. hemingway was an aficionado of bullfighting and big-game hunting, and his main protagonists were always men and women of courage and conviction, who suffered unseen scars, both physical and mental. he covered the spanish civil war, portraying it in fiction in for whom the bell tolls, and he also covered world war ii. his classic novella the old man and the sea won the pulitzer prize in 1953. he died in 1961.

In kristin hannah’s the great alone, a desperate family seeks a new beginning in the near-isolated wilderness of alaska only to find that their unpredictable environment is less threatening than the erratic behavior found in human nature. #1 new york times instant bestseller (february 2018)a people “book of the week”buzzfeed’s “most anticipated women’s fiction reads of 2018”seattle times’s “books to look forward to in 2018”alaska, 1974. ernt allbright came home from the vietnam war a changed and volatile man. when he loses yet another job, he makes the impulsive decision to move his wife and daughter north where they will live off the grid in america’s last true frontier.cora will do anything for the man she loves, even if means following him into the unknown. thirteen-year-old leni, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, has little choice but to go along, daring to hope this new land promises her family a better future.in a wild, remote corner of alaska, the allbrights find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. the long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the newcomers’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.but as winter approaches and darkness descends, ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates. soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. in their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own.

American literature (excellence in literature, english 3) cultivates competent readers and writers in a self-directed, classics-focused, one year, college-prep literature and composition course for co-op, classroom, or homeschool use. the award-winning excellence in literature curriculum, suitable for grades 8-12, presents a feast of great ideas by immersing students in great literature. classics that have stood the test of time-rollicking adventures, compelling plays, engaging poetry-encourage students to enjoy literature study, rather than just endure it. students will study and write about the following books: autobiography by benjamin franklin – rip van winkle and the legend of sleepy hollow by washington irving and selected works by longfellow – the last of the mohicans by james fenimore cooper – the house of seven gables by nathaniel hawthorne – moby dick by herman melville – the adventures of huckleberry finn by mark twain – the house of mirth by edith wharton – the great gatsby by f. scott fitzgerald – the old man and the sea by ernest hemingway – how it works a four-week lesson plan guides the study of each unabridged classic, providing writing assignments and context resources – information on the author, relevant historical events, related art and music resources, etc.. to help students stay engaged, a variety of sources, voices, and formats have been carefully chosen as context resources, with links provided to those that are online. there are 9 4-week modules in each study guide for one school year of study. an optional honors track adds additional reading and writing, including a research paper and an optional clep exam. the text is written directly to the student, and can be used independently or in a classroom. there is no separate teacher manual; all writing assignments, context resource links, and student/teacher helps are included in the introduction to literature study guide. – student helps – week-by-week assignment schedule – instructions and a student-written model for each type of paper assigned – a chapter on how to read and understand challenging literature – overview of how to write an essay, from conception to revision – a curriculum website with supporting resources, including author biographies, art, music, related poetry, and writing helps. – built-in time for both a rough and a final draft of each month's essay – instructions for setting up a study area, english notebook, and study habits- a model essay that teaches and demonstrates mla formatting – glossary of literary terms – teacher helps- week-by-week pacing chart with overview of reading and writing for the entire school year – grading instructions and reproducible rubric – suggestions for using in a co-op or classroom – a year-end student evaluation summary to keep with student records – each student and teacher will need a copy of the study guide, plus a copy of each classic that is studied (short stories are linked online). there are specific book editions recommended, but students who already own a different edition may use that. it is also helpful to have access to a dictionary, thesaurus, and the handbook for writers (from excellence in literature).

From the turn of the twentieth century to the present day, classic american cars: an illustrated guide traces the history of the american automobile, and the social change it brought. this deep look at the american automobile offers complete coverage of more than 75 of america's greatest automobiles, from the model t to the '57 cadillac eldorado and the late '60s plymouth roadrunner. author craig cheetham examines the development of the car from a literal engine-powered carriage, through the fighter plane–inspired designs of 1940s cars, and into modern day styles. these changes were all driven by changes in technology and society; cheetham explores the changes, as well as the technical details of the vehicles, modifications made to them, and their performance and handling.classic american cars is illustrated with over 1000 full-color, specially-commissioned photographs detailing every aspect of these spectacular and fascinating cars. comprehensive specification panels give detailed technical and performance information. each car is described so vividly that you'll think you're in the driver's seat.

