Pride and Prejudice
In the witty and timeless tale of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, Austen explores themes of love, class, and societal expectations in early …
The BBC Big Read Top 21
Discover the BBC's curated list of the Top 21 books as voted by readers across the UK. This collection features timeless classics and modern favorites that have captured the hearts of many.
To Kill a Mockingbird
In the racially charged atmosphere of 1930s Alabama, a young girl witnesses her father's courageous defense of a Black man falsely accused o…
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Step through the wardrobe into Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter, where four adventurers must face the White Witch and the mighty lion…
The Lord of the Rings
Embark on an epic journey through Middle-earth in this classic trilogy that inspired the beloved films, now featuring a special 50th anniver…
Jane Eyre
A fiery orphan navigates love, morality, and self-discovery in this Victorian masterpiece that defies societal norms.
Wuthering Heights
A timeless tale of passion, revenge, and redemption set against the haunting backdrop of the Yorkshire moors.
Little Women
This authoritative, accurate text of the first edition (1868-69) of Little Women is accompanied by textual variants and thorough explanatory…
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter is thrust into a deadly tournament while dark forces rise, testing his courage and revealing the growing power of Voldemort.
The Catcher in the Rye
Holden Caulfield's raw and rebellious voice captivates readers in this iconic coming-of-age novel that explores teenage alienation and the l…
The Wind in the Willows
Join Toad, Mole, Rat, and Badger on their charming adventures along the English countryside.
War and Peace
Experience the epic sweep of history and human emotion in Tolstoy's masterpiece, where love, war, and destiny collide in 19th-century Russia…
His Dark Materials
Embark on an epic journey across parallel worlds with Lyra and Will in this luxurious edition of Philip Pullman's award-winning trilogy.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
This beautifully illustrated edition of the New York Times bestselling classic celebrates the 42nd anniversary of the original publication—w…
Winnie the Pooh
Join Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood for timeless adventures filled with charm and whimsy.
Catch-22
Features a satirical indicement of military madness and stupidity, and the desire of the ordinary man to survive it. This work tells a tale …
Birdsong
While staying as the guest of a factory owner in pre-First World War France, Stephen Wraysford embarks on a passionate affair with Isabelle,…
Rebecca
The bestselling classic and masterpiece of psychological fiction 'The greatest psychological thriller of all time' ERIN KELLY 'The book ever…
Great Expectations
Great Expectations is Charles Dickens's thirteenth novel. It is his second novel, after David Copperfield, to be fully narrated in the first…
Captain Corelli's Mandolin
"Set on the Greek island of Cephallonia during World War II, this is the story of a beautiful young woman and her two suitors: a gentle fish…
Gone with the Wind
This is the tale of Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled, light-minded, flirtatious daughter of a wealthy plantation owner in the South, who arrives…
The BBC Big Read Top 21 is a celebrated compilation of the most beloved books in the UK, as determined by a nationwide voting campaign conducted by the BBC in 2003. This list features a diverse array of genres and styles, showcasing literary masterpieces such as J.R.R. Tolkien's epic 'The Lord of the Rings' and Jane Austen's enduring romance 'Pride and Prejudice'. Other notable entries include Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials', Douglas Adams' humorous 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', and J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'. The list not only highlights the preferences of readers but also serves as a reflection of cultural and literary trends over the years. Whether you're a lifelong reader or looking to explore new titles, the Top 21 offers a rich selection that spans generations, making it a perfect starting point for anyone interested in the literary landscape of the UK.