This is not your fatherโs list of classics. In these delightful essays, Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Dirda introduces nearly ninety of the worldโs most entertaining books. Writing with affection as well as authority, Dirda covers masterpieces of fantasy and science fiction, horror and adventure, as well as epics, history, essay, and childrenโs literature. Organized thematically, these are works that have s ...Full description
This is not your fatherโs list of classics. In these delightful essays, Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Dirda introduces nearly ninety of the worldโs most entertaining books. Writing with affection as well as authority, Dirda covers masterpieces of fantasy and science fiction, horror and adventure, as well as epics, history, essay, and childrenโs literature. Organized thematically, these are works that have shaped our imaginations. "Loveโs Mysteries" moves from Sappho and Arthurian romance to Sรถren Kierkegaard and Georgette Heyer. In other categories Dirda discusses not only Dracula and Sherlock Holmes but also the Tao Te Ching and Icelandic sagas, Frederick Douglass and Fowlerโs Modern English Usage. Whether writing about Petronius or Perelman, Dirda makes literature come alive. Classics for Pleasure is a perfect companion for any reading group or lover of books.