unread classics

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Being a Lover of Lists, I thought I’d have a go at compiling a list of classic unread Christian writings. You know, those books considered enduring classics. That’s right – the books you’ve heard of, the ones you have probably read quotes from in some other book, or heard in a sermon, but haven’t actually read yet, but would like to … one day. Basically I want to form a reading list that I can work through in a systematic fashion. I’d like a mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and to have a good gender balance. Some Australian writers would be great too. The list will have a bias towards monastic and mystical writings because that’s a personal interest, but I’d like recommendations for church history, social justice, etc. More contemporary writings a la McClaren, Driscoll, Frost, Borg, and Bell I’m happy to leave out for the moment. (That’s a whole other list.) So let’s get started. You are welcome to add your own suggestions in the comments.

1. Hildegard of Bingen
2. Simone Weil
3. John Bunyan – Pilgrim’s Progress
4. Emily Dickinson
5. Tolkien
6. C.S. Lewis
7. J. Packer – Knowing God
8. Gerard Manly Hopkins
9. Bohnhoeffer
10. St Augustine – Confessions
11. Tolstoy
12. G.K. Chesterton
13. Thomas a Kempis – Imitation of Christ
14. Thomas Merton
15. Brother Lawrence – Practising the Presence of God
16. Tozer
17. Richard Foster
18. St Benedict – The Holy Rule of St Benedict
19. St Francis of Assisi – The Little Flowers
20. St Bernard of Clairvaux – On Loving God
21. John Donne
22. Hannah Whitall Smith – The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life
23. Dostoevsky
24. Julian of Norwich

That will probably do for now!

6 thoughts on “unread classics”

  1. Spurgeon should get a look in I reckon. And D. Martin Lloyd Jones. And I’m sure you can’t leave out Calvin’s Institutes. Or if you want something easier to read, maybe his commentaries. I actually enjoy his commentaries as opposed to the Institutes.

    I really like your list. I reckon I couldn’t get through most of those books though. A lot them seem pretty dry to me. That’s why I let other people read them and quote them to me. But maybe I should try.

  2. What an exciting list. I remember when I was studying popular literature my teacher, although he enjoys popular literature, said it was important we don’t forget the classics. That we need to have a balanced diet of both classical and modern stuff. I made a vowel to myself to read the classics. So because I love Tolstoy – his best is a book called Resurrection, if you can find it read it – I just the other day decided to try Dostoyvesky. I bought a book of his. It is extremely boring unfortunately.

  3. I like reading about Simone Weil — she’s an interesting character, quite unique in a way, and I like some of her ideas — but her actual writing I find a bit impenetrable.

    Tolkein wrote a short essay on “Primary Myth” (or some such title) which I thought was quite interesting.

  4. Thanks for the tips people! Haven’t read any Spurgeon and no idea who D. Martin Lloyd Jones is, so they’re definitely on the list! How could I forget Calvin?! I’ve heard of Tolstoy’s Resurrection; will check it out. Read Crime and Punishment a few years back and liked it a lot. There’s something about Russian writers that appeals. Will give Weil a go, and track down Tolkien’s essay. Thanks again!

  5. This list is FANTASTIC!!!

    A few others come to mind: John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Nouwen…