So for some time now I’ve been wondering where should we drawn the line between classics and modern classics. For example i have an edition of E. M. Forster’s “Maurice” by Penguin and it is marked as a classic. The novel was written sometime in 1913-1914, but it was published in 1971 after the author’s death per his wishes. I also have an edition of “Vile Bodies” by Evelyn Waugh by Penguin which is marked as a modern classic. This book was published in 1930.
So when do we switch from classics to modern ones? Will in the future what we now consider a modern classic be just a classic? And what really ia the definition of a modern classic? As for just a classic, i found this definition: “a work of art of recognized and established value”.
Additional question: Specifically for “Animal farm” by George Orwell, what will you classify that book as?
Sorry if there are any mistakes or if the post is written confusingly. English is not my first language.
😊
by gay_angel-_-
5 Comments
I googled and most sources suggest that world war 1 or 2 are the cutoff period. Before that are classic, after are modern classic.
A lot of this stuff is purely the publisher’s decision. Genre is mostly a marketing tool.
I generally think of anything 20th century to be modern classic, but that’s not based on anything other than my own opinion
Modern Literature, as an academic category, starts around 1910 on average. As early as 1890, as late as 1920, but the majority of works listed on the average syllabus are 1910-on. Publishers like Penguin can categorise e.g. *Mrs Dalloway* as Classic or Modern Classic *or both* if they wish to. [I can see this one with the Classic black spine and the Modern Classic green spine from where I’m sitting.] As far as I can see the only date specification for PMC is “20th or 21st century”. *The Penguin Modern Classics Book* (2021) may state more; I don’t have a copy yet though it’s on my list!
I would expect to see *Animal Farm* in both categories.
Thank you for the comments! They are very helpful!