Comparing this summer’s top reading list to the timeless literary treasures from 100 years ago.
As the July 4th weekend nears, it’s that delightful time of year again—summer reading season. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach, unwinding by the pool, or cozying up in your favorite chair on the patio, there’s nothing better than immersing yourself in a captivating book. This summer’s lineup is bursting with exciting titles, including Ann Patchett’s highly anticipated fiction novel, Whistler; the charming Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune, Mel Robbins’ empowering guide, The Let Them Theory; and the thrilling Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman.
As we at Jones & Henry Engineers celebrate our 100th year in business, it’s only fitting to reflect on the literary treasures that captured hearts in 1926. The mid-1920s were a golden era for literature, dominated by historical fiction and lighthearted satire, with family and drama playing prominent roles in storytelling. The best-selling fiction book in 1926 was The Private Life of Helen of Troy by John Erskine, a clever and witty retelling of mythological tales that intrigued readers.
Here’s a look at the top 10 best-selling fiction titles of 1926, according to Publishers Weekly:
- The Private Life of Helen of Troy by John Erskine
- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos
- Sorrell and Son by Warwick Deeping
- The Hounds of Spring by Sylvia Thompson
- Beau Sabreur by P. C. Wren
- The Silver Spoon by John Galsworthy
- Beau Geste by P. C. Wren
- Show Boat by Edna Ferber
- After Noon by Susan Ertz
- The Blue Window by Temple Bailey
But the literary landscape of 1926 wasn’t limited to just these bestsellers. It was a year rich with remarkable works that have stood the test of time. Among them are The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway, a poignant exploration of the post-WWI generation; The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie, which redefined the mystery genre; and the beloved children’s classic Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne.
As we launch into this summer reading season, let’s not only celebrate the outstanding books of today but also honor the incredible literary works from the past that have shaped our world of stories. So, grab a book (or two!) from the current bestseller list, or take a delightful dive into the treasures from 1926. Happy reading.
