The 30 Greatest Writers Throughout History

Literature was formed very early, even before writing appeared. Literature exists in many forms, from being transmitted by memory as in folklore genres to hieroglyphs carved in stone; literature took shape even before the human realized he was also a writer.

As a field that carries both the history and culture of the world, literature plays an essential role in everyday life. Along with the development of society, literature has also witnessed the birth of famous and outstanding writers who have become legends of world literature.

1. Jacob Ludwig Karl, Wilhelm Karl Grimm – Brothers Grimm 

Jacob Ludwig Karl	Information
Full Name	Jacob Ludwig Karl, Wilhelm Karl Grimm – Brothers Grimm
Birthdate	January 4, 1785 (Jacob), February 24, 1786 (Wilhelm)
Birthplace	Hanau, Landgraviate of Hesse-Kassel, Holy Roman Empire
Nationality	German
Occupation	Academics, philologists, cultural researchers, authors
Field of Study	Folklore, linguistics
Notable Works	“Children’s and Household Tales,” “German Mythology”
Literary Movement	Romanticism
Contribution	Collecting and publishing folklore, preserving German tales
Academic Affiliation	University of Marburg, University of Göttingen
Legacy	Enduring popularity of their tales, influence on literature and popular culture

Real names: Jacob Ludwig Karl, Wilhelm Karl Grimm

Country: Germany

Date of birth – date of death: January 4, 1785 – September 20, 1863, and February 24, 1786 – December 16, 1859

Era: Late 18th century, early 19th century

Genre: Folklore, Fairy Tales

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are two of their father Philipp Wilhelm Grimm’s nine children. Both of them were born in a city located in the state of Hessen in Germany. When they turned 20, the Grimm brothers studied linguistics and folklore. The two Brothers Grimm have achieved outstanding achievements in fairy tales and folklore.

Through their storytelling, the Brothers Grimm created timeless classics, including “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “The Snow Queen,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Cinderella,” and many more.

2. William Shakespeare – The bard of Avon – The author of Macbeth

William Shakespeare	Information
Full Name	William Shakespeare – The Bard of Avon – The Author of Macbeth
Birthplace	Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
Nationality	English
Occupation	Playwright, poet, actor
Known For	Greatest writer in the English language
Works	39 plays, 154 sonnets, 3 long narrative poems
Literary Genre	Tragedy, comedy, history, tragicomedy, romance
Language	English
Era	Elizabethan, Jacobean
Spouse	Anne Hathaway (married in 1582)
Children	Susanna, Hamnet, Judith
Resting Place	Church of the Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon
Legacy	Considered the most influential writer in the English language

Real name: William Shakespeare

Country: England

Date of birth – date of death: April 23, 1564 – April 23, 1616

Era: 16th century

Genre: History, Tragedy

Before his time, William Shakespeare, an English poet, and playwright, were often recognized as Britain’s greatest outstanding novelist and dramatist. His theatrical works fall into three categories: Comedy, Tragedy, and History, and include such classic works as Hamlet, Romeo, and Juliet, etc.

William Shakespeare is also regarded as a teacher of Western literature due to his contributions to storytelling, character development, plot, and tragedy. William Shakespeare is also regarded by linguists to have coined several new terms that were eventually included in dictionaries.

