Comments for Booking Through Thursday: Posterity

Booking Through Thursday: Posterity: 11/19/09

Today’s question was suggested by Barbara:

Do you think any current author is of the same caliber as Dickens, Austen, the Brontës, or any of the classic authors? If so, who, and why do you think so? If not, why not? What books from this era might be read 100 years from now?

Let's take this question apart piece by piece. Are Dickens, Austen and the sisters Brontë writers of a higher caliber than other authors? What is their caliber? Dickens wrote pulp fiction that was published in serial form in magazines and pamphlets. His stories were readily accessible, full of cliff hangers and memorable but oft times outlandish characters with silly names. Jane Austen's novels were published because she had a relative in the business. Personally, her novels do nothing for me. I've tried many times (and with many different novels) and failed to enjoy them (or finish them). The Brontë sisters had their own publishing woes too and are probably more popular now than they were in their life times.

Which books stay in print depends on a number of factors. Some win awards or end up in school curricula. Some are huge successes and continue to be popular with the general public. On the awards side of things I would venture that a large portion of the Newberry, Caldecott, Pulitzer, Orange and all the other big name award winners will remain in print.

On the popular front I'll hazard a guess that the vastly popular ones who have had success with more than one title will have at least one title still in print in a hundred years. Below are some of my guesses:

• Dan Brown: probably Da Vinci Code and maybe others from that series
• Anita Shreve: Testimony for it's controversy and probably some of her more popular titles.
• Neil Gaiman: The Graveyard Book will probably stick around because of its awards. Sandman too on the graphic novel front.
• Tony Hillerman: His mysteries are used in some colleges.
• Lois Lowry: Her books have one awards, have been used in schools, have been banned from other schools. The Giver and Number the Stars will probably still be in print. I hope she'll have a large range of her books remain in print.
• J. K. Rowling: Although I'm not a Harry Potter fan I can't deny the huge influence the books have had on children's literature. The series probably isn't going away just like the equally wacky and uneven Wizard of Oz series hasn't.
• Stephen King: A few of his books will survive into the next century.
  

What about you? When you look onto the bookshelves of future libraries and book stores, which modern day authors do you see represented?

booking through thursday

Comments (16)

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Comment #1: Thursday, November, 19, 2009 at 17:07:02

Priscilla

These are all compelling choices. I haven't read anything by Anita Shreve, but I know she's popular and well-regarded. Interesting choice of Tony Hillerman as well.

Comment #2: Friday, November 20, 2009 at 21:38:23

Pussreboots

I picked Anita Shreve because of the wide variety in her novels. I was first introduced Tony Hillerman's novels in an art history class (along with Chinua Achebe, whom I should have included on my list).

Comment #3: Thursday, November, 19, 2009 at 17:28:16

heidenkind

Neil Gaiman is a good choice. I didn't even think about him, but I can see his books still being read in 100 years.

Dan Brown? Mehhhh. He is very popular, but I'm not sure if his books aren't just fads. Will future generations be able to connect with something like The Da Vinci Code, or was that just published at the right place and time? It might survive but I have my doubts.

Comment #4: Friday, November 20, 2009 at 21:44:24

Pussreboots

I don't know if all of Dan Brown's novels will stay in print. My guess is that the pre-Robert Langdon books won't. Da Vinci code has the best chance of all of his books. But I'm not sure if the other books in the series will last. Da Vinci Code though had a ripple affect with so many others trying to write books like it and of course all the different guide books to the novel.

But before you think I'm putting Brown ahead of more deserving writers, take a look at my section on award winners.

Comment #5: Thursday, November, 19, 2009 at 19:45:55

Kathleen

Jane Austen had a relative in the business? Who was that?

Comment #6: Friday, November 20, 2009 at 21:55:25

Pussreboots

Her brother Henry helped her get published with Thomas Egerton.

Comment #7: Thursday, November, 19, 2009 at 21:34:47

Irishcoda

I enjoyed your post and am glad you brought up the point that Dickens was considered pulp fiction in his time. I didn't know about Jane Austen but you know what? Her books never did anything for me either, whereas I love Dickens! I agree with you about Stephen King and J.K. Rowling. I didn't care for Dan Brown and am not as familiar with the other authors. I have a list up too.

Comment #8: Friday, November 20, 2009 at 21:56:25

Pussreboots

I can't claim to "love" Dickens but I do respect him and I certainly do love some of his works (A Christmas Carol and Tale of Two Cities).

Comment #9: Thursday, November, 19, 2009 at 23:41:14

Novroz

Yeah! Few of King's books will survive the next century and his name will be remembered :)

Comment #10: Friday, November 20, 2009 at 21:59:19

Pussreboots

King has such a wide variety of books and has been so willing to mentor newer authors that I think he'll be remembered and his books (at least some of them) will remain in print.

Comment #11: Friday, November, 20, 2009 at 04:40:39

Luana

Guess you're right about it, but I see what's imported/translated/offered in book shops here in Italy, and it sucks big time :(

Comment #12: Friday, November 20, 2009 at 22:02:20

Pussreboots

My answer is making assumptions for what will be available in books stores here in California. I don't know enough about the book business in Italy to make any assumptions.

Comment #13: Friday, November, 20, 2009 at 16:33:16

Rose City Reader

Good picks. I didn't use popularity as a guide, so my list is different.

Comment #14: Friday, November 20, 2009 at 22:04:24

Pussreboots

Before I made my list of popular authors I think will remain in print, I made a blanket statement regarding award winning books and authors. I think they will be well represented too.

Comment #15: Friday, November, 20, 2009 at 16:54:08

Mog

Good post, I forgot about Anita Shreve, she is another favourite of mine.

Comment #16: Friday, November 20, 2009 at 22:07:27

Pussreboots

Anita Shreve was on my mind because I'm currently reading A Change of Altitude.