What are some forgotten 19th - century novels worth reading today?

There is also 'Le Cid' by Pierre Corneille. It tells the story of Rodrigue, a nobleman who has to face a difficult choice between love and honor. It's a great example of French neoclassical drama which was very influential during the 17th century.

The unique perspectives they offer. Since they are not as mainstream as some of the well - known 19th - century novels, they might present different views on society, culture, and human nature of that time. For example, they could show the lives of ordinary people in a more detailed and nuanced way compared to the more popular works that often focused on the upper classes.

One forgotten classic is 'The House of Mirth' by Edith Wharton. It offers a scathing critique of New York high society in the early 20th century. The story follows Lily Bart, a beautiful young woman caught in the web of social expectations and the pursuit of wealth. Another is 'The Way of All Flesh' by Samuel Butler. It was considered quite controversial at the time of its release. It's a semi - autobiographical novel that challenges Victorian-era values. And 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is also a forgotten gem. It's an adventure story set during the French Revolution with a dashing hero who rescues aristocrats from the guillotine.

Some forgotten science fiction novels include 'Ralph 124C41 +' by Hugo Gernsback. It was one of the early works that helped shape the genre. 'Odd John' by Olaf Stapledon is also worth mentioning. It tells the story of a super - intelligent mutant and how he interacts with normal humans. And 'The Purple Cloud' by M.P. Shiel, which is about a man who may be the sole survivor of a global catastrophe and his journey through a desolate world.

One forgotten sci - fi novel is 'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester. It has a really unique take on teleportation and a gritty, noir - like atmosphere. Another is 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller Jr. It's set in a post - apocalyptic world where the Catholic Church preserves knowledge. And then there's 'Dhalgren' by Samuel R. Delany, which is a complex and somewhat experimental novel with a strange, dream - like city at its center.

One way is through used bookstores. You might stumble upon old editions of these forgotten works. Another is by exploring digital libraries. Many of them have a collection of 19th - century novels that are not well - known.

Well, 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman' is an interesting 18th - century novel. It has a unique narrative style that plays with the conventions of storytelling. Also, 'Candide' by Voltaire is a very important work. It's a philosophical novel that uses satire to comment on various aspects of society, such as war, religion, and human nature. These novels give us great insights into the culture, values, and social structures of the 18th century.

These novels often provide a window into the past. Take 'Oliver Twist' for instance. It shows the social problems of the 19th - century like poverty and inequality, which we can still learn from today. Also, the complex characters in novels like 'Wuthering Heights' allow us to study human nature, which doesn't change much over time. They are also great works of literature in terms of writing style, which is still admired.

Well, good 19th century novels are relevant today because they address fundamental human concerns. 'The Scarlet Letter' deals with guilt and redemption, which are timeless concepts. The social commentaries in these novels are also valuable. For instance, in 'Les Misérables', Hugo's portrayal of the poor and the unjust society is still relevant in discussions about inequality. Additionally, the character development in 19th century novels is often so detailed that we can draw lessons from them for our own personal growth.

Great 19th - century novels are still relevant today because they deal with fundamental human experiences. For example, love, loss, and the search for identity are themes that are as important now as they were then. The characters in these novels often face moral dilemmas that are still relatable.