A new york times and washington post notable book a 2018 best of the year selection of npr * time * bustle * o, the oprah magazine * the dallas morning news * amazon.com oprah’s book club 2018 selectionwinner of the women's prize for fictionwinner of the 2019 aspen words literary prize winner of the 2019 naacp image award for outstanding literary work—fictionlonglisted for the 2018 national book award for fiction“a moving portrayal of the effects of a wrongful conviction on a young african-american couple.” —barack obama “haunting . . . beautifully written.” —the new york times book review “brilliant and heartbreaking . . . unforgettable.” —usa today “a tense and timely love story . . . packed with brave questions about race and class.” —people “compelling.” —the washington post “deeply moving . . . thought-provoking." —bill gates “epic . . . triumphant.” —elle newlyweds celestial and roy are the embodiment of both the american dream and the new south. he is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. but as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime celestial knows he didn’t commit. though fiercely independent, celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. as roy’s time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. after five years, roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to atlanta ready to resume their life together. this stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. an american marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward—with hope and pain—into the future.

Now an emmy-nominated hulu original series – new york times bestseller – “a stunning novel about the transformative power of relationships” (people) from the author of conversations with friends, “a master of the literary page-turner” (j. courtney sullivan). one of the ten best novels of the decade—entertainment weekly – ten best books of the year—people, slate, the new york public library, harvard crimson – and best books of the year—the new york times, the new york times book review, o: the oprah magazine, time, npr, the washington post, vogue, esquire, glamour, elle, marie claire, vox, the paris review, good housekeeping, town & country connell and marianne grew up in the same small town, but the similarities end there. at school, connell is popular and well liked, while marianne is a loner. but when the two strike up a conversation—awkward but electrifying—something life changing begins. – a year later, they’re both studying at trinity college in dublin. marianne has found her feet in a new social world while connell hangs at the sidelines, shy and uncertain. throughout their years at university, marianne and connell circle one another, straying toward other people and possibilities but always magnetically, irresistibly drawn back together. and as she veers into self-destruction and he begins to search for meaning elsewhere, each must confront how far they are willing to go to save the other. – normal people is the story of mutual fascination, friendship and love. it takes us from that first conversation to the years beyond, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find that they can’t. praise for normal people “[a] novel that demands to be read compulsively, in one sitting.”—the washington post “arguably the buzziest novel of the season, sally rooney’s elegant sophomore effort . . . is a worthy successor to conversations with friends. here, again, she unflinchingly explores class dynamics and young love with wit and nuance.”—the wall street journal “[rooney] has been hailed as the first great millennial novelist for her stories of love and late capitalism. . . . [she writes] some of the best dialogue i’ve read.”—the new yorker

The debut novel from the new york times bestselling author of the son, which is now an amc original tv series set in a beautiful but economically devastated pennsylvania steel town, american rust is a novel of the lost american dream and the desperation–as well as the acts of friendship, loyalty, and love–that arise from its loss. from local bars to trainyards to prison, it is the story of two young men, bound to the town by family, responsibility, inertia, and the beauty around them, who dream of a future beyond the factories and abandoned homes. left alone to care for his aging father after his mother commits suicide and his sister escapes to yale, isaac english longs for a life beyond his hometown. but when he finally sets out to leave for good, accompanied by his temperamental best friend, former high school football star billy poe, they are caught up in a terrible act of violence that changes their lives forever. evoking john steinbeck's novels of restless lives during the great depression, american rust takes us into the contemporary american heartland at a moment of profound unrest and uncertainty about the future. it is a dark but lucid vision, a moving novel about the bleak realities that battle our desire for transcendence and the power of love and friendship to redeem us. newsweek's list of "best. ever"a washington post top ten book of 2009a new york times notable book of 2009an economist best book of 2009a kansas city star top 100 book of 2009pittsburgh post-gazette's best books of 2009idaho statesman's best books of 2009

