One of the best old novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It beautifully portrays the social life and the relationship between different classes in 19th - century England, especially through the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Another great old novel is 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's not just a story about a whaling adventure but also a profound exploration of human nature, obsession, and the relationship between man and nature. And 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens is also excellent. It tells the story of Pip's journey from a poor boy with great expectations to a more self - aware man.
'The Ox - Bow Incident' by Walter Van Tilburg Clark is a must - read. It's a thought - provoking novel that delves into themes like justice and mob mentality in the context of the Old West. It shows a different side of the Western frontier, not just the glamorous cowboy side.
One of the best old Harlequin novels is 'A Rose in Winter' by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. It has a captivating love story set in a historical backdrop. The characters are well - developed and the chemistry between them is palpable.
Well, 'Don Quixote' is a remarkable old classic novel. It follows the adventures of a deluded knight and his sidekick, Sancho Panza, and it's full of humor and satire. 'The Great Gatsby' is also a very well - known classic. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream in the 1920s. Then there's 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. This novel is famous for its passionate and complex love story set in the moors.
Well, 'The Ox - Bow Incident' is a great old western novel. It shows the dark side of mob justice in the West. Then there's 'Shane' which is about a mysterious gunfighter who comes to the aid of a homesteading family. It's a story that's been adapted into a very popular movie as well. Also, 'Big Rock Candy Mountain' by Wallace Stegner has elements of the western experience, with its tale of a family's journey and their struggles in the West.
One of the best old adventure novels is 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson. It follows the story of Jim Hawkins and his encounter with pirates while searching for buried treasure. Another great one is 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain, which details the mischievous adventures of a young boy in a small town. '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' by Jules Verne is also a classic. It takes readers on an underwater adventure with Captain Nemo in his amazing submarine.
One of the best old fantasy novels is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic that takes readers on an epic journey through Middle - earth, filled with hobbits, wizards, and epic battles against the forces of evil. Another great one is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll, which is a whimsical and surreal adventure full of strange creatures and curious situations.
Many of the best old English novels have complex characters. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is a multi - dimensional character with her own thoughts and feelings about love and marriage. They also often have detailed settings. 'Wuthering Heights' has the moors as a powerful backdrop that reflects the wild nature of the characters' emotions. Another characteristic is the exploration of deep themes like in 'Frankenstein' which delves into the ethics of creation.
Another great one is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. Although it's mainly known as a vampire story, it has elements of the supernatural and the unknown that are very much related to ghosts. The count's castle and his powers give off a spooky, ghost - like feel. There are also the brides of Dracula which add to the overall sense of the otherworldly and the macabre.
Many of the best old romance novels are set in a particular historical context. 'Wuthering Heights' gives us a view of the rural life and class differences in the 19th century. And the language used in these novels is often very rich and descriptive, which helps to create a vivid picture of the settings and the emotions of the characters.