An old Chinese proverb says, "A
book is like a garden in the pocket." Many of us who have valued reading in our early
years derive enjoyment from reading to our children, and now, as I do, to our
grandchildren. Books are voyages of discovery and transforming instruments to all of us. A
few years ago, the National Endowment for the Humanities asked schools around the country
to send reading lists of their favorite books. Noticing how often books that other
generations have enjoyed appear on these lists, we decided to make this compilation of
tried-and-true titles. The works herein, published in 1960 or earlier, have delighted
generations of readers. Some have asked, "Is the book dead?" as we move into new
computer technologies. Not at all. Print text will co-exist with these new mediums. As
concerned parents, educators, and counselors, we must continue to emphasize the importance
of access to good reading in order to shape our students' learning process, enhance their
understanding of American heritage, and open up a new world of self-fulfillment. As Aldous
Huxley said, "The proper study of mankind is books." There are some excellent
older books that are missing from the list, because they appeared too infrequently in the
school selections: Kate Douglas Wiggin's Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, for example; Dylan
Thomas's A Child's Christmas in Wales; Frederick Douglass's Narrative of the Life of
Frederick Douglass. Despite the absences, we hope this compilation will nevertheless bring
hours of pleasure and enlightenment. The titles presented for suggested extracurricular
reading provide a solid foundation and hours of enjoyment for students and scholars of all
ages. We at NEH hope that the "Timeless Classics" booklist will continue to
be a rich source of material for everyone. Sheldon Hackney Chairman
"Books are humanity in print" ...Barbara Tuchman "Literature is an
investment of genius which pays dividends to all subsequent times."
...John Burroughs "All that mankind has done, thought, gained, or been:
it is lying as in magic preservation in the pages of books." ...Thomas
Carlyle
SOURCE: The National Endowment for the Humanities
For more information about NEH programs Write to NEH, Room 402, Washington, D.C. 20506. P91-5
