Iconic Books that Shaped Literature As We Know It

Literature has always been a potent means of communicating thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Some books have become iconic throughout history, standing the test of time and leaving a lasting impression on the literary world.

These ground-breaking books not only enthralled readers, but they also had an impact on writers in later generations, influencing the development of literature as we know it today. We’ll look at a few of these classic books and their enduring influence on literature in this blog post.

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Don Quixote, 1605

The earliest modern novel, “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes, which was published in 1605, is commonly regarded as such. An elderly lord who becomes fascinated with the idea of restoring chivalry and goes on a series of misfortunes is the subject of this masterpiece of satire. By fusing realism and imagination, challenging the meaning of truth, and providing a profound examination of human nature, “Don Quixote” defied the preconceived ideals of literature at the time. Its impact on later literature is enormous, motivating innumerable writers to try out new storytelling devices and ideas.

Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616)

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice, 1813

“Pride and Prejudice,” written by Jane Austen and published in 1813, is still regarded as a timeless classic by readers. The work, which is set in the early 19th century, illustrates the cultural expectations and limitations that women at the period faced. Austen’s razor-sharp wit, acute observations of human nature, and the undying love tale between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy makes the novel one the most loved classics of all time. It established the romantic fiction genre and served as a model for later writers who wanted to explore complicated characters and social commentary.

Jane Austen (1775-1817)

1984 by George Orwell

1984, 1949

The idea of Big Brother, the thought police, and constant surveillance in a totalitarian society were first described in George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984,” which was released in 1949. “1984” is a disturbing cautionary tale about the perils of dictatorship and the distorting of truth, taking place in a future where individuality is crushed and critical thought is punished. Orwell’s prophetic insight and investigation of issues like censorship, government control, and the influence of language have had a profound influence on literature as well as the larger culture.

George Orwell (1903-1950)

More recommendations from the classics corner in the next blog. Till then, happy reading!