Books, books, books...
November 20, 2008 9:21 AM   Subscribe

What essential books or authors should go in an ultimate library? Absolute bests in fiction and non-fiction, philosophy, journalism, history, politics....and more!

If possible provide links with 'collections' of books available by an author. Also, post a little bit about the book or author. This will help everyone discover new books and authors, which would be lovely.
posted by ashaw to Writing & Language (9 answers total)

This post was deleted for the following reason: This is unspecific to the point of being pure chatfilter. -- cortex

 
fiction: atlas shrugged, catcher in the rye, brave new world, the unbearable lightness of being
posted by bradly at 9:27 AM on November 20, 2008


The entire Modern Library.
posted by plexi at 9:28 AM on November 20, 2008


You can also get The Penguin Classics Library Complete Collection for $8000 at Amazon.
posted by plexi at 9:30 AM on November 20, 2008


Are we talking about a personal library? The thing about a personal library is that it should reflect the personality of the person whose library it is. If someone has a library that's a generic collection of the "best books" in every category, you can probably guess that the person who owns the library doesn't really read. It's just for show. A real library reflects the interests and quirks and eccentricities of the person reading and collecting the books.

If we're talking about a public library or some other sort of institution, then I think it depends a lot on the purpose of the library and the population it serves.
posted by craichead at 9:43 AM on November 20, 2008


Response by poster: craichead, thanks for the reply. I was using this as a brainstorm so I can explore new authors as I've, as of recent, found myself enthusing over a very narrow subject.
posted by ashaw at 9:45 AM on November 20, 2008


The Oxford English Dictionary, the English dictionary.

The AP Stylebook, because it's what everyone else is referring to.

Fowler's Modern English Usage, the definitive prescriptive guide.

The Elements of Style

The Summa Theologica of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the integration of Aristotle and Christian faith. Set the course of theology and philosophy for centuries.

Denzinger's Sources of Catholic Dogma, a compilation of key texts.

Copleston's History of Philosophy, among the best comprehensive treatments of Western Philosophy in English.
posted by Jahaza at 9:54 AM on November 20, 2008


ashaw, you'll perhaps be better served by exploring this than by the mishmash of personal favorites that are going to crowd this thread.
posted by Bookhouse at 9:55 AM on November 20, 2008


Make sure you have a copy of 'The Library of Babel' in there somewhere.
posted by box at 9:55 AM on November 20, 2008


Not quite a "Previously, on Metafilter..." but it seems germane.
posted by codswallop at 9:55 AM on November 20, 2008


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