I will start by saying there is no such thing as the best 50 books ever. Pick a hundred people and, inevitably you will get a hundred different lists - quite possibly very different indeed depending on the age, nationality, situation and culture of the people. Equally, I am not setting myself up as the arbiter of good taste and judgement in this matter. I have used a number of existing sources, various polls and lists that feature across the media as well as personal knowledge and taste, to inform the selection. Whatever your taste or opinion there is no denying the power and continued relevance of a lot of these works. Reading them will repay you with knowledge, enjoyment, insight - and an enduring regard for the written word.