Fantasy literature has long captivated the imagination of readers, taking them on journeys to mystical worlds, introducing them to strange creatures, and offering stories that blend the real with the unreal. The 20th century, in particular, witnessed an explosion of creativity within the fantasy genre, producing works that continue to shape the landscape of modern fantasy fiction. Below, we explore 25 of the best fantasy books of the 20th century, each offering a unique contribution to the genre.
25 Must-Read Fantasy Books Of The 20th Century
1. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)
J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” is often seen as the precursor to his monumental “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. While it is a lighter, more accessible read, it still carries all the rich world-building, lore, and deep themes that would come to define the epic fantasy genre. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, an unlikely hero, as he embarks on an adventure with a group of dwarves to reclaim their stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug. Tolkien’s creation of Middle-earth, complete with its own languages, cultures, and histories, laid the groundwork for modern fantasy.
2. “The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkien (1954)
The first installment of Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Fellowship of the Ring,” introduces readers to the grand narrative of the struggle between good and evil. The story follows Frodo Baggins, who, along with a group of companions, must destroy the One Ring to prevent the dark lord Sauron from gaining ultimate power. Tolkien’s meticulous attention to detail, his creation of a fully realized world, and his exploration of themes such as friendship, courage, and sacrifice have made this book a cornerstone of fantasy literature.
3. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis (1950)
Part of C.S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia” series, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” is a timeless classic that has enchanted generations of readers. The story follows four siblings who discover the magical land of Narnia, where they must aid Aslan, the noble lion, in overthrowing the White Witch’s oppressive rule. The themes of good versus evil, sacrifice, and redemption are at the heart of the narrative, making it a beloved story for both children and adults alike.
4. “A Wizard of Earthsea” by Ursula K. Le Guin (1968)
Ursula K. Le Guin’s “A Wizard of Earthsea” is a masterpiece of fantasy that blends rich world-building with deep philosophical and psychological insights. The story follows Ged, a young wizard who must come to terms with the consequences of his actions after using forbidden magic. Le Guin’s exploration of themes such as the balance of power, self-discovery, and the relationship between light and darkness made this book a groundbreaking work in fantasy literature.
5. “The Last Unicorn” by Peter S. Beagle (1968)
“The Last Unicorn” by Peter S. Beagle is a hauntingly beautiful tale that blends elements of fantasy, mythology, and existential reflection. The story follows a unicorn who embarks on a quest to find others of her kind after learning she may be the last of her species. Beagle’s lyrical prose and the novel’s exploration of themes such as loss, identity, and the passage of time make this one of the most beloved fantasy novels of the 20th century.
6. “The Chronicles of Prydain” by Lloyd Alexander (1964–1968)
Lloyd Alexander’s “The Chronicles of Prydain” is a five-book series inspired by Welsh mythology. The series follows Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper who dreams of being a hero, as he embarks on a series of quests to protect the land of Prydain from the forces of evil. The series is notable for its vivid character development, its exploration of heroism, and its blend of humor and tragedy.
7. “The Earthsea Cycle” by Ursula K. Le Guin (1968–2001)
In addition to “A Wizard of Earthsea,” Ursula K. Le Guin continued her exploration of the Earthsea world with several sequels, including “The Tombs of Atuan” (1971), “The Farthest Shore” (1972), and others. Together, these books form a cohesive cycle that explores the themes of balance, the cost of power, and the nature of evil. The Earthsea Cycle remains one of the most influential works in fantasy literature.
8. “The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende (1979)
Michael Ende’s “The Neverending Story” is a beautifully crafted fantasy that blurs the line between reality and fiction. The story follows a young boy named Bastian, who becomes immersed in the world of the book he’s reading and ultimately learns to shape the fate of the characters within it. The novel is a profound reflection on the power of storytelling, the importance of imagination, and the struggles of growing up.
9. “The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger” by Stephen King (1982)
Stephen King’s “The Gunslinger” is the first book in his epic “Dark Tower” series, which blends elements of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. The story follows Roland, the last gunslinger, as he pursues the mysterious Man in Black across a desert wasteland. The series is known for its rich world-building, its blend of genres, and its exploration of themes such as fate, free will, and the nature of the hero’s journey.
10. “The Book of the New Sun” by Gene Wolfe (1980–1983)
Gene Wolfe’s “The Book of the New Sun” is a complex and ambitious series that challenges the conventions of fantasy literature. The story follows Severian, a young man exiled from his guild of torturers, as he embarks on a journey through a decaying, far-future world. The series is known for its dense prose, its unreliable narrator, and its deep philosophical themes, including questions about memory, perception, and the nature of reality.
11. “The Belgariad” by David Eddings (1982–1984)
David Eddings’s “The Belgariad” is a five-book series that follows Garion, a young farm boy who is drawn into a prophecy that foretells his role in defeating a dark god. The series is notable for its fast-paced storytelling, its engaging characters, and its balance of humor and adventure. Eddings’s world-building is rich, and the series remains a staple in the epic fantasy genre.
