What are the best old school fantasy novels?

I would recommend 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll. It's a very imaginative old school fantasy with all those strange characters like the Cheshire Cat. 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' by L. Frank Baum is also great. It takes Dorothy on a journey through the magical land of Oz. And 'Gormenghast' by Mervyn Peake is a very atmospheric and unique old school fantasy with its dark and gothic setting.

One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their initial misunderstandings and gradual falling in love is beautifully written. The social commentary in the novel also adds depth to the love story.

Well, 'The Sword of Shannara' by Terry Brooks is a classic old school fantasy novel. It has elements like a young hero on a quest, a dark wizard as the antagonist, and a world filled with magic and mystery. Then there's 'Dragonlance Chronicles' which is famous for its detailed world - building, especially regarding the dragons and the different races like elves, dwarves, and humans. Also, 'Elric of Melniboné' by Michael Moorcock is a great example. It features a brooding anti - hero and a dark, complex world of sorcery and chaos.

One of the best old fantasy novels is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic that takes readers on an epic journey through Middle - earth, filled with hobbits, wizards, and epic battles against the forces of evil. Another great one is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll, which is a whimsical and surreal adventure full of strange creatures and curious situations.

Another excellent one is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. The tempestuous love between Heathcliff and Catherine is set against the wild moors of Yorkshire. It's a complex and passionate love story that delves deep into the human psyche.

Old school fantasy novels influenced modern fantasy in numerous ways. Their use of mythology and folklore was a big influence. Works like 'A Wizard of Earthsea' drew on ancient myths, and modern fantasy often does the same. Old school novels also influenced the way stories are told. The linear narrative structure of many old school works, like 'Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser' stories, is still a common way to tell a fantasy story today. Moreover, the moral and ethical themes in old school fantasy, such as good vs. evil in 'The Lord of the Rings', continue to be explored in modern fantasy, but often with more nuanced perspectives.

Old school novels often have a more straightforward narrative structure. They usually focus on classic themes like love, adventure, and moral lessons. For example, in many old school adventure novels, the hero goes on a journey, faces challenges, and overcomes them through courage and determination.

Some of the best old school space science fiction books are '2001: A Space Odyssey' by Arthur C. Clarke. It's a classic that explores the mystery of space, human evolution, and artificial intelligence in a very engaging way. Another great one is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and richly detailed universe with politics, religion, and ecology all intertwined in a desert planet setting. And 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is also highly regarded. It presents a grand vision of a galactic empire and the science of psychohistory.

Some of the top old school science fiction books include 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It's about a young boy named Ender who is trained to fight in a future war against an alien race. The book delves into themes like leadership, morality, and the psychology of children. Also, 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller Jr. is a great one. It's set in a post - apocalyptic world where the Catholic Church plays a major role in preserving knowledge from the pre - apocalyptic era. It's a thought - provoking look at how society can rebuild after a great disaster.

Sure. 'Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen is a great choice. It has a simple yet engaging plot about two sisters and their different approaches to love. The language is not overly complicated, which is good for beginners. You can easily get into the story of Elinor and Marianne's search for love.