'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Brontë is also among the most influential. The passionate and tempestuous love story between Heathcliff and Catherine is set against the wild and desolate moors. The novel's exploration of love, revenge, and the power of nature is characteristic of the British romantic period, and its complex narrative structure has intrigued readers for generations.
One of the most influential British romantic novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It beautifully portrays the social norms and relationships of the time, with its iconic characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their complex relationship and the exploration of love, pride, and prejudice have made this novel a classic that has been adapted into numerous movies and TV shows.
Another highly influential work is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. This novel is not only a great example of the romantic era's exploration of the human condition but also delved into themes of creation, monstrosity, and the consequences of overreaching human ambition. It has influenced countless works of horror, science fiction, and philosophical literature since its publication.
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.
Well, 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë is quite influential. It tells the story of an independent - minded woman, Jane, who overcomes many hardships. Her relationship with Mr. Rochester is a key part of the novel. It has inspired many works with its themes of love, self - discovery, and social class.
John le Carré is extremely influential. His writing style, which focuses on the moral ambiguity of the spy world, has inspired many other writers. His works are not just about action but also about the psychological and ethical aspects of spying.
The Lord of the Rings is highly influential. Its detailed world - building has inspired countless other fantasy works. Another is 'The Chronicles of Narnia'. It has influenced the way we view magical portals and alternate worlds in fantasy. And 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, while also a horror classic, has had a huge impact on the idea of creating life in literature, which is relevant to fantasy as well.
I think 'Pride and Prejudice' is very influential. It has shaped the way people view love and marriage in literature. '1984' is also extremely influential in terms of political and social commentary. It makes people think about the power of the state and the importance of freedom. 'The Lord of the Flies' is influential too as it delves into human nature and the thin line between civilization and savagery.
One of the most well - known graphic novels is 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore. It's a complex and dark exploration of superheroes and society. The art is detailed and helps to bring the gritty story to life. Another great one is 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman. It tells the story of the Holocaust in a unique way, with animals representing different groups. It's not only a powerful story but also a very important piece of literature in the graphic novel genre.
Another well - known one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. This novel is a complex and magical exploration of India's transition from colonial rule to independence through the lives of children born at midnight on the day of India's independence. It is filled with rich symbolism and historical references.
The novel 'Basti' by Intizar Husain is also notable. It's bold in its exploration of the partition of India and Pakistan and the subsequent upheaval in people's lives. It shows the impact on the common man, their dreams, and their disillusionment, which is a very bold take on a significant historical event.
One of the most famous Spanish novels is 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes. It's a classic that follows the adventures of the delusional knight Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza. It's known for its satirical take on chivalry and society at the time.
Well, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde is an important Irish novel. Wilde's writing is full of his unique aesthetic sense. Then there's 'The Commitments' by Roddy Doyle. It's a humorous and engaging story about a Dublin soul band. Also, 'At Swim - Two - Birds' by Flann O'Brien is a very creative and experimental work that plays with different narrative levels.