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Suggested reading for writers
The Hobbit (Essential Modern Classics)The Hobbit (Essential Modern Classics) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Buy new: £4.10 / Used from: £0.01
The basic classic fantasy for all ages.
The Lord of The Rings (Based on the 50th Anniversary Single volume edition 2004)The Lord of The Rings (Based on the 50th Anniversary Single volume edition 2004) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Buy new: £12.99 / Used from: £0.43
The standard by which all fantasy is judged.
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever: "Lord Foul's Bane", "Illearth War" and "Power That Preserves" (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant)The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever: "Lord Foul's Bane", "Illearth War" and "Power That Preserves" (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant) by Stephen Donaldson
Buy new: £9.81 / Used from: £4.99
First in series. Complex modern fantasy for more mature readers.
Master and CommanderMaster and Commander by Patrick O'Brian
Buy new: £1.20 / Used from: £1.00
First in popular historical naval series.
Gone with the WindGone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Buy new: £6.99 / Used from: £0.01
The definitive historical war and romance story.
Sharpe's RegimentSharpe's Regiment by Bernard Cornwell
Buy new: £3.99 / Used from: £0.01
One of the most popular historical series.
Pride and Prejudice (Oxford World's Classics)Pride and Prejudice (Oxford World's Classics) by Jane Austen
Buy used from: £1.19
The great romantic standard.
2001: A Space Odyssey2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
Buy new: £2.39 / Used from: £0.66
A definitive work of SF by a true master.
Foundation (The Foundation series)Foundation (The Foundation series) by Isaac Asimov
Buy new: £2.47 / Used from: £0.24
A true classic of science fiction.
Fahrenheit 451 (Flamingo modern classics)Fahrenheit 451 (Flamingo modern classics) by Ray Bradbury
Buy new: £4.39 / Used from: £2.77
One of the SF titles everyone knows.
Citizen of the GalaxyCitizen of the Galaxy by Robert A. Heinlein
Buy new: £3.75 / Used from: £7.51
Typically great book by one of the greats of SF
Robert Ludlum: The Bourne Trilogy: The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum: "The Bourne Identity", "The Bourne Supremacy", "The Bourne Ultimatum" (Great Novels)Robert Ludlum: The Bourne Trilogy: The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum: "The Bourne Identity", "The Bourne Supremacy", "The Bourne Ultimatum" (Great Novels) by Robert Ludlum
Buy new: £10.49 / Used from: £6.98
Spawned popular films, but go back to the source.
Casino Royale (Penguin Viking Lit Fiction)Casino Royale (Penguin Viking Lit Fiction) by Ian Fleming
Buy new: £4.89 / Used from: £0.01
The first classic Bond book launched a genre.
The AfghanThe Afghan by Frederick Forsyth
Buy new: £0.02 / Used from: £0.01
New book from one of the best thriller authors.
The No.1 Ladies' Detective AgencyThe No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Buy new: £4.80 / Used from: £0.01
First in a great detective series in a surprising setting.