English Literature: The Essentials, Part 3 - Fiction

Our maverick English Literature instructor and theatre director continues his attempt at defining the core list of essential English Literature. This time he has put together a list of 100 novels and short story collections as a possible core list of English fiction. The writers chosen are English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh, along with writers from other backgrounds who immigrated to The UK or who have identified themselves as English writers. Historical importance and verisimilitude have been taken into account, and a balance between literary and popular fiction has been attempted. Consequently, there have been some hard decisions and omissions to keep the list manageable, and it is hoped that the selections and omissions will spark lively discussion. And to answer the most anticipated question- Samuel Beckett, because of his large output of fiction in French, is considered a giant of World and European Literature.