Let's be clear from the start: this isn't a novel. 'The World's Greatest Books — Volume 17' is an anthology, part of a massive early-20th-century project by editors Arthur Mee and J.A. Hammerton. Their goal was ambitious—to compile the essential writings of human civilization into one accessible series for the everyday reader. This volume focuses entirely on poetry and drama.

The Story

There's no single plot. Instead, the book presents a journey. It collects excerpts, summaries, and sometimes full texts of what Mee and Hammerton considered the pinnacle of poetic and dramatic art. You'll travel from the ancient Greek tragedies of Aeschylus and Sophocles, through the epic poetry of Homer and Virgil, into the plays of Shakespeare, and onward to more recent (for 1910) figures like Tennyson or Ibsen. The 'story' is the editors' argument, presented through their selections. They are guiding you through literary history, saying, 'Here, this is what matters. This is what has shaped our world.' It's a guided tour of the Western canon, as defined by two editors with very specific tastes of their time.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this for the perspective it offers. Reading this anthology is a double experience. First, you get a sampler of genuine classics. It's a fantastic way to encounter a bit of Oedipus Rex, a snippet of Dante, or a soliloquy from Hamlet all in one place. But second, and more uniquely, you get to peer into the minds of the 1910s. Their idea of 'the greatest' is filtered through their values, their empire, and their literary biases. It makes you think: What would we include today that they missed? Whose voices are absent? It turns reading into an active, critical conversation. The book itself becomes a historical artifact, showing not just what was written, but what was cherished by a particular generation.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for curious readers who want a broad-strokes introduction to classic literature without immediately diving into dozens of dense, full texts. It's also a treat for history nerds who enjoy seeing how cultural tastes change. If you're a strict modernist who only wants contemporary voices, this might feel dated. But if you're open to a literary museum visit—a chance to see the 'greatest hits' as curated by your great-great-grandparents' generation—it's a quietly fascinating and insightful read. Think of it less as the final word on great books, and more as the start of a great conversation.