A Bibliomaniac's must-read list.

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Iliad
Author:	Homer
Original Date	c 850 BC
Before reading this, read:	Trojan Women by Euripides
Supplemental reading:	Odyssey by Homer Aeneid by Virgil Mythology by Edith Hamilton
Notes:

A sagacious book that deals with Greek values as well as explaining a great deal of their warfare. Much mythology is explained or alluded to. It is one of the first books that has character development. This story of Troy was originally passed down orally (Viva Voce) and was not written until about 500 BC. There is much debate as whether this story was written by one author. I prefer the Richard Lattimore translation; however, many disagree and say that the Robert Fitzgerald version is an easier and more fluid translation to read. This book has influenced countless writers and is a must-read for any budding writer or Litterateur. Link(s):
Iliad: Internet Classic Archive

Odyssey
Author:	Homer
Original Date	c 850 BC
Before reading this, read:	Iliad by Homer Agamemnon by Aeschylus
Supplemental reading:	Ulysses by James Joyce Aeneid by Virgil Mythology by Edith Hamilton
Notes:

The Odyssey does not digress as much as the Iliad and is a much more fluid piece. It deals with Odysseus and his return home ten years after the fall of Troy. In fact, it is sequel to the Iliad and several plays deal with the time period between the fall of Troy and the start of the Odyssey -- for example Aeschylus's Agamemnon. This epic was originally passed down orally. Many claim that the last book (twenty-four) was added later.

A good knowledge of Greek mythology is helpful since this book alludes to many mythological stories. This book is an important read because of its influence, it sagacity, and many important literary works allude to this masterpiece. Link(s):
Odyssey: Internet Classic Archive

War and Peace
Author:	Leo Tolstoy
Original Pub. Date	1869 (for the complete work)
Before reading this, read:	Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Supplemental reading:	Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Notes:

War and Peace is a very intense and very long novel that is set in Russia during the Napolean invasion (early 1800's). It is a book that is often mentioned, however not as often read. I found it an awesome and overwhelming novel. War and Peace should be read slowly. It covers the life of three families, Bolkonsky, Bezuhov, and Rostov and has a myraid of other characters from Napolean to Alexander I. I am not writing a synopsis. A good synopsis of War and Peace should take a day reading. Tolstoy digresses during this novel and gives his own view of history. Some critics enjoy his bantering, while others do not. The reader should contrast this work with Melville's Moby Dick. There is much that is analogous and there is much that is different. Tolstoy translates well because he writes to be understood in a simple and clear manner. He is not metaphysical or allegorical like Melville. I perused the Ann Dunnigan translation. Link(s):
War and Peace