3. Lev Tolstoy – The author of War and Peace

	Information
Full Name	Lev Tolstoy – The author of War and Peace
Native Name	Лев Николаевич Толстой
Birthdate	September 9, 1828
Birthplace	Yasnaya Polyana, Russian Empire
Death	November 20, 1910
Occupation	Writer, Religious Thinker
Genres	Novel, Novella, Short Story, Play, Essay, Autobiography
Literary Movement	Realism
Notable Works	War and Peace, Anna Karenina, The Death of Ivan Ilyich
Subjects	Christian Anarchism, Pacifism
Language	Russian
Education	Studied law and oriental languages at Kazan University (incomplete)
Notable Awards	Griboyedov Prize (1892)
Spouse	Sophia Behrs (married in 1862)
Children	13
Influence	Inspired Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
Beliefs	Christian Anarchism, Nonviolent Resistance
Significance	Regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time
Political Philosophy	Nonviolence, Spiritual Anarchism
Founding	Established schools for peasants’ children
Legacy	Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Nobel Peace Prize nominee
Family History	Descendants live in various countries
Notable Descendants	Vladimir Tolstoy (Director of Yasnaya Polyana museum), Pyotr Tolstoy (Russian journalist and TV presenter), Fyokla Tolstaya (Russian journalist and host)
Literary Influence	Considered one of the giants of Russian literature
Personal Life	Married Sophia Behrs, renounced wealth and copyrights
Early Works	Autobiographical novels Childhood, Boyhood, and Youth
Spiritual Awakening	Profound moral crisis and subsequent transformation
Philosophical Writings	Explored ideas of nonviolence and Georgism
Military Experience	Served as a young artillery officer in the Crimean War
Geographical Influences	Trips to Europe, meeting Victor Hugo
Educational Initiatives	Founded schools for peasants’ children, contributed to democratic education theory

Real name: Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy

Country: Russia

Date of birth – date of death: August 28, 1828 – November 20, 1910

Era: 19th century

Genre: Social Realism, pacifism, anarchism

Count Lev Tolstoy was a great Russian Christian writer who advocated pacifism and anarchism.

Anna Karenina and War and Peace established Lev Tolstoy as the most influential Russian author, surpassing Pushkin, Dostoevsky, and Anton Chekhov. Time magazine placed these two masterpieces first and third among the 100 most remarkable books.

The former chancellor of Oxford University claims that Lev Tolstoy was the finest writer of the 19th century. The Guardian of the United States likewise selected Lev Tolstoy as the best author.

4. Charles Dickens – The author of A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Dickens	Information
Full Name	Charles Dickens – The author of A Tale of Two Cities
Birthdate	7 February 1812
Birthplace	Portsmouth, England
Occupation	Writer
Notable Works	The Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Bleak House, Little Dorrit, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations
Spouse	Catherine Thomson Hogarth
Children	Charles Dickens Jr., Mary Dickens, Kate Perugini, Walter Landor Dickens, Francis Dickens, Alfred D’Orsay Tennyson Dickens, Sydney Smith Haldimand Dickens, Henry Fielding Dickens, Dora Annie Dickens, Edward Dickens
Literary Genius	Regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era
Social Critic	Criticized social and working conditions, campaigned for children’s rights and social reforms
Serial Publication	Pioneered the serial publication of narrative fiction
Contributions	Advocated for education and social reforms
Childhood	Born in Portsmouth, England
Early Success	Editor of a weekly journal for 20 years
Cultural Impact	His works continue to inspire adaptations in various artistic forms
Legacy	Widely recognized as a literary genius

Real name: Charles John Huffam Dickens

Country: England

Date of birth – date of death: February 7, 1812-June 9, 1870

Era: 19th century

Genre: Children, Adventure, Reality, Short Story

Charles Dickens was born to a family of common civil workers in a neighborhood of Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. He was a court stenographer, a reporter for the Morning Star, and the creator of the Daily News in 1846.

Charles Dickens began writing in 1833, and his name quickly spread throughout Europe. He is considered the greatest novelist in the English language and the most famous writer of the Victorian era.

5. Victor Hugo – The author of Les Misérables

Victor Hugo	Information
Full Name	Victor Hugo
Portrait	Portrait by Étienne Carjat, 1876
Birthdate	26 February 1802
Birthplace	Besançon, Franche-Comté, France
Nationality	French
Occupations	Romantic Writer, Politician
Notable Works	The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Les Misérables
Literary Career	More than sixty years
Genres	Novel, Poetry, Drama
Influential Plays	Cromwell, Hernani, Ruy Blas
Artistic Inspirations	Opera Rigoletto, Musicals Les Misérables, Notre-Dame de Paris
Political Engagement	Deputy and Senator
Political Views	Evolved from royalist to passionate supporter of republicanism
Spouse	Adèle Foucher (m. 1822; died 1868)
Children	5
Resting Place	Panthéon, Paris
Parents	Joseph Léopold Hugo, Sophie Trébuchet
Social Causes	Abolition of capital punishment
Legacy	Considered one of the greatest French writers of all time, national hero

