Although I’ve personally enjoyed many of these books and series, I tried to explain how they were influential in both positive and negative ways and criticism they’ve received. Also, saying one book helped pave the way for others doesn’t necessarily mean one author directly imitated another. More broadly, the earlier book’s popularity contributed to an environment where books on similar themes would sell. These books have had major impacts on the fantasy genre and publishing industry — and on pop culture at large. Though no single author, historical period, or culture invented the fantasy genre, I wanted to trace influential examples of fantasy, starting in the 19th century, but focusing on the 20th and 21st centuries.

1800s

1900–1950

1950s & 1960s

1970s & 1980s

1990s & 2000s

2010s & 2020s

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