A 2016 coretta scott king author honor book, and recipient of the walter dean myers award for outstanding children’s literature. in this new york times bestselling novel, two teens—one black, one white—grapple with the repercussions of a single violent act that leaves their school, their community, and, ultimately, the country bitterly divided by racial tension.a bag of chips. that’s all sixteen-year-old rashad is looking for at the corner bodega. what he finds instead is a fist-happy cop, paul galluzzo, who mistakes rashad for a shoplifter, mistakes rashad’s pleadings that he’s stolen nothing for belligerence, mistakes rashad’s resistance to leave the bodega as resisting arrest, mistakes rashad’s every flinch at every punch the cop throws as further resistance and refusal to stay still as ordered. but how can you stay still when someone is pounding your face into the concrete pavement? there were witnesses: quinn collins—a varsity basketball player and rashad’s classmate who has been raised by paul since his own father died in afghanistan—and a video camera. soon the beating is all over the news and paul is getting threatened with accusations of prejudice and racial brutality. quinn refuses to believe that the man who has basically been his savior could possibly be guilty. but then rashad is absent. and absent again. and again. and the basketball team—half of whom are rashad’s best friends—start to take sides. as does the school. and the town. simmering tensions threaten to explode as rashad and quinn are forced to face decisions and consequences they had never considered before. written in tandem by two award-winning authors, this four-starred reviewed tour de force shares the alternating perspectives of rashad and quinn as the complications from that single violent moment, the type taken directly from today’s headlines, unfold and reverberate to highlight an unwelcome truth.

The best american short stories is the longest running and best-selling series of short fiction in the country. for the centennial celebration of this beloved annual series, master of the form lorrie moore selects forty stories from the more than two thousand that were published in previous editions. series editor heidi pitlor recounts behind-the-scenes anecdotes and examines, decade by decade, the trends captured over a hundred years. together, the stories and commentary offer an extraordinary guided tour through a century of literature with what moore calls "all its wildnesses of character and voice." these forty stories represent their eras but also stand the test of time. here is ernest hemingway's first published story and a classic by william faulkner, who admitted in his biographical note that he began to write "as an aid to love-making." nancy hale's story describes far-reaching echoes of the holocaust; tillie olsen's story expresses the desperation of a single mother; james baldwin depicts the bonds of brotherhood and music. here is raymond carver's "minimalism," a term he disliked, and grace paley's "secular yiddishkeit." here are the varied styles of donald barthelme, charles baxter, and jamaica kincaid. from junot díaz to mary gaitskill, from zz packer to sherman alexie, these writers and stories explore the different things it means to be american. moore writes that the process of assembling these stories allowed her to look "thrillingly not just at literary history but at actual history — the cries and chatterings, silences and descriptions of a nation in flux." 100 years of the best american short stories is an invaluable testament, a retrospective of our country's ever-changing but continually compelling literary artistry.

When the marriage of american millionaire christopher newman to french aristocrat claire de bellegarde is opposed by her poor but proud family, he uncovers a terrible secret in their past and must come to terms with what is truly important to him, in a novel about the conflict between the values of the old world and the new. reprint.

Light rubbing wear to cover, spine and page edges. very minimal writing or notations in margins not affecting the text. possible clean ex-library copy, with their stickers and or stamp(s).

A compilation of classic tales by great american writers performed by terrific actors, with a lineup including pulitzer prize winners, national book award winners, and pen award winners.

From good housekeeping, the most trusted home source in america, comes the very best in american cooking. each of the 300-plus recipes is a classic, delicious, and perfect for the home cook. from southern fried chicken to new england clam chowder, good housekeeping presents the best of traditional, time-tested american cooking, all in one big, beautiful book. every cook needs these favorites—with delectable photos and fascinating history tracing the recipes’ evolution—at her fingertips. all the recipes were triple-tested in the good housekeeping kitchens, where the magazine’s experts created the perfect rendition of every classic dish. and what a delicious portrait of american cuisine they paint! who could resist maryland crab dip, oysters rockefeller, bear mountain butternut soup, barbecued pulled pork or boston creme pie? the recipes also reflect the american “melting pot,” with dishes ranging from egg foo yong to huevos rancheros. ever wonder how certain popular recipes were invented? this cookbook has delightful historical sidebars providing background on the american culinary scene over time—friday night fish fries, cakewalks at county fairs, and more. – major national publicity – reviews and features in food publications as well as newspapers nationwide – national radio campaign – 5-city author tour – on-line good housekeeping readers poll to tie in with great american classics cookbook – excerpt/editorial in october and november good housekeeping magazine – full-page advertising in good housekeeping november, december (2004), and january (2005)