I'd humbly replace few (on first glance). Whether you like him or not, Fitzgerald's Gatsby(1920s) has been hugely influential, for a variety of writers and times. You still find his influences in modern novels, whereas Hammett, while clearly talented, hasn't had nearly the same effect.
1950s has to be East of Eden. It was a family tale, a philosophical treatise, a war story... not another book like it since Tolstoy.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Damn, I wish I didn't have to decide between this and Mockingbird. It's book I don't care for, but it does capture the anger and rebellion and despair and defiance many people were feeling in the 60s and 70s.
1970s--I'd go with The World According to Garp, myself. Another novel and writing style that has been hugely influential over time (and no wonder, since Irving borrows just a little bit from Dickens, in his style--lol).
1950s has to be East of Eden. It was a family tale, a philosophical treatise, a war story... not another book like it since Tolstoy.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Damn, I wish I didn't have to decide between this and Mockingbird. It's book I don't care for, but it does capture the anger and rebellion and despair and defiance many people were feeling in the 60s and 70s.
1970s--I'd go with The World According to Garp, myself. Another novel and writing style that has been hugely influential over time (and no wonder, since Irving borrows just a little bit from Dickens, in his style--lol).