The Cultural Review

Literary Canon

4 articles

Diverse students engaging with classic and contemporary literature in a sunlit, traditional library setting, representing inclusive canon formation.
Books

What is Literary Canon Formation and Why Does Inclusivity Matter?

Far from being a natural evolution of great works, the very idea of an 'English literary history' emerged as a direct reversal of how cultural change was once understood, revealing its constructed nat

Claire Donovan·August 23, 2026
Diverse group of people reading classic American books around a bonfire under a starry night, celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
Books

Top 11 Classic American Books for America's 250th Anniversary

Harriet Jacobs' 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,' published over 150 years ago, outsold several traditionally canonical works in university courses last year.

Claire Donovan·July 3, 2026
A diverse group of readers interacting with books that are morphing into graphic novels and audiobooks in a grand, sunlit library.
Books

How Do Literary Awards Shape Book Publishing and Reading?

In 2020, the Newbery Medal, long tied to traditional children's literature, honored a middle grade graphic novel by a Black author.

Claire Donovan·June 20, 2026
A diverse group of readers reaching for glowing books in a magical library, representing the top 100 novels chosen by readers.
Books

Cultural Review Reader Picks: All-Time Top 100 Novels

For the first time in its 50-year history, The Cultural Review's reader poll has ranked a young adult fantasy novel, 'The Shadow Thief,' above 'Moby Dick' in its top 100 list.

Claire Donovan·June 7, 2026