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.
Well, 'Candide' is an important one from the list. Voltaire's satirical work critiques society, war, and religious intolerance. 'Madame Bovary' is also very influential. Flaubert's detailed and nuanced portrayal of a woman's dissatisfaction with her life in provincial France set a new standard for realism in literature.
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.
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.
Definitely 'Moby - Dick'. It's not just a story about a man hunting a white whale. It's a complex exploration of obsession, fate, and the human condition. It has influenced a lot of later works with its deep themes and unique narrative style.
Definitely 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the consequences of a crime committed for ideological reasons. The character development is complex and fascinating. 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte is another classic that can't be missed. It has a passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors. Also, 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes is a classic that has influenced countless works with its satirical take on chivalry and the power of imagination.
Well, 'The Pillow Book' is a very important classic Japanese novel. Sei Shonagon wrote it during the Heian period. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life, courtly manners, and the thoughts of a court lady. It's filled with lists, anecdotes, and observations that are both entertaining and informative. 'Snow Country' by Yasunari Kawabata is also a classic. It beautifully portrays the isolation and melancholy of life in a snow - covered rural area, along with themes of love and longing.
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.
I think 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is highly influential. It set the standard for the hard - boiled detective genre. Its noir atmosphere, complex plot, and the character of Sam Spade have been emulated by many writers since.
Definitely 'Watchmen'. It changed the way people thought about superheroes. It showed that they could be complex, morally ambiguous, and be part of a story that was more than just good vs. evil. Another very influential one is 'The Dark Knight Returns'. It influenced how Batman was portrayed in movies and other media, making him darker and more brooding.
The 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien is among the top most influential novels. It has not only created a rich and detailed fantasy world but has also influenced countless other works in the fantasy genre. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also very influential. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is known for its complex symbolism and exploration of human nature in the face of the unknown.