Real name: Victor Hugo

Country: France

Date of birth – date of death: February 26, 1802 – May 22, 1885

Era: 19th century

Genre: Romanticism, French Revolution, Social Politics

Victor Hugo has a crucial role in the history of French literature. He is a poet, writer, playwright and thinker, and politician typical of France in the 19th century. His works span and wide in many fields such as lyric poetry, romantic plays, social novels, romantic novels, etc.

He was also a representative figure of Romanticism in Europe. Victor Hugo’s works are bold, “Art for life’s sake,” with clearly depict social life at that time, showing morality, human love as well as radical political thought, and democracy to oppose the feudal and royalist ideology that was covering France and Europe at that time.

6. Mark Twain – The author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Mark Twain	Information
Full Name	Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
Birthdate	November 30, 1835
Birthplace	Florida, Missouri, U.S.
Occupation	Writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, lecturer
Literary Works	The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, Pudd’nhead Wilson
Genres	Adventure fiction, speculative fiction, travelogue, opinion journalism, literary criticism, polemic, essay, autobiography, correspondence, oration
Literary Achievements	Praised as the “greatest humorist the United States has produced,” referred to as the “father of American literature”
Significant Novel	Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (often called the “Great American Novel”)
Education	Self-educated through public libraries
Spouse	Olivia Langdon (married in 1870)
Children	4, including Susy, Clara, and Jean
Parents	John Marshall Clemens (father), Jane Lampton Clemens (mother)
Residences	Hannibal, Missouri (inspiration for his novels), Buffalo, New York
Financial Challenges	Experienced bankruptcy but overcame with the help of Henry Huttleston Rogers
Legacy	Considered one of the greatest American writers, influential in shaping American literature and humor

Real name: Samuel Langhorne Clemens

Country: America

Date of birth – date of death: November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910

Era: 19th century

Genre: Fable, satire, satire

If in the 19th century there was Victor Hugo in France, Charles Dickens in England, and Lev Tolstoy in Russia, then the United States, although being born late, eventually became the world’s top literary force. Mark Twain is the first literary superstar in our nation.

Mark Twain‘s style of satire, conversational writing, and skillful socio-psychological description have contributed to the fight against superstitious customs, feudal thought, domination, and incredibly racist policies against black people in America during the era of slavery in this country.

7. Alexander Pushkin – The author of Eugene Onegin

	Information
Full Name	Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin
Native Name	Александр Сергеевич Пушкин
Birthdate	6 June 1799
Birthplace	Moscow, Russian Empire
Nationality	Russian
Occupation	Poet, playwright, novelist
Language	Russian
Alma Mater	Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum
Period	Golden Age of Russian Poetry
Genre	Novel, novel in verse, poem, drama, short story, fairytale
Literary Movement	Romanticism, realism
Notable Works	Eugene Onegin, The Captain’s Daughter, Boris Godunov, Ruslan and Ludmila
Spouse	Natalia Pushkina
Children	4
Father	Sergey Lvovich Pushkin
Mother	Nadezhda (Nadya) Ossipovna Gannibal
Portrait	Portrait by Orest Kiprensky, 1827
Influences	French Enlightenment, Alexander Petrovich Kunitsyn
Political Activism	Committed to social reform, joined the Filiki Eteria
Exile	Exiled to his mother’s estate from 1824 to 1826
Famous Play	Boris Godunov
Fatal Duel	Fatally wounded in a duel with Georges-Charles de Heeckeren d’Anthès
Legacy	Considered the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature

Real name: Aleksandr Sergeyevich Pushkin

Country: Russia

Date of birth – date of death: 06/06/1799 – 10/02/1837

Era: Early 19th century

Genre: Romance, Epic, Reality

Alexander Pushkin was a renowned poet who was revered as “the father of Russian poetry.” Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, and Nikolai Ostrovsky, among others, regard Pushkin to be their progenitor and inspiration. Primarily committed to literary language, he is an icon of 19th-century Russian romantic literature. 37-year-old Pushkin was killed in a firefight with a tsarist cavalry commander.

