classic literature

Classic literature refers to works of fiction, poetry, and drama that have endured across generations and are widely considered to have lasting artistic or cultural value.

The designation is somewhat subjective—what counts as classic depends on who's making the list—but typically includes works that have influenced other writers, been studied in schools, or shaped how we think about storytelling.

She finally got around to reading the classics.

The phrase can refer to ancient Greek and Roman works specifically, or more broadly to any older literature deemed worthy of continued attention.