15 books

Romance Classics

Romance classics is a broad category of beloved, widely-read classics in which love, longing, and human connection are central — from the precise social comedy of Jane Austen to the sweeping adventure of The Count of Monte Cristo, the sharp wit of Oscar Wilde, and the accessible adventures of Treasure Island. These are the books that defined pleasure reading for generations.

These are the books most people discover first and return to most often — beloved for a reason. They are also among the most technically accomplished works in the language: Austen's construction, Shakespeare's verse, and Hugo's pacing are not accidental. These books are a good reason to read faster.

• ›Love and desire as the organising force of narrative
• ›Social comedy and wit as essential tools
• ›Characters whose inner lives are vividly rendered
• ›Plots that build toward some form of resolution or union