No doubt JRR Tolkien led the way for many of today's fantasy authors. JK Rowling did the same for the upsurge in YA fantasy. I believe she inspired an entire generation of eager readers. Nora Roberts set a standard for prolific and versatile writers of romance and suspense, earning success and fame beyond most who came before her.
The original Star Wars began a new era in movie series. The Superman movies of the late 70's revived the super hero genre and we're still enjoying that today. I would call both those franchises the vanguard of their genres.
What book or movies would you say led the way in their field either today or yesterday?
