{
  "id": 17084272,
  "title": "10 perfect books from before 1900 that are still easy to read today",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/10-perfect-books-from-before-1900-that-are-still-easy-to-read-today",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-29T15:49:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Polygon",
    "slug": "polygon",
    "url": "https://www.polygon.com/best-old-books-easy-to-read/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Here are 10 classic books from before 1900 that are still easy to read today:\n\n1. Mary Shelley's \"Frankenstein\" - A foundational science fiction novel about a scientist who creates a monster, exploring themes of humanity and isolation.\n\n2. Oscar Wilde's \"The Picture of Dorian Gray\" - A poignant story about a young man who trades his youth and beauty for a permanent youth, questioning the pursuit of aesthetics.\n\n3. Jane Austen's \"Emma\" - A charming and witty novel about a young woman's meddling efforts to help others find love, showcasing Austen's signature humor and social commentary.\n\n4. Robert Chambers' \"The King in Yellow\" - A chilling collection of stories and poems about a cursed play that drives its readers insane, a timeless horror tale.\n\n5. H.G. Wells' \"The War of the Worlds\" - A gripping tale of a Martian invasion, inspiring countless adaptations and considered a cornerstone of science fiction.\n\n6. William Shakespeare's \"Hamlet\" - A timeless tragedy filled with intrigue, betrayal, and the supernatural, showcasing Shakespeare's unparalleled skill in crafting complex characters and plotlines.\n\n7. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's \"Faust\" - A thought-provoking exploration of the deal with the devil, a masterful blend of humor, tragedy, and philosophical musings.\n\n8. Lewis Carroll's \"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland\" - A whimsical, nonsensical journey through a fantastical world, capturing the imagination of readers young and old.\n\n9. Henrik Ibsen's \"A Doll's House\" - A groundbreaking play addressing themes of gender roles and personal freedom, causing controversy upon its premiere.\n\n10. Charlotte Perkins Gilman's \"The Yellow Wallpaper\" - A chilling short story depicting a woman's descent into madness, a proto-feminist critique of societal expectations and mental health care.",
  "summary": "They are classics for a reason",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}