Top 10 Underrated Fantasy Stories Before 1937

10
Lud-in-the-Mist
by Hope Mirrlees

Publication Date: 1926
Probably the most obscure thing I shall mention on this list, this is a rather interesting
tale in an alternate world where some rather mundane people live in peace, but are
interrupted by a flow of fairy fruit form the neighboring lands. It explores some
interesting themes for a high fantasy novel, and it is certainly something different for
the well-read fan. I would recommend her other works as highly, but most are a bit
difficult to find all but this one are out of print. Still, if you can procure a copy of
anything else by Mirrlees, make sure you take the opportunity.


9
The Water-Babies
by Charles Kingsley

Publication Date: 1863
This is a childrens novel that I might not recommend for the kids, but anybody with
an interest in Victorian fairy tales and a bit of controversy absolutely must pick this
one up. It has moral messages (in blatant form, as childrens novels are wont to do, to
such an extent that one character is named Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby) on a variety
of topics, most notably child labor but also on a number of religious and scientific
topics. Kingsley himself was a Reverend, but he was not against the at-the-time very
controversial publications of Charles Darwin. Look at it in the right perspective,
readers, and youll find quite the metaphor for the going ons of the time as well as a
fun little fairy tale.




8
The House on the Borderland
by William Hope Hodgson

Publication Date: 1908
This is a horror novel, certainly, but this was really the novel that made way for
writers of the Lovecraftian-sort (including H.P. himself). It is a darker branch of the
fantasy genre, but the cosmic and supernatural horrors found in the House on the
Borderland are no less fantastic than anything Tolkien could conjure. If you enjoy the
supernatural as much as you do elves and dragons, then this a great story to look to for
the origins of your subgenre.






7
Lost Horizon
by James Hilton

Publication Date: 1933
Here is an instance of an aspect of this novel exceeding the fame of the novel itself.
Many of you have probably heard of Shangri-La. There are a buildings, gardens,
albums, songs, a manga series, towns, a region of Saturns moon, and a chain of hotels
in Hong Kong named after it. In fact, it was even mentioned on another page here on
Listverse. But this grand story of immortality, British imperialism, and all you could
hope for from a fantasy novel. It is underrepresented for such an influential piece of
literature, and it is a very enjoyable read even ignoring the wonderful world of
Shangri-La.





6
The Princess and the Goblin
by George MacDonald

Publication Date: 1872
This is a simple, subtle story of fantasy and wonder in the form of a childrens book.
We have the classics: dungeons, goblins, princesses, and adventure. Its a rich story
that can be enjoyed at all ages, and the lessons it teaches are excellent for any readers
looking for something to read to your children. Indeed, it is said to be one of Tolkiens
favorites as a child. [Read it here.]












5
The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame

Publication Date: 1908
Adapted into a play by A.A. Milne (author of Winnie the Pooh), as well as into one
half of the Disney film The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (the other half
being an adaptation of the Sleepy Hallow story), this is certainly the most famous of
the underrated. Still, not many people have read the book and that is what this list is
for. This is a cute childrens story about a wealthy toad, a water rat, a humble mole,
and their adventures with other anthropomorphic creatures, the god Pan, and of
course, a willow tree.










4
The Worm Ouroboros
by Eric Rcker Eddison

Publication Date: 1922
This is my favorite novel. Written in a mock epic style, Eddison brings us through
Mercury, a land divided into kingdoms like Witchland and Demonland, in a journey
that spans what seems to be years with epic battles, magical beings, and three
brothers. Goldry Bluszco, Lord Juss, and Lord Spitfire. What really makes this story
excellent, though, is the ending if youd like to think of it as such.












3
The Well at the Worlds End
by William Morris

Publication Date: 1896
This book helped codify the classic fantasy story. And, indeed, both C.S. Lewis and
J.R.R. Tolkien were influenced greatly by the works of William Morris, this novel in
particular. Written in a medieval style, we follow the adventures of a young man on
his quest for the eponymous well, one which will grant him immortality. A book of
similar influence and greatness by William Morris is The Wood Beyond the World,
and it is equally worth your time.











2
The King of Elflands Daughter
by Lord Dunsany

Publication Date: 1924
This position goes less to The King of Elflands Daughter, and more to Lord
Dunsany himself. He may be the most iconic writer of the fantasy genre prior to
Tolkien coming about, yet few people know him at all these days. Its quite a shame.
Also, there is a concept album about it with vocals from the lead of Jethro Tull and
Christopher Lee.












1
The Faerie Queene
by Edmund Spenser

Publication Date: 1590 1596
Jumping back three centuries from most of the works on this list, we have the poet
Edmund Spenser. This unfinished epic poem was written in praise of Queen Elizabeth
I and details a number of faerie tales, Arthurian epics, and classic, fantasy fun. It is
also one of the longest poems in the English language, the origin of Spenserian stanza,
and the old clich roses are red, violets are blue is found in its earliest form in this
poem. How can you not want to pick it up?