Classic Literature

Shop classic literature at JWB Books, from well-loved Victorian novels to twentieth-century first editions. If poetry and drama are more your line, our Poetry Books & Plays collection sits alongside this one.

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A Shelf Built Over Three Centuries

“A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.”

— Italo Calvino

Most books are read once and forgotten. The ones in this collection have been read for a hundred years and more, passed between owners whose names sometimes still turn up in the frontispiece.

Inside you'll find Walter Scott's historical novels, Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift's early fiction, Geoffrey Chaucer, several editions of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and Alexandre Dumas in translation. Dickens, Jane Austen, the Brontes, Thomas Hardy, Oscar Wilde and T.S. Eliot all have their own dedicated collections, so their books are easier to find there if you're after a particular writer.

Every book is described and photographed individually, so you can see the binding, the edges and any inscriptions before you buy. New titles come in with each collection we take on, so it's worth checking back if you don't see a particular author today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of classic literature do you stock?

Our range runs from Walter Scott's historical novels to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Alexandre Dumas in translation, plus much more across three centuries of mostly British and European fiction.

Do you have books by a particular author, like Dickens or Jane Austen?

Yes — several authors have their own dedicated collections, including Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Thomas Hardy, Oscar Wilde and T.S. Eliot. Have a look there if you're after a particular writer.

How do you describe the condition of these books?

We photograph each book closely so you can see its binding, pages and wear before you buy. Condition varies from book to book, and anything worth knowing is noted in the listing.

Would a classic novel make a good gift?

Yes — a well-loved classic suits almost any reader. Our Classic Literature Gifts collection has ideas already picked out, from favourite novels to beautifully bound editions.

Are these first editions or later reprints?

Both — some of our classic literature is early or first edition, while others are well-preserved later reprints. If you're specifically after a first edition, our First Edition Books collection is a good place to start, and any book's edition is noted in its own listing.

Do you have poetry as well as novels?

We do, though our dedicated Poetry Books & Plays collection is the best place to look if poetry and drama are what you're after — this collection focuses mainly on classic fiction.

What age are the books in this collection?

Most date from the 18th to the mid-20th century, so you'll find anything from early Georgian fiction to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Each listing gives the actual publication date.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship across the UK and abroad, and UK orders over £50 get free delivery.

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