World's Greatest Books: Part 2

The Tale of Genji
The Tale of Genji or Genji Monogatari is considered the first novel in the world. The Japanese work was written by a princess named Murasaki Shikibu in 11th century. Hikara Genji, a brave prince, is the hero of the story. Heroine is the author herself. The novel is composed of more than 4000 pages in 54 volumes. It also shows infulences of Buddhism in the ending parts.
The Travels of Marco Polo
Marco Polo is the world famous traveller. His account on the experiences of the exciting voyages is on the book The Travels of Marco Polo. The book was dictated by Polo to a linguist Rastitiano while being in a prison in Venice. The book is also called 'The Book of Marvels'. The incidents happened amidst his voyages, including the visit to Kublai Khan's empire, are described in the book.
Divine Comedy
The Divine Comedy written by Italian poet Dante Alighieri is one of the greatest poems in the world. There are 14233 lines in the work. The travel of the poet to hell and paradise is the theme of the poem. Many characters appear in differen parts of the poem. The Divine Comedy is a study of the emotional levels of human lives.
Utopia
There won't be many persons who haven't heard the word Utopia. It's a Greek word for something too ideal or unreal. The work by Sir Thomas Moore, Utopia, is the account of incidents taking place in such an imaginative nation. Originally written in Latin, it was published in 1516. It is a sharp political satire, and considered the strong critic of then English governance. Utopia heavily influenced people. Thomas Moore was sentenced to death due to excessive criticism of the royals.
Don Quixote
Written by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote is the founding work of modern novel. The novel was published in 1605. Like Utopia, Don Quixote is also a strong satire on the society. The novel is titled on the hero's name itself. He is a warrior who starts journey to prove himself to the world. Quixote's blunders in the journey are portrayed in the novel.
Romeo and Juliet
It is one of the greatest love story ever. Written by the great playwright William Shakespeare, this tragedy was published in 17th century. The love between Romeo and Juliet, the members of two rival families are the theme of the play. The work is noted for its poetic beauty and dramatic elements.
You may check out World's Greatest Books: Part 1 as well.