20th century in literature facts for kids
Literature from the 20th century means all the books, stories, and poems written around the world between the years 1900 and 1999. This time was full of big changes, like new technologies and two world wars, which greatly influenced what writers wrote about. Many famous books that are still popular today came out during this period.
Some of the most popular books from the 20th century sold millions of copies. For example, Quotations from Chairman Mao (from 1966) sold an amazing 900 million copies. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (published in 1997) sold 120 million copies, starting a very famous series. And Then There Were None (from 1939) by Agatha Christie sold 115 million copies, making it one of the best-selling mystery novels ever. The Lord of the Rings (published in 1954/55) sold 100 million copies and was even voted "book of the century" in some surveys. The Perry Rhodan series, which started in 1961 and is still going, is known as the best-selling book series with over 1 billion copies sold in total.
Contents
What Makes 20th-Century Literature Special?
The 20th century was a time of huge changes in the world, and writers often explored these changes in their books. They wrote about new ideas, different ways of thinking, and how people lived through big events.
Exploring New Ideas and Styles
Writers started experimenting with new ways to tell stories. They sometimes used different viewpoints or focused on the inner thoughts of characters. This made literature more diverse and exciting. For example, some authors wrote about the future, while others looked back at history in new ways.
Impact of World Events on Books
Two major world wars happened in the 20th century, and these events had a big impact on writers. Many books explored themes like peace, conflict, and the human spirit during difficult times. Authors also wrote about social changes, like new technologies or shifts in how people lived and worked.
Famous Books and Their Themes
Many books from this century are still read and loved today. They often deal with important ideas that are still relevant.
Stories About Adventure and Fantasy
Books like The Lord of the Rings took readers to magical worlds filled with adventure. These fantasy stories often explored ideas of good versus evil, friendship, and courage. They showed how ordinary characters could become heroes.
Mysteries and Thrillers That Keep You Guessing
Mystery novels, like And Then There Were None, became very popular. These books are designed to keep readers guessing until the very end, with clever plots and unexpected twists. They often feature detectives solving puzzling crimes.
Books That Made a Big Impact
Some books, like Quotations from Chairman Mao, were very important for political reasons. They shared ideas that influenced many people and even shaped countries. These types of books show how literature can have a powerful effect on the world.
See also
In Spanish: Literatura del siglo XX para niños
