The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written : Book Review

"The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written" is a remarkable compilation by Martin Seymour-Smith that explores the most impactful literary works throughout history. With insightful commentary and a well-structured approach, this book is an invaluable resource for both avid readers and scholars.

The book's organization is one of its strong points, as it presents the selected books in a chronological order that allows readers to follow the evolution of literature over centuries. By tracing the development of ideas and themes through different eras, readers gain a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding these influential works.

What sets this book apart is Seymour-Smith's thoughtful commentary on each book. He provides readers with a brief background, highlighting the significance and impact of each work on society and literature. Through his analysis, readers gain valuable insights into the themes, writing style, and cultural importance of these books.

One of the book's strengths is its diverse selection, which spans various genres and literatures. From ancient classics to modern masterpieces, readers are exposed to a wide range of literary styles and ideas. This diversity ensures a stimulating and enriching reading experience.

Overall, "The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written" is a valuable guide for both literature enthusiasts and scholars. Seymour-Smith's insightful commentary and comprehensive selection make this book an essential resource for exploring the most significant and impactful works in the world of literature. Whether you are looking to delve into the classics or discover contemporary masterpieces, this book provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the most influential books ever written.

What are readers saying?

"The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written" by Martin Seymour-Smith has received a mixed reception from readers. Some readers highly value the book as a valuable resource for understanding the literary canon. They praised Seymour-Smith for his insightful analysis and comprehensive list of influential books. These readers appreciated the book's coverage of various genres and the author's ability to explain the significance of each work. They found the book to be well-researched and a useful guide for those interested in exploring important works of literature.

On the other hand, some readers expressed disappointment with the book. They believed that Seymour-Smith's book of selected books was biased and questioned some of his choices. These readers felt that the author overlooked certain influential works and argued that the list was subjective. They also criticized the book for lacking depth in its analysis, perceiving it more as a collection of summaries rather than a true exploration of the impact of the books.

Another common criticism of the book was its dated nature. Some readers felt that the book had a Eurocentric focus, neglecting significant works from other cultures. They argued that this limited perspective disregarded important contributions from non-Western literature. Furthermore, readers pointed out that the book was published in the late 1990s, making it somewhat outdated in terms of contemporary influential books.

Despite these critiques, many readers acknowledged that "The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written" could still serve as a useful starting point for further exploration of important literary works. They recommended using the book as a guide while keeping its limitations in mind. Overall, readers appreciated the effort put into compiling this list, even if they disagreed with some of the author's selections.