8. Marcel Proust – The author of In Search of Lost Time

Marcel Proust	Information
Full Name	Marcel Proust – The author of In Search of Lost Time
Birthdate	July 10, 1871
Birthplace	Auteuil, Paris, France
Nationality	French
Occupations	Novelist, literary critic, essayist
Notable Work	In Search of Lost Time (À la recherche du temps perdu)
Education	Lycée Condorcet
Parents	Adrien Achille Proust, Jeanne Clémence Weil
Relatives	Robert Proust (brother)
Religious Affiliation	Raised as Catholic, later became an atheist
Sexuality	Homosexual
Influence on Literature	Considered one of the most influential authors of the 20th century
Literary Movements	Belle Époque, French Modernism
Themes in Writing	Memory, Time, Social class, Love, Art, Homosexuality
Writing Career	Started writing and publishing from an early age
Significant Works	Les plaisirs et les jours, In Search of Lost Time
Political Views	Supportive of the French Third Republic, critical of extremism and bigotry
Health Condition	Suffered from asthma and various health issues
Death	November 18, 1922 (age 51), Paris, France
Burial	Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris

Real name: Valentin Louis Georges Eugène Marcel Proust

France

Date of birth – date of death: July 10, 1871 – November 18, 1922

Era: Late 19th century, early 20th century

Genre: Autobiographical Fiction, Introspection, Impressionism

Marcel Proust is a French novelist, translator, and author of the seven-part novel In Search of Lost Time, which is practically his sole notable work. In Search of Lost Time has been an enormous success, being voted 8th by Time magazine on its list of the most outstanding books.

He was considered by writer Graham Greene (The Quiet American) as “the greatest writer of the 20th century” and “writers born in the late 19th century and early 20th century hardly avoid two sources of images. Great Influence: Proust and Freud”

9. J. R. R. Tolkien – The author of The Lord of the Rings

J R R	Information
Full Name	J. R. R. Tolkien – The Author of The Lord of the Rings
Birthdate	January 3, 1892
Birthplace	Bloemfontein, Orange Free State
Nationality	English
Occupation	Writer, Philologist
Notable Works	The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings
Academic Positions	Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon, Merton Professor of English Language and Literature
Academic Affiliation	University of Oxford
Literary Circle	Member of The Inklings (with C. S. Lewis)
Honors and Awards	Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Genre	High Fantasy, Mythopoeia
Published Works	The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings
Family	Spouse: Edith Bratt; Children: John Francis, Michael Hilary, Christopher John, Priscilla Anne
Ancestry	German and English descent
Place of Residence	Birmingham, England
Languages	Proficient in Latin, created fictional languages
Inspirations	Andrew Lang’s Fairy Books, George MacDonald’s works
Impact	Regarded as the “father” of modern high fantasy literature
Death	September 2, 1973, Bournemouth, England
Legacy	Influenced a resurgence in the fantasy genre

Real name: John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

Country: England

Date of birth – date of death: January 3, 1892 – September 2, 1973

Era: 20th century

Genre: Fantasy, Legendarium

J. R. R. Tolkien is a British author who fought in World War I and taught linguistics at Oxford University. The world of Middle-Earth in the works of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit that he created has a tremendous amount of history, geography, language, race, etc., making it he became the most fantastic author of fantasy literature, and the world he created was called Legendarium; there was even a study of that world, called Tolkienology.

