Education logo

The Top 20 Most Influential Books of All Time

Books

By Şevval ÖzdenPublished about a year ago 4 min read

The world of literature is vast and varied, with countless books published throughout history. However, there are certain books that have stood the test of time and have had a significant impact on the world. These books have influenced countless readers and have helped shape the course of history. In this article, we will explore the top 20 most influential books of all time.

The Bible

The Bible is the most influential book of all time, with over 5 billion copies sold worldwide. It is the holy book of the Christian religion, and its teachings have had a profound impact on Western culture and society.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BIBLE

The Quran

The Islamic holy book, the Quran, is a central text for Muslims worldwide. Its teachings have shaped Islamic law, culture, and society and have influenced other religious traditions as well.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE QURAN

The Tao Te Ching

Written by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, the Tao Te Ching is a foundational text of Taoism. Its teachings on living in harmony with nature and the Tao have influenced Eastern philosophy and spirituality.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE TAO TE CHING

The Republic

Plato's The Republic is a seminal work of Western philosophy, exploring the nature of justice, morality, and governance. Its influence can be seen in political theory and philosophy throughout history.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE REPUBLIC

The Prince

Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince is a treatise on political power and governance, emphasizing the importance of ruthless tactics and self-interest. Its influence can be seen in modern politics and leadership strategies.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE PRINCE

Don Quixote

Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote is a classic novel that satirizes chivalric romances and explores themes of identity and reality. It has influenced literature and popular culture for centuries.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE DON QUIXOTE

The Divine Comedy

Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy is a poetic masterpiece that explores themes of sin, redemption, and the afterlife. Its influence can be seen in art, literature, and theology throughout history.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE DIVINE COMEDY

The Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories that explores human nature and social hierarchies in medieval England. Its influence can be seen in literature and storytelling to this day.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE CANTERBURY TALES

Hamlet

William Shakespeare's Hamlet is a tragedy that explores themes of revenge, madness, and the human condition. It has had a profound impact on literature and popular culture for centuries.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE HAMLET

Robinson Crusoe

Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe is a novel that explores themes of survival, imperialism, and individualism. Its influence can be seen in literature and popular culture, inspiring countless stories of castaways and adventurers.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE ROBINSON CRUSOE

The Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations is a foundational work of economics, exploring the principles of capitalism and the division of labor. Its influence can be seen in economic theory and policy to this day.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE WELTH OF NATIONS

The Origin of Species

Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species is a groundbreaking work of science that introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection. Its influence can be seen in biology, ecology, and philosophy.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES

Das Kapital

Karl Marx's Das Kapital is a critique of capitalism that explores the exploitation of labor and the class struggle. Its influence can be seen in socialist and communist movements and political theory.

CLICK HERE TO GET DAS KAPITAL

War and Peace

Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace is a sprawling novel that explores the nature of war, love, and humanity. Its influence can be seen in literature and popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations and imitations.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE WAR AND PEACE

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley's Brave New World is a dystopian novel that explores themes of conformity, individualism, and technology. Its influence can be seen in science fiction and popular culture, inspiring countless stories of futuristic societies.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BRAVE NEW WORLD

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel that explores themes of racism, justice, and morality. Its influence can be seen in literature and popular culture, inspiring discussions and debates about race relations and social justice.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

1984

George Orwell's 1984 is a dystopian novel that explores themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and propaganda. Its influence can be seen in literature and popular culture, inspiring countless stories about the dangers of government control.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE 1984

The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye is a novel that explores themes of identity, alienation, and adolescent angst. Its influence can be seen in literature and popular culture, inspiring countless coming-of-age stories and rebellious characters.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE CATCHER IN THE RYE

The Feminine Mystique

Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique is a groundbreaking work of feminist literature that explores the role of women in society and the limitations of traditional gender roles. Its influence can be seen in the feminist movement and women's rights activism.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a novel that sparked a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a generation of readers and spawning a multimedia franchise. Its influence can be seen in literature, popular culture, and the fandom community.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE HARRY POTTER

These 20 books have had a lasting impact on the world, shaping our understanding of religion, philosophy, literature, science, and social issues. Their influence can be seen in culture, politics, and everyday life, and they continue to inspire and challenge readers to this day.

book reviews

About the Creator

Enjoyed the story?
Support the Creator.

Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.

Subscribe For Free

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

    ŞÖWritten by Şevval Özden

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.