The fantasy genre has captivated and enchanted readers for centuries, weaving tales of wonder and magic that transport us to other worlds. 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 profoundly influenced many authors who are now celebrated as literary giants. Following MacDonald, Lord Dunsany's *The King of Elfland's Daughter*, a favorite of J.R.R. Tolkien, further shaped the genre's landscape.
As we step into 2025, the allure of fantasy remains as strong as ever. Readers eagerly dive into these imaginative realms, following beloved authors into enchanting landscapes filled with extraordinary characters and fantastical creatures. This enduring fascination provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the most influential fantasy authors and explore the lasting impact of their vibrant, imaginative storytelling.
J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien stands as one of the most influential writers of all time, transcending the fantasy genre. His *Lord of the Rings* series revolutionized fantasy literature with its intricate world-building and the creation of new languages, captivating readers for nearly a century. Tolkien's influence extends to luminaries like George Lucas, who directly quoted *The Hobbit* in the original *Star Wars* script, and authors such as Ursula Le Guin and George R.R. Martin. His works introduced many beloved elements of fantasy, including religious undertones, stunning landscapes, and unique fictional languages. Even the adaptations of his work, like Peter Jackson's *Lord of the Rings* films, have inspired a wave of fantasy productions.
### The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition
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### The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set
4See it at Amazon
### 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 grip on 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 six more books: *Prince Caspian*, *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*, *The Silver Chair*, *The Horse and His Boy*, *The Magician's Nephew*, and *The Last Battle*. The series has never gone out of print, with over 100 million copies in circulation across nearly 50 languages. Lewis himself cited *Phantastes* as a significant influence, and his Narnia books have 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 movies, and soon, Greta Gerwig will bring her unique vision to 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's groundbreaking *Earthsea* series follows a young mage's journey to find his place and freedom in the fictional world of Earthsea. These novels earned her the distinction of being the first woman to win both the Hugo and Nebula awards for best novel, broadening her already substantial readership. Her philosophical and whimsical writing has inspired creators like Hayao Miyazaki and his son, who adapted *Earthsea* into a film. Le Guin was a radical thinker, advocating for a better world through her stories and her outspoken views. Even after her death in 2018, her optimistic thoughts on capitalism and hope for humanity continue to resonate, making her a powerful and enduring influence 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 *Game of Thrones* series is not only a commercial juggernaut but has also transformed television with its high budgets, intense gore, and provocative themes. What truly sets Martin apart is his exceptional world-building, considered among the best in fantasy. From the detailed landscapes of Westeros to his expansive fictional histories, Martin's immersive worlds captivate readers. Beyond *Game of Thrones*, he has influenced TV and film through his work on shows like the 2000s reboot of *The Twilight Zone*, *Max Headroom*, and the 1989 *Beauty and the Beast* series. More recently, his supernatural noir *Dark Winds* has been successfully adapted by AMC and renewed for a fourth season.
### 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
Octavia Butler, though increasingly recognized for her science fiction, is also a crucial figure in the fantasy canon. Her imagination spanned from vampires to time travel, with her most famous work, *Kindred*, described by Butler herself as "a kind of grim fantasy." Her stories blend genre fiction with real-world issues like racism and sexism, making her a unique and trailblazing author. Butler's ability to weave relatable issues into her imaginative worlds makes her one of the most influential genre authors, and it's gratifying to see her finally receiving the recognition she deserves.
### 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. His satirical commentary and magical worlds have placed him at the forefront of the cozy fantasy movement and earned him numerous awards. Pratchett saw fantasy as a means to entertain and open readers' minds to new perspectives, famously stating, "Fantasy isn't just about wizards and silly wands. It's about seeing the world from new directions." He was also a vocal advocate for human rights and, after his Alzheimer's diagnosis, for the right to die with dignity.
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 the creative mind behind *Howl's Moving Castle* and the *Chronicles of Chrestomanci*. Her children's books have inspired generations of avid readers eager to explore dreamworlds. Her influence extends beyond literature, as seen in Studio Ghibli's adaptation of *Howl's Moving Castle*. Many believe that Jones's uniquely British take on magic, growing up, and discovering personal power may have influenced the creation of the boy who lived, Harry Potter.
### 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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