The fantasy genre has captivated and inspired readers for centuries. In 1858, Scottish author George MacDonald penned Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women, widely regarded as the first modern fantasy novel. This seminal work influenced many of the genre's most beloved authors, including Lord Dunsany, whose The King of Elfland's Daughter was a favorite of J.R.R. Tolkien. As we approach 2025, readers remain eager to dive into fantastical worlds, following their favorite writers to discover enchanting landscapes, surreal characters, and extraordinary creatures. This is the perfect moment to reflect on the most influential fantasy authors of all time and explore the lasting impact of their vibrant and imaginative tales.

J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien stands as one of the most influential writers in the history of literature, not just within the fantasy genre. His groundbreaking Lord of the Rings series revolutionized fantasy, with his meticulous world-building and creation of new languages captivating fans for nearly a century. Tolkien's influence extends from George Lucas, who directly quoted The Hobbit in the original Star Wars script, to other iconic authors on this list like Ursula Le Guin and George R.R. Martin. Tolkien's works have popularized many elements of fantasy, from religious themes to breathtaking landscapes and unique fictional languages. Even adaptations of his works, such as Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films, have inspired a generation of fantasy creators.

The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition

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The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set

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The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition

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The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated Edition

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C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis's enchanting tales of Narnia have held a magical sway over children's literature and fantasy since The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published in 1950. Over the next six years, he completed the Chronicles of Narnia series with Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician's Nephew, and The Last Battle. Since their initial release, these books have never gone out of print, with over 100 million copies sold in nearly 50 languages. Lewis cited Phantastes as a significant influence, and his Narnia series has inspired countless children and authors, including Katherine Paterson of Bridge to Terabithia. The series has seen numerous adaptations, from the classic BBC TV specials to Disney films, and soon, a new version will be brought to life by Greta Gerwig at Netflix.

Includes 7 Books The Chronicles of Narnia Book Set

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Includes 7 Books The Chronicles of Narnia Hardcover Set

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Kindle Edition The Chronicles of Narnia

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Audiobook Edition The Chronicles of Narnia Complete Audio Collection

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Ursula Le Guin

Ursula Le Guin is renowned for her acclaimed Earthsea series, which follows a young mage's journey to find his place and freedom in the fictional world of Earthsea. Her work made her the first woman to win both the Hugo and Nebula awards for best novel, introducing her already popular books to an even broader audience. Le Guin's philosophical and whimsical style inspired creators like Hayao Miyazaki and his son, who adapted Earthsea into a film. Beyond her contributions to fantasy, Le Guin was a radical thinker, envisioning a better world both in her stories and in real life. Her optimistic views on the end of capitalism and hope for humanity continue to resonate, even after her passing in 2018, making her work as impactful as ever in 2025.

Book 1 of the Series A Wizard of Earthsea

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The Books of Earthsea: The Complete Illustrated Edition

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Boxed Set Ursula K. Le Guin: The Hainish Novels and Stories

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Blu-ray + DVD Tales From Earthsea

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George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin's epic Game of Thrones series has not only been a monumental success in literature but has also transformed television with its high budgets, graphic content, and bold storytelling. Martin's unparalleled world-building, from the intricate histories of Westeros to the expansive fictional texts and ephemera, immerses readers deeply into his universe. Beyond Game of Thrones, Martin has influenced TV and film through his work on shows like the 2000s reboot of The Twilight Zone, Max Headroom, and the underappreciated 1989 Beauty and the Beast series. His recent supernatural noir series, Dark Winds, adapted by AMC and renewed for a fourth season, further showcases his storytelling prowess.

A Song of Ice and Fire Book Set

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A Game of Thrones: The Illustrated Edition

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A Clash of Kings: The Illustrated Edition

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A Storm of Swords: The Illustrated Edition

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Octavia Butler

While Octavia Butler is celebrated for her pioneering science fiction, she also holds a significant place in the fantasy canon. Her imagination spanned from vampires to time travel, with her most famous book, Kindred, described by Butler herself as "a kind of grim fantasy." Butler's work seamlessly integrates real-world issues such as racism and sexism into her genre fiction, exploring time travel, dystopias, and more. Her ability to address relatable issues while crafting imaginative futures has cemented her as a powerful and influential genre author, whose recognition as a trailblazer continues to grow.

Kindred

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Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

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Parable of the Sower

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Parable of the Talents: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

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Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett's Discworld series blends the cozy charm of Tolkien's hobbits with absurdist comedy and vibrant fantasy, spearheading the cozy fantasy movement. Pratchett's work often included satirical commentary, making him one of the most awarded writers in fantasy. He believed that fantasy was not just about wizards and wands but a means to view the world from new perspectives. An advocate for human rights and dignity in death following his Alzheimer's diagnosis, Pratchett used his stories to inspire change in the real world as well as in the fictional ones he created.

5-Book Collection Terry Pratchett Discworld Novels

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The Color of Magic

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Night Watch

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Equal Rites

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Diana Wynne Jones

Diana Wynne Jones, an inspiration to Terry Pratchett, is best known for Howl's Moving Castle and the Chronicles of Chrestomanci. Her children's books have inspired generations of avid readers, offering dreamworlds they can imagine themselves in. Her influence extends beyond literature, as seen in Studio Ghibli's adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle. Many believe that without Jones's uniquely British take on magic, growth, and self-discovery, the world might never have seen the boy who lived.

Howl's Moving Castle

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The Chronicles of Chrestomanci

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Unexpected Magic: Collected Stories

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A Tale of Time City

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