The books that are most influential in the top 100 classic fiction list include 'The Divine Comedy' by Dante Alighieri. This work is a cornerstone of Italian literature and has had a profound impact on religious and philosophical thought. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is also highly influential. It vividly depicts the social unrest of the French Revolution and has themes of sacrifice and redemption. Moreover, 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky, with its deep exploration of guilt, morality, and the human soul, has influenced many writers and thinkers.
Among them, 'Hamlet' is extremely influential. Shakespeare's exploration of human indecision, revenge, and the nature of existence has been studied and imitated for centuries. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' is another very influential one. Its surreal and imaginative world has inspired many works in the realm of fantasy literature. Also, 'Gulliver's Travels' with its satirical look at different societies has left a mark on literature.
Well, 'The Wealth of Nations' by Adam Smith has been extremely influential in the field of economics. It laid the foundation for many economic theories. 'On the Origin of Species' by Charles Darwin is also very important. It changed our understanding of life on Earth forever. And 'The Communist Manifesto' by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels had a profound impact on political and social thought around the world.
The top 10 most influential fiction books are likely to include 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Its themes of the American Dream, wealth, and love are still relevant today. 'Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien is also very influential. It created a whole new world of fantasy that has inspired countless other works in the genre. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, with its complex exploration of obsession and the human struggle against nature, is another influential work.
I think 'All Quiet on the Western Front' is highly influential. It made people around the world truly understand the terrors of war at a personal level for the soldiers. It changed the way people thought about war, not as a glorious adventure but as a harrowing and dehumanizing experience. 'War and Peace' is also extremely influential. It's not just about the war but how war affects society, politics, and the lives of ordinary people on a grand scale.
Some of the top influential Christian fiction books include 'In His Steps' by Charles M. Sheldon. This book challenges readers to ask 'What would Jesus do?' in every situation. 'A Lineage of Grace' by Francine Rivers is also important. It retells the stories of five women in the lineage of Jesus in a fictional yet biblically - based way. And 'The Mark of the Lion' series by Francine Rivers is well - regarded for its historical setting and exploration of Christian values in the early Christian era.
Well, 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells is a great one. It was one of the first to depict an alien invasion, and it created a sense of panic and wonder. 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is also a classic. It shows a young boy's journey in a military - like space training program, and it explores themes of leadership, morality, and the nature of war. And don't forget 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. With its complex world - building, political intrigue, and exploration of human potential, it has been highly influential in the science fiction genre.
Well, 'The Great Gatsby' is among the most influential fiction books. F. Scott Fitzgerald's work explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding is very influential too. It shows how quickly civilization can break down when people are left to their own devices. And don't forget 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling. It has not only been a global phenomenon but also influenced a whole generation's view on magic, friendship, and good vs. evil.
I think 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' are highly influential. They have shaped Western literature and storytelling for centuries. Their tales of heroes, gods, and great adventures have been a source of inspiration for countless works.
One of the top 10 could be 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It delves deep into the human psyche, guilt, and redemption. 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte is also a significant work. It has a complex love story set against a wild moorland backdrop and has influenced the way love and passion are depicted in literature. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde, with its exploration of beauty, sin, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle, is also quite influential.
Definitely 'Moby - Dick'. This book is not just about a man's obsession with a white whale. It has deep philosophical undertones and is a masterful exploration of human nature, fate, and the relationship between man and nature. It has influenced many other works of literature with its complex themes and unique narrative style.