How To Read Classics
A practical guide for readers who want to start exploring classic books
This is a continuation of my mini-series on classics for anyone who wants to dive into classic literature but has never quite known where to begin, or perhaps has always felt intimidated by it. If you missed the first post, where I explored why classics are worth reading in the first place, you can find it here.
Classic books have a reputation for being elitist. They are often placed on a pedestal, and people who read them are sometimes perceived as if they are trying to be more intellectual or sophisticated than everyone else. I think that reputation is largely undeserved.
As I mentioned in my previous post, many people assume that classics are difficult to read, filled with outdated language, strange spelling, and dialogue that sounds like Shakespeare. While that can certainly be true for some books, it is far from true for all of them. Many classics are surprisingly accessible, engaging, and readable.
Some classics are challenging. Then again, so are many contemporary novels. Difficulty is not unique to classic literature. More often than not, your experience will depend on your interest in the story and whether the book speaks to you.
Classics are also far more accessible than many people realise. Since many of them are now in the public domain, they can be downloaded for free through resources such as Project Gutenberg. They are readily available in public libraries, second-hand bookshops, flea markets, and charity shops, often for very little money. In many ways, classics are among the most affordable books you can read.
So, how should you approach classic literature?
Start with your interests
The most important factor is genuine curiosity. Is there a classic novel you have always meant to read? A story you’ve heard referenced countless times? A book that keeps appearing on recommendation lists? Start there.
Too many readers begin with the books they think they should read rather than the books they actually want to read. If a story already sparks your interest, you are far more likely to enjoy the experience and stick with it.
Give yourself time
Like any worthwhile book, classics require time and attention. That does not mean you need hours of uninterrupted reading every day. It might mean reading during your morning commute, over breakfast, or before bed. What matters is creating a small, sustainable reading habit.
There is also no prize for finishing quickly. If a classic feels intimidating, start with a chapter a day. Read slowly. Pause when something interests you. Re-read passages if necessary. The goal is not to conquer the book. The goal is to enjoy it.
Choose the right starting level
If you are completely new to classics, you do not need to begin with The Odyssey or The Iliad. Shorter novels and novellas can be excellent entry points. Books that are already somewhat familiar can also help build confidence. Stories such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, or A Christmas Carol offer a gentle introduction to classic literature while still providing rich reading experiences.
There is no hierarchy here. Reading a shorter or more accessible classic is not “cheating”. It is simply finding the right doorway into a larger world.
Pay attention to the edition
One thing many new readers do not realise is that classics often exist in multiple editions. Editors and publishers frequently modernise spelling, update punctuation, and provide explanatory notes that make older texts easier to understand. As a result, your reading experience can vary significantly depending on which edition you choose.
If you value readability, a modern edition may be the best option. If you are interested in experiencing the text as closely as possible to its original form, you may prefer an older edition. Neither approach is better. It simply depends on the experience you are looking for.
Translation matters
If you are reading a classic originally written in another language, the translation can have a huge impact on your experience. Different translators make different choices regarding style, tone, and readability. One translation may feel elegant and modern, while another may feel more formal or faithful to the original text.
It can be worth researching popular translations before you begin. Reading reviews or recommendations online can be helpful, but remember that reading is highly personal. A translation that works perfectly for one reader may not work for another.
If a book is not connecting with you, do not immediately assume the story is the problem. Sometimes trying a different translation can completely transform the experience.
Consider the publisher
The publisher can be just as important as the edition or translation. Many publishers provide valuable supplementary material such as introductions, footnotes, character lists, maps, timelines, and family trees. These additions can make a complex novel much easier to navigate and understand.
Personally, I am a big fan of the black Penguin Classics paperbacks. Their editions often include thoughtful introductions and helpful contextual information that enrich the reading experience without getting in the way of the story itself.
Read with others
One of the best ways to get into classics is to read them alongside other people. When you can discuss characters, themes, questions, and interpretations with fellow readers, the books often become more approachable and enjoyable. You quickly discover that everyone notices different things and that there is no single “correct” way to read a classic.
That is exactly why I created The Classics Society Book Club here on Substack Chat. Each month we read one classic together and discuss it throughout the month and at the end of our reading. This June, we are reading The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Whether you are completely new to classics or have been reading them for years, you are very welcome to join us. The chat is always open for questions, thoughts, and discussions as you make your way through the book.
In the next post in this series, I will share some of my favourite beginner-friendly classics and discuss which books make the best entry points for new readers.
In the meantime, I would love to hear from you. What was the first classic that made you fall in love with classic literature? Or which classic are you hoping to read next? Let me know in the comments.
And if you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to The Classics List, a weekly newsletter dedicated to classic literature, reading recommendations, and cultural discoveries. It is the best way to stay connected with the community and keep your classic reading journey going.