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J.R.R. Tolkien's landmark works, "The Hobbit" (1937) and his legendary "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, revolutionized the fantasy genre. However, many masterpieces from earlier times, which were significant in their own right, have been left behind. In this article, I’ll highlight ten often-forgotten classics that paved the way for Tolkien’s iconic works.
10. Lud-in-the-Mist by Hope Mirrlees
First Published: 1926
Possibly the most obscure entry on this list, this intriguing story takes place in an alternate world where seemingly ordinary people live in harmony until the arrival of fairy fruit from a neighboring realm disrupts their peaceful existence. It delves into fascinating themes for a high fantasy novel, offering a unique experience for the seasoned reader. I highly recommend Hope Mirrlees’ other works as well, though most of them are out of print – this one being the exception. If you find any of her books, don’t miss the chance to read them. [Read it here.]
9. The Water-Babies by Charles Kingsley
First Published: 1863
This children's novel might not be ideal for young readers, but anyone fascinated by Victorian fairy tales and the controversies of the time should definitely explore it. The book presents overt moral lessons, as is typical of children's literature, with one character even named Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby. It addresses several pressing issues, notably child labor, along with religious and scientific themes. Charles Kingsley, a Reverend, wasn't opposed to the groundbreaking works of Charles Darwin at the time. Viewed from the right perspective, this book offers an insightful metaphor for the era's events, alongside a whimsical fairy tale. [Read it here.]
8. The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson
First Published: 1908
This novel is firmly rooted in the horror genre, but it also served as a precursor to many of the Lovecraftian writers, including H.P. Lovecraft himself. Though it is a darker facet of fantasy, the cosmic and supernatural terrors present in The House on the Borderland are as fantastical as any elves or dragons found in more traditional works. If you’re drawn to supernatural elements, this tale is a fantastic origin story for the genre’s more eerie subgenres. [Read it here.]
7. Lost Horizon by James Hilton
First Published: 1933
This novel’s legacy has extended far beyond the book itself, with the term ‘Shangri-La’ becoming famous in its own right. It’s the inspiration for buildings, gardens, albums, songs, a manga series, towns, even a region on Saturn’s moon, and a hotel chain in Hong Kong. In fact, ‘Shangri-La’ has appeared on this site before. The novel tells a captivating tale of immortality, British imperialism, and all the elements one would expect from a great fantasy. Despite its immense influence, it remains underappreciated, but it’s definitely worth reading—even if you ignore the captivating world of Shangri-La. [Read it here.]
6. The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
First Published: 1872
This charming and understated fantasy story takes the form of a children's book, featuring all the timeless elements: dungeons, goblins, princesses, and adventure. It's a delightful tale that appeals to readers of all ages, offering valuable lessons perfect for anyone wanting a wonderful story to share with children. It's even said to be one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s favorites from his own childhood. [Read it here.]
5. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
First Published: 1908
Adapted into a play by A.A. Milne (the author of Winnie the Pooh), and featured as one half of Disney’s film, "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad" (with the other half being an adaptation of the Sleepy Hollow story), this might be the most well-known of the underrated works. However, the original book is still relatively unread by many, which is precisely why this list exists. It’s a delightful children's tale about a rich toad, a water rat, a humble mole, and their adventures alongside anthropomorphic creatures, the god Pan, and of course, a willow tree. [Read it here.]
4. The Worm Ouroboros by Eric Rücker Eddison
First Published: 1922
This is my personal favorite novel. Written in a mock-epic style, Eddison guides us through Mercury, a land divided into kingdoms such as Witchland and Demonland, on a journey filled with epic battles, magical beings, and three heroic brothers: Goldry Bluszco, Lord Juss, and Lord Spitfire. What truly elevates this story, however, is its conclusion – or lack thereof, depending on how you interpret it. [Read it here.]
3. The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser
First Published: 1590 – 1596
Stepping back three centuries from the majority of the works on this list, we encounter the renowned poet Edmund Spenser. His unfinished epic poem, written in tribute to Queen Elizabeth I, weaves together faerie tales, Arthurian legends, and timeless fantasy adventure. This monumental work is not only one of the longest poems in the English language, but it also introduced the Spenserian stanza, and even contains the earliest form of the classic ‘roses are red, violets are blue’ rhyme. How could you resist reading it? [Read it here.]
2. The King of Elfland’s Daughter by Lord Dunsany
First Published: 1924
This entry is more about Lord Dunsany himself than about his work, "The King of Elfland’s Daughter." He is often considered the most influential fantasy writer before Tolkien, yet his name is not widely known today, which is unfortunate. In fact, there's even a concept album inspired by it, featuring vocals from the lead singer of Jethro Tull and Christopher Lee. [Read it here.]
1. The Well at the World’s End by William Morris
Publication Date: 1896
This novel played a key role in shaping the classic fantasy narrative. In fact, both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien drew significant inspiration from William Morris, especially from this work. Written in a medieval tone, it tells the story of a young man embarking on a quest for a mystical well, believed to bestow immortality. Another equally influential and remarkable work by William Morris is 'The Wood Beyond the World,' which is well worth exploring as well. [Read it here.]
