Well, 'The Red Badge of Courage' has been very influential. It was one of the first books to really explore the psychological aspect of war for the common soldier. It showed that soldiers were not just fearless heroes all the time but could also struggle with fear and self - doubt. 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' influenced how people saw the Spanish Civil War and the ideological battles behind it. It also showed the human cost of war in a very real way.
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.
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.
I think 'Dracula' is very influential. It has defined the modern vampire myth in so many ways, from the appearance of vampires to their powers and weaknesses. It has been adapted countless times in movies, TV shows, and other forms of media. 'Frankenstein' is also highly influential. It started the whole idea of a mad scientist creating a living being, which has become a staple in science - fiction and horror ever since.
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.
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.
I think 'The Winds of War' by Herman Wouk is quite influential. It gives a comprehensive view of the events leading up to and during World War Two. It follows the lives of a Navy family. Another one is 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' by Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway's writing style makes the story of an American fighting in the Spanish Civil War (which was related to the build - up of World War Two) very vivid and engaging.
One of the must - read books is 'Genesis'. It tells the creation story, the fall of man, and the beginnings of the Israelite nation. It's fundamental as it sets the stage for many of the key themes in the Bible.
One must - read book is 'The Book of Genesis'. It contains the creation story, the fall of man, and the stories of the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These stories are fundamental to understanding the Judeo - Christian beliefs.
One of the most influential is 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck. It chronicles the journey of the Joad family, who are migrants during the Great Depression. It shows the hardships they face, and it has had a profound impact on how we view the immigrant and migrant experience in America. Another is 'The Jungle' by Upton Sinclair, which, although mainly about the meat - packing industry, also delves into the immigrant experience in the United States at that time. It was so influential that it led to changes in food safety laws.
I think 'The Communist Manifesto' by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is quite influential. It has had a huge impact on political thought and the development of socialist and communist ideologies around the world.