What is a classic novel? When you hear "classic," you might think "old," but that isn't always true. A classic is a novel that represents a genre or a writing style, or it can be a novel that contributes to the literature. There are all kinds of classics, from horror classics to romance classics, from best sellers that sold millions of copies to books that changed how a genre was written. Masterpieces come from all cultures and years. Classics can reflect a time period or societal standard or offer commentary on a subject. 

Storytelling has been around forever. Ancestors told tales across the fire, and epic sagas were recited repeatedly until committed to memory. Then, finally, written language was invented, and someone wrote something down. But for all those thousands of years telling stories, the invention of the novel is relatively recent, and scholars debate what the first English novel is. Is it Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur, published in 1485? What about Don Quixote in 1605 or Robinson Crusoe in 1791? Historians and English majors may always disagree.

Why the argument? It comes down to a series of questions about what we classify as a novel. Does a novel need to be a certain length? Can the story be based on actual events? Does it need to be written in prose or letters? Should it focus on the individual and their journey? Is that story ultimately believable? 

Although different styles will come and go, a classic can be appreciated for its construction and literary art. It may not be a bestseller today due to pacing and dated language, but you can learn from it and be inspired by its prose.

We hope this colorful wooden jigsaw puzzle also inspires you. As you work on its intricate pieces, consider rereading one of the literary classics represented. 

The perfect gift for wooden jigsaw puzzlers, this traditional adult wooden jigsaw puzzle can be done time and again.  Our wooden jigsaw puzzle artists have included many themed shaped whimsy wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces that match the subject of the image and we have integrated them in ways that will delight and surprise you as you put the wooden jigsaw puzzle together.