Classics taking over the world!

[SomeRandom]

When we talk about classical literature or the “Canon” a lot of us typically refer to the Western Canon. Shakespeare, Ovid, Austen ect
With maybe an occasional nod towards other canons.

But in the interest of venturing out in the wider world, what are some classics you recommend from a canon that is outside of the West?
(And maybe a good English translation just in case lol.)

 

[The Hammer]

When we talk about classical literature or the “Canon” a lot of us typically refer to the Western Canon. Shakespeare, Ovid, Austen ect
With maybe an occasional nod towards other canons.

But in the interest of venturing out in the wider world, what are some classics you recommend from a canon that is outside of the West?
(And maybe a good English translation just in case lol.)

What is Canon? What makes something canon?

 

[Father Heathen]

What is the criteria to be considered "classic" and/or "canon"?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

What exactly are you aiming for with classic? Philosophy? Stories? Religious texts?

 

[Brickjectivity]

What is the criteria to be considered "classic" and/or "canon"?

One possible criteria are works which mark progress of some kind, such as the progress of political theory or of skill in writing or new plot ideas.

 

[SomeRandom]

What is Canon? What makes something canon?

Anything considered important in the cultural/artist landscape

Either that or anything in the public domain lol

 

[SomeRandom]

What exactly are you aiming for with classic? Philosophy? Stories? Religious texts?

All of the above. But I have a sweet tooth for folklore

 

[SomeRandom]

What is the criteria to be considered "classic" and/or "canon"?

Something declared such by the masses?
I mean the audience did keep certain things alive in the collective memory of any given culture, right?

I’m not too picky really lol

 

[sun rise]

Ramayana and Mahabharata in India are true classics.

 

[ParagonofIllumination]

When we talk about classical literature or the “Canon” a lot of us typically refer to the Western Canon. Shakespeare, Ovid, Austen ect
With maybe an occasional nod towards other canons.

But in the interest of venturing out in the wider world, what are some classics you recommend from a canon that is outside of the West?
(And maybe a good English translation just in case lol.)

I always liked the classic Journey to the West. That has a lot of fun stuff and you can even find various versions of it like the Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett one.

 

[exchemist]

When we talk about classical literature or the “Canon” a lot of us typically refer to the Western Canon. Shakespeare, Ovid, Austen ect
With maybe an occasional nod towards other canons.

But in the interest of venturing out in the wider world, what are some classics you recommend from a canon that is outside of the West?
(And maybe a good English translation just in case lol.)

A start would be to know what cultures, other than the Western one, have a literary canon in the first place. Perhaps the whole idea of a literary canon is a Western concept. I recall Saul Bellow's remark, "Who is the Tolstoy of the Zulus?"

 

[Hold]

I can think of a 'surprise' trend in popular music that when first breaking on the scene seemed to be a flash in the pan but lasted 30 years or more successful.....Rap Music....(Off Topic?)

 

[Twilight Hue]

Classics for me are things lIke 20000 leagues under the sea, Heidi, Little woman, Robinson Caruso, Treasure island, Huckleberry Finn,

Basically something old and well loved.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I can think of a 'surprise' trend in popular music that when first breaking on the scene seemed to be a flash in the pan but lasted 30 years or more successful.....Rap Music....(Off Topic?)

I'm so sick and tired of rap music. Your right though, it's off topic.

 

[Valjean]

Canon/classics are generally known and respected.

 

[sayak83]

When we talk about classical literature or the “Canon” a lot of us typically refer to the Western Canon. Shakespeare, Ovid, Austen ect
With maybe an occasional nod towards other canons.

But in the interest of venturing out in the wider world, what are some classics you recommend from a canon that is outside of the West?
(And maybe a good English translation just in case lol.)

Mahabharata from India.
https://www.amazon.com/Mahabharata-...642072993&sprefix=mahabharata+,aps,531&sr=8-7

 

[Valjean]

Tao from China, and Four Books and Five Classics of Confucius.

 

[Father Heathen]

Sun Tzu's Art of War?

One Thousand and One Nights (aka Arabian Nights)?

 

[Father Heathen]

The Zen koan collections Blue Cliff Record, Book of Equanimity, and Gateless Gate.

 

[syo]

Theogony Hesiod