Classic books

We can apply the word classic to literature and other art that is a model of its form. Classics are works that have been widely seen or read, and often imitated, but never surpassed. True classics, however old they may be, never grow stale.

Some authors who have written classics are Shakespeare, Chaucer, Cervantes, Niccolo Machiavelli, [Lao Tzu]?, and Confucius.

Classics in this sense make up what some call a canon of world literature. The question of what belongs in the canon of Western literature and art is a matter of much dispute (see Western canon).

Most "classics" are at least 100 years old, but sometimes we press the word into use to praise newly-created works.

Most classic books are in the public domain due to their age, and are freely available online from Project Gutenberg at http://promo.net/pg