Author: Rabindranath Tagore
Published: 1910
Translations: Over 20 languages
13. The Kalevala by Elias Lönnrot
A national epic of Finland, compiled from traditional folklore and myth, it narrates the creation of the world and the adventures of its heroes, encapsulating the Finnish cultural spirit.
Author: Elias Lönnrot (compiler)
Published: 1835 (first edition), 1849 (expanded edition)
Original Language: Finnish
Translations: Over 20 languages
14. Epic of Gilgamesh
One of the earliest works of literary fiction, it recounts the adventures netherlands mobile database of Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, exploring themes of heroism, friendship, and the pursuit of immortality.
Author: Unknown, various authors
Published: Around 2100-1200 BCE
Original Language: Akkadian
Translations: Over 15 languages
15. The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu
Often considered the world's first novel, it details the life and loves of Prince Genji and the Heian court in classical Japan, rich in psychological depth and poetic interludes.
Author: Murasaki Shikibu
Published: Early 11th century
Original Language: Japanese
Translations: Over 15 languages
16. Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
A collection of poems celebrating the individual, the nation, and the elemental qualities of the human experience, marked by a distinctive free verse style and an all-embracing optimism.
Author: Walt Whitman
Published: 1855 (first edition)
Original Language: English
Translations: Over 15 languages
17. Beowulf
An Old English epic poem that narrates the heroic deeds of the great warrior Beowulf, dealing with themes of bravery, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil.
Author: Unknown
Published: Between 975-1025 CE
Original Language: Old English
Translations: Over 15 languages
While many of these classic poems have been translated extensively, there's still a long way to go before they're truly accessible to everyone. Language barriers and cultural differences often prevent potential readers from fully connecting with these works. To bridge this gap, we must not only increase the number of translations but also improve their quality. This will allow more people around the world to experience these masterpieces in a way that deeply resonates with them. Enhancing accessibility will not only enrich individual lives but also strengthen global connections through the universal beauty of poetry.