Best-of lists are fun, but also controversial. Such lists inspire impassioned conversation not only about what’s there, but what was left out.

This is especially true when it comes to lists of the best novels ever written. The “canon”—in spite of efforts to expand it—is still largely white and male, reflecting the inequality of the cultures from which it emerged and continuing ethnocentrism and sexism today.

That’s why I was glad, when I heard that the Guardian was embarking on a new best novel list, that they were also including a rationale with their list. Critic Robert McCrum is not just putting together a list of the best English-language novels of all time, but writing 100 short essays defending his choices. So if you’ve ever wondered exactly makes Gulliver’s Travels or The Pilgrim’s Progress so great, you can read his arguments.

Whether you agree with them or not is another matter.

Follow McCrum’s progress at the Guardian as he moves chronologically through the history of the novel. It’s sure to generate plenty of discussion about the titles he chooses and the ones he leaves out.