Worst Books Written by Famous Authors

Orange Lightning

This list of literary works, paired with sharp and humorously biting critiques, highlights some notable moments where even the most celebrated authors  failed.

1

The Faerie Queene

This epic poem is seen as more of a display of flattery and form than true art.

2

The Green Hills of Africa

Turns into an imitation of his fictional style with overly mannered, unconvincing prose.

3

The Merry Wives of Windsor

This play is singled out for not living up to the brilliance of Shakespeare's other work.

4

Finnegan’s Wake

Finnegan’s Wake is admired for its genius, but criticized for being too laborious for the average reader.

5

Paradiso

Paradiso is considered a chore, weighed down by heavy theological discussions.

6

The Charterhouse of Parma

This novel perplexes the critic, leaving them questioning why it’s held in such high regard as a classic.

7

Babbitt

This satire is seen as too heavy-handed, leaving the reader feeling superior to its central character.