Some of the greatest western novels include 'Shane' by Jack Schaefer. It tells the story of a mysterious gunslinger who rides into a small ranching community and changes everything. 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister is also a must - read. It was one of the first novels to really define the western genre, with its portrayal of the code of the west and the conflict between civilization and the wild. Additionally, 'Appaloosa' by Robert B. Parker is a great modern take on the western, with engaging characters and a well - crafted story set in the western landscape.
One way is to look at the popularity and endurance of the book. If it has been read and loved for decades, like 'Lonesome Dove', it's likely a great western novel. Another factor is the depth of its characters. For example, in 'True Grit', Mattie Ross is a complex and memorable character. Also, the authenticity of the western setting matters. Novels that accurately depict the landscape, culture, and way of life in the west, such as 'Riders of the Purple Sage', are often considered great.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores love, class, and society through the relationship of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which deals with themes of racism and justice in the American South.
One of the greatest detective novels is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It introduced the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson. Another is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett, which features the hard - boiled detective Sam Spade. Also, 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie is a classic, with Hercule Poirot solving a complex murder on a train.
Another great one is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. His hard - boiled detective, Philip Marlowe, navigates through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles while solving the mystery. The novel is filled with complex characters and a convoluted plot that makes it a great mystery read.
Great Expectations is among the greatest English novels. It tells the story of Pip, a young boy with great ambitions. Dickens masterfully portrays the class differences and the moral journey of Pip. Also, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is remarkable. The passionate and tragic love story between Heathcliff and Catherine against the wild moorland setting is unforgettable.
Some of the greatest spy novels include 'The Ipcress File' by Len Deighton. It features a cool and resourceful spy and has a great sense of mystery. 'Red Sparrow' by Jason Matthews is also a great addition to the list. It delves deep into the world of Russian espionage with strong characters and a tense plot. Also, 'The Quiet American' by Graham Greene is a thought - provoking spy - related novel that looks at the political and moral aspects of international relations in a spy context.
One of the greatest love novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, exploring themes of love, class, and prejudice. Another is 'Romeo and Juliet' by Shakespeare. This tragic love story of the two young lovers from feuding families is world - famous. Also, 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte is considered a great love novel, with its intense and complex love between Heathcliff and Catherine.
Well, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is surely one of the greatest comic novels. Lewis Carroll's work is full of absurd situations, like Alice growing and shrinking randomly. The strange characters she meets, such as the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat, are sources of much humor. Then there's 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift. The satirical look at different societies, whether it's the tiny Lilliputians or the giant Brobdingnagians, is presented in a comical yet incisive way. 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is also a great one. The main character, Ignatius J. Reilly, is a larger - than - life and comically over - the - top figure whose misadventures in New Orleans are both hilarious and a comment on society.
One of the greatest debut novels is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a classic that tackles important themes like racism and injustice through the eyes of a young girl, Scout. Another is 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. Holden Caulfield's journey of disillusionment and growing up has resonated with generations. Also, 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker is a powerful debut, exploring the life of African - American women in the South, their struggles, love, and empowerment.
In 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This is a very well - known quote that sets the tone for the whole story, exploring themes of marriage, society, and first impressions in a witty way.