Celebrated globally on April 23, World Book and Copyright Day honours the enduring power of books and the importance of reading in shaping cultures and societies.

Established by UNESCO in 1995, the day also underscores the significance of protecting intellectual property through copyright laws.

The date holds deep literary significance. It marks the death anniversaries of iconic writers such as William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes in 1616.

Over the years, the occasion, also known as International Day of the Book has grown into a global celebration, observed in more than 100 countries through book fairs, literary festivals, school events, and reading campaigns.

Beyond its cultural impact, the day highlights fascinating aspects of the literary world.

Estimates suggest that more than 130 million books exist globally, reflecting the vast diversity of human thought and storytelling.

The distinct smell of old books even has a name, bibliosmia, while digital platforms like Goodreads have transformed how readers discover and discuss literature, boasting millions of active users.

Countries such as Iceland continue to lead in reading habits, often cited as having the highest per capita readership in the world.

As part of World Book Day celebrations, readers are often encouraged to revisit timeless classics that have shaped literature across generations. Based on widely recommended lists, including those by Penguin and Penguin Classics, here are 10 books you must read before you die:

  1. 1984 by George Orwell – A dystopian masterpiece exploring surveillance and totalitarianism.
  2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – A sharp and witty exploration of love and class.
  3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – A profound narrative on justice and racial inequality.
  4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – A poignant critique of the American Dream.
  5. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville – An epic tale of obsession and the sea.
  6. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy – A sweeping chronicle of war, society, and human emotion.
  7. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky – A psychological exploration of guilt and morality.
  8. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – A defining coming-of-age story.
  9. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë – A powerful narrative of independence and resilience.
  10. The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien – A timeless fantasy adventure about courage and discovery.

As the world marks World Book and Copyright Day 2026, the message remains clear: books are not just sources of knowledge and entertainment, but vital tools that preserve culture, inspire imagination, and connect generations across time.