Then there's 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin. This book is a masterclass in psychological horror. It creates an atmosphere of paranoia and unease as the main character slowly realizes that something is terribly wrong with her pregnancy. It influenced many subsequent horror works that focus on the psychological aspects of fear.
Well, 'The Exorcist' by William Peter Blatty is a top contender. It was extremely controversial when it was first released, but it also had a huge impact on the horror genre. It brought the idea of demonic possession to the forefront in a very visceral and disturbing way that hadn't really been done before in such detail.
One of the most influential is 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman. It uses animals to represent different ethnic groups to tell the story of the Holocaust in a unique and deeply affecting way. Another is 'Watchmen' which also delves into political themes like power, corruption, and the role of the individual in society.
Some of the most influential ones are '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over people's lives. Another is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which explores a society based on genetic engineering and pleasure - seeking. And 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is also very important as it is considered the first science fiction novel, dealing with themes of creation and the consequences of playing God.
Well, 'Don Quixote' is surely among the most influential works of fiction ever. It was revolutionary in its exploration of the human psyche and the nature of reality. Then there's 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. Its complex themes and narrative style have made it a cornerstone of American literature. Also, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee is very influential as it tackles important social issues like racism.
Definitely 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It's often considered the first science fiction novel, exploring the creation of life through scientific means and the moral implications. 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is also influential. It delves into the training of children for war in a futuristic setting. And 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson, which looks at a future where the virtual and physical worlds are intertwined.
One of the most influential horror novels is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It introduced the iconic vampire figure, Count Dracula, which has been reimagined countless times in movies, TV shows, and other books. The novel's use of gothic elements and its exploration of themes like the fear of the unknown and the power of superstition made it highly influential.
One could argue that Superman is among the most influential. His image of strength and justice has had a lasting impact on popular culture and inspired countless imitations.
One of the most influential works in all of fiction is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It has shaped the way we view love, marriage, and social class. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which warns about totalitarianism. And 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien has had a huge impact on the fantasy genre and popular culture in general.
I think 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is very important. It delves into themes of child soldiers, leadership, and morality in a science - fiction setting. 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson is a landmark in cyberpunk science fiction. It was one of the first to really explore the idea of cyberspace and the impact of technology on the human mind. 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells is an old but very influential one, as it was one of the first to depict an alien invasion.
Among the list of all Victorian novels, 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is highly influential. It has had a huge impact on the horror genre. It introduced the iconic character of Dracula and many of the tropes associated with vampires. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll is also influential. Its surreal and imaginative world has inspired countless works in literature, art, and film.
We can identify them by their influence on later writers. 'Don Quixote' has inspired countless authors with its unique storytelling. Also, the spread of ideas in the book is important. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' spread ideas about equality and justice. And the longevity of a book's popularity matters. 'Moby - Dick' has remained popular over the years, which shows its influence on different generations.