12. “The Farseer Trilogy” by Robin Hobb (1995–1997)
Robin Hobb’s “The Farseer Trilogy” is a deeply emotional and character-driven epic that follows the life of FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard trained as an assassin. The trilogy explores themes of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice, with Hobb’s intricate world-building and character development making it one of the most beloved series in modern fantasy.
13. “The Sword of Shannara” by Terry Brooks (1977)
Terry Brooks’s “The Sword of Shannara” is a classic of the fantasy genre that helped popularize epic fantasy in the 20th century. The story follows Shea Ohmsford, a reluctant hero who must wield an ancient sword to defeat an evil warlord. Brooks’s world-building is richly detailed, and the series incorporates elements of traditional fantasy while adding a fresh perspective.
14. “The Wheel of Time” by Robert Jordan (1990–2005)
Robert Jordan’s “The Wheel of Time” series is one of the most expansive and influential fantasy epics of the 20th century. The series, which spans fourteen books, follows the journey of Rand al’Thor, a young man destined to face the Dark One in a final battle for the fate of the world. Jordan’s intricate world-building, his vast array of characters, and his exploration of themes such as power, destiny, and the cyclical nature of time have made “The Wheel of Time” a landmark in fantasy literature.
15. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)
J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” is often considered a foundation of the modern fantasy genre, setting the tone for much of the high fantasy literature that followed. The story’s enduring appeal lies in its accessibility and the way it lays the groundwork for the epic conflicts of “The Lord of the Rings.”
16. “The Riddle-Master of Hed” by Patricia A. McKillip (1976)
Patricia A. McKillip’s “The Riddle-Master of Hed” is a beautifully written fantasy novel that blends elements of mythology, mystery, and magic. The story follows Morgon, the prince of Hed, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a series of riddles that will determine the fate of his kingdom. McKillip’s lyrical prose and her ability to evoke an atmosphere of mystery and magic make this novel a standout in the genre.
17. “The Moon and the Other” by John Kessel (2017)
Although published at the end of the 20th century, John Kessel’s “The Moon and the Other” is a noteworthy addition. It explores complex themes of gender, power, and social structures, making it a unique and progressive take on fantasy.
18. “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss (2007)
While technically a 21st-century release, Patrick Rothfuss’s “The Name of the Wind” draws heavily from the fantasy traditions of the 20th century. It follows the life of Kvothe, a legendary figure who recounts his story of growing up as an orphan, attending a magical university, and confronting the mysteries of his past. The book’s lyrical prose, detailed world-building, and character-driven narrative have made it a modern classic in the fantasy genre.
19. “The Black Prism” by Brent Weeks (2010)
A more recent addition to the genre, Brent Weeks’s “The Black Prism” combines complex world-building with fast-paced action. The novel explores a society where magic is based on the manipulation of light, and follows Gavin Guile, the world’s most powerful person, as he navigates political intrigue and personal conflict. The novel’s intricate plot and the moral dilemmas of its characters make it a standout in modern fantasy.
20. “The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch (2006)
Scott Lynch’s debut novel, “The Lies of Locke Lamora,” introduces readers to a world of thieves, con artists, and high-stakes adventures. The book follows Locke Lamora, a master thief, as he navigates the dangerous world of crime and betrayal in the city of Camorr. Lynch’s witty writing, complex characters, and imaginative world-building have made this novel a beloved entry in the fantasy genre.
21. “The Sandman” by Neil Gaiman (1989–1996)
Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman” is a groundbreaking graphic novel series that blends elements of mythology, fantasy, and horror. The series follows Dream, one of the Endless, as he navigates a world of gods, demons, and mortals. Gaiman’s ability to weave together intricate storytelling and philosophical themes has made “The Sandman” one of the most influential works in the fantasy genre.
22. “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman (2013)
Another standout work from Neil Gaiman, “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” is a deeply emotional and imaginative exploration of childhood, memory, and the supernatural. The book follows an unnamed narrator who returns to his hometown and recalls a strange, magical adventure he experienced as a child.
23. “The Black Company” by Glen Cook (1984)
Glen Cook’s “The Black Company” is a grim and gritty fantasy series that follows a mercenary group caught in the middle of a war between good and evil. The series is known for its morally ambiguous characters and its realistic portrayal of warfare, making it a distinctive and influential entry in the genre.
24. “The Sword of Truth” by Terry Goodkind (1994)
Terry Goodkind’s “The Sword of Truth” series follows Richard Cypher, a young man who is thrust into a battle between good and evil after he is chosen to wield a magical sword. The series is known for its action-packed storylines, its exploration of philosophical themes, and its epic scope.
25. “The Elric Saga” by Michael Moorcock (1961–1977)
Michael Moorcock’s “Elric Saga” is a classic of dark fantasy, following the adventures of Elric, an albino emperor and sorcerer, as he grapples with his cursed destiny. The series is notable for its complex exploration of morality, fate, and the consequences of wielding great power.
Conclusion
The 20th century produced a wealth of unforgettable fantasy literature, from high epics to darker, more introspective tales. These 25 books represent some of the best that the genre has to offer, each contributing uniquely to the imaginative landscapes that continue to captivate readers. Whether through intricate world-building, complex characters, or timeless themes, these works have left an indelible mark on the genre and remain vital to any fantasy lover’s library.
