What are the most important chess games of all time? Which games are we meant to study from all the great games in Chess history?

If there was to be a textbook of the most influential games of chess ever played which games would it contain?

Does this textbook exist; annotated and discussed?

The Mammoth book comes pretty close in terms of breadth.  Of course, based on your level, there are some games that can teach you more than others.

http://www.amazon.com/Mammoth-Worlds-Greatest-Chess-Games/dp/0786705876

I think there are a myriad of essential/influential games.

500 Master Games of Chess is another great collection, and a big favorite of mine it's so entertaining.

 Alas, many years ago I mislaid my copy of 500 Master Games. I have read that the English IM and chess teacher Michael Basman intends to revamp into Algebraic 200 Master Games by Du Mont. Give it a new audience and in particular to juniors.

 I have this book and I enjoy dipping into it. I particularly enjoy the introductions to each game; a brief introduction to each player and the context of the game.