The Short Classic

“Classic' - a book which people praise and don't read.” ― Mark Twain

We are forced to read them, told that every one should read 'insert classic here' "It's a classic!" they say.
Well you should, it is not that hard and it wont take you very long if you read a short classic.
They are considered classics because they have permeated though the cultural identity of the western world. The books that every one knows the story of but have never taken the time read. Stop that! Don't think of it as chore think of it as way to get a glimpse of what has made the the world culturally interesting. Now take the time and read these short books that , to the nitty gritty. The SHORT CLASSIC... 

To help induce you to give the short classic a try I compiled a list of books (with notes ) I have read that are all under 300 pages, most of them 100-250 pages variety. 

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells(192 pages)
The basis for the radio play that made such a ruckus in 1938.
Animal Farm by George Orwell (140 pages)
A Soviet allegory in animal form. Long live the pigs. 
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (104 pages)
The story that turned Christmas from the adult oriented party holiday (as in drunken carousing to the wee hours of the morning New Years style) to family wholesome holiday that it is today. Bah humbug!
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson ( 144 pages)
The darker nature of the human begin. What is our evil side?
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley ( 273 pages)
Be warned this nothing like any movie you may have seen. You may think you know the story but I will tell you now you don't, instead it focuses on the moral responsibilities that come from messing with the laws of nature.
Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne (208 pages)
A surprisingly quick read. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but no hot air balloons shall appear, despite numerous book covers and movies to the contrary. It really is a funny little adventure tale.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (227 pages)
Science fiction by one of the best. Besides it's a book about banning books that people tried to ban, I believe there is joke there somewhere.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (85 pages)
Sweet and a little sad. Very Quick read.
The 39 Steps by John Buchan ( 100 pages)
A lot of hate for this little book (I liked it). A true spy-thriller through and though with no pesky love interest.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (245 pages)
One of my all time favorites, if you didn't read it as kid read it now. It is a book that goes by very quickly. 
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carol (196 pages)
It is fun, light and nonsensical what more could you want? I suggest one with original illustrations. P.S. Also read Alice Adventure Though the Looking Glass. ( They often come together so it shouldn't be any trouble to find.)
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde ( 254 pages)
Exactly what you might expert but even more so. Oscar Wilde has been one of my favorite writers since I was a child ( Yes I was a very strange child.) but this book made me want to give him a good smack for all women. Loved the story hated the way women were talked about.
Aesop's Fables by Aesop (256 pages or less)
Depending on what collection you find it can be anywhere from 80-300 pages. As it is each tale is only 1-2 pages long anyways. There are lots of different versions from ones closest to the original as possible, to retellings and alterations. Find one with illustrations, everything is better with pictures.
Candide  by Voltaire (94 pages) 
Never read it. Have heard that it is good, come on only 94 pages. Give it a try, I'll read it after the 94 other books I have on my list. 

Go forth and read