Timeless books

I love books. I browse the latest catalogs to see what's coming out. I can barely keep up with the new releases. But I am frustrated that many new books are dated so quickly. When I first started reading, most of the books I read seemed to have a timeless quality about them. They weren't published to be read for a year or two. They were published because they had something important to say, and the message is still relevant today. Some of my favorite books are old editions of now out-of-print books. At lunch today, Sandy and I got talking about the value of these old books. Although newer books have been released on leadership, it's tough to beat Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders. The writings of A.W. Tozer are also timeless. He seems to have been ahead of his time. I'm surprised more publishers aren't promoting some of these old classics, but I guess they're a tougher sell. They have lots to say, and after all, there aren't any royalties to worry about with many of them. I'd love to hear what classic books you think deserve to get a wider reading. Which books would you recommend as having addressed a subject so well, it deserves to be read widely today?

Comments

[Marc]

What do you consider 'classic'? I think The Myth of Certainty: The Reflective Christian & The Risk of Commitment should be widely read, but it's only 25 years old.

[Jacob]

Awesome collection of timeless classics for an unbelievable price on CD ROM. Jacob. The Norman L. Geisler Apologetics Library on CD-ROM by Norman Geisler Description: Unbelievable value! Over $250 worth of books in a searchable format! Conveniently brings together the full text of a dozen Geisler books on apologetics. Titles include: Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, Why I Am a Christian When Cultists Ask, When Skeptics Ask When Critics Ask Roman Catholics & Evangelicals, Answering Islam (2nd edition, updated since 9-11), Miracles and the Modern Mind, Come Let Us Reason, Worlds Apart: A Handbook on Worldviews, Introduction to Philosophy, Christian Apologetics. Features include the KJV Bible (unlocked) and NASB(locked). Compatible with Windows 98 and Later. CD-ROM: ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.73 x 10.78 x 8.24 Publisher: Baker Book House; CD-ROM edition (January 2003) ISBN: 080100294X Item #: CD-07 $49.95 - CD-ROM

[george]

Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers Fresh Wind Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala That's for starters

[Ken]

A current book that I think will stand the test of time is "Brothers We Are Not Professionals" by John Piper - a necessary and timeless reminder to pastors regarding what they are called to be and to do. CJ Mahaney's little book "The Cross Centered Life" is also worth reading and re-reading. And lest we forget. There is a reason that the Puritans are still in print after 400 years. They are still very relevant and worth the hard work it takes to master them. Try especially the updated versions that Banner of Truth has been reprinting for years. They are easier to read and pass on to others. CS Lewis is still worth reading and Francis Schaeffer proves himself to be a prophet. For sermons I don't think you'll beat Martin Lloyd Jones and his royal highness CH Spurgeon. I have been reading the pulpit prayers of Spurgeon lately from a book called "The Pastor at Prayer". Rivetting. That's more than enough from me. Look forward to other people's recommendations.