10. George Orwell – The author of Animal Farm

George Orwell	Information
Full Name	George Orwell – The author of Animal Farm
Birthdate	25 June 1903
Birthplace	Motihari, Bengal, British India
Nationality	English
Education	Eton College
Occupations	Novelist, essayist, journalist, critic
Writing Style	Lucid prose, social criticism
Political Views	Opposition to totalitarianism, support of democratic socialism
Notable Works	Animal Farm, Nineteen Eighty-Four
Literary Contributions	Allegorical fiction, dystopian novels, literary criticism, poetry, polemical journalism
Key Non-Fiction Works	The Road to Wigan Pier, Homage to Catalonia
Professional Background	Former Imperial policeman in Burma
Influences	H.G. Wells
Famous Neologisms	“Big Brother,” “Thought Police,” “Newspeak,” “doublethink”
Recognition	Ranked second among “The 50 greatest British writers since 1945” by The Times
Legacy	Orwellian as an adjective to describe totalitarian practices

Real name: Eric Arthur Blair

Country: England

Date of birth – date of death: June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950

Era: 20th century

Genre: Politics, Society

George Orwell was a renowned English author and journalist and one of the 20th century’s most acclaimed authors.

George Orwell was born into a “lower middle class” family. He joined the police force in Burma (when it was part of the United Kingdom), battled the Nazis in Spain, and worked as a guard, teacher, and journalist.

Animal Farm (1984) are literary classic on politics against Soviet Communism, especially Stalin. George Orwell has always advocated for the people and democracy, so he firmly believed in Democratic Socialism in Northern Europe.

11. Franz Kafka – The author of The Metamorphosis

Franz Kafka	Information
Full Name	Franz Kafka – The author of The Metamorphosis
Birthdate	3 July 1883
Birthplace	Prague, Kingdom of Bohemia, Austria-Hungary
Died	3 June 1924 (aged 40), Kierling, Lower Austria, Austria
Resting Place	New Jewish Cemetery, Prague-Žižkov
Citizenship	General Austrian citizenship, Czechoslovakia
Alma Mater	German Charles-Ferdinand University
Occupations	Novelist, short story writer, insurance officer
Notable Work	The Metamorphosis, The Trial, The Castle
Literary Style	Fusion of realism and the fantastic
Themes Explored	Alienation, existential anxiety, guilt, absurdity
Major Contributions	Major figure of 20th-century literature
Influence	Coined the term “Kafkaesque”; influenced various fields
Writing Habits	Prolific writer; wrote mostly at night
Personal Struggles	Persistent self-doubt; burned majority of his work
Childhood	Raised in a middle-class German-speaking Jewish family
Education	Studied law and completed a degree in law
Employment	Worked as an insurance officer and law clerk
Relationship Status	Engaged multiple times but never married
Death	Died at the age of 40 from tuberculosis
Language Skills	Fluent in German and Czech; primarily wrote in German
Close Friend	Max Brod, literary executor and lifelong friend

Real name: Franz Kafka

Country: Czech Republic

Date of birth – date of death: 03/07/1883 – 03/06/1924

Era: Late 19th century, early 20th century

Genre: Irrational Literature, Social Psychology, Surrealism

Franz Kafka, a German-language novelist of Austro-Hungarian descent, is regarded by critics as one of the most important writers of the 20th century.

Frequently, his writings are bizarre, illogical, and an introduction to Existentialism. In his will, Franz Kafka instructed his close friend Max Brod to burn any unfinished writings, but Max Brod edited and released the text.

The works published after Franz Kafka’s death are called Final Editions, including two of Franz Kafka’s three typical works, The Trial, The Castle; other is Amerika which made Franz Kafka’s name during his lifetime.

12. Dostoevsky – The author of Crime and Punishment

Fyodor Dostoevsky	Information
Full Name	Fyodor Dostoevsky
Native Name	Фёдор Михайлович Достоевский
Born	11 November 1821, Moscow, Russian Empire
Died	9 February 1881, Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire
Occupation	Novelist, short story writer, essayist, journalist
Language	Russian
Education	Nikolayev Military Engineering Institute
Notable Works	Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, Demons, The Brothers Karamazov
Literary Movement	Realism, naturalism
Influences	Widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists in world literature, influenced writers globally
Translations	Works translated into over 170 languages

Real name: Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky

Country: Russia

Date of birth – date of death: November 11, 1821 – February 9, 1881

Era: 19th century

Genre: Social Psychology, Social Politics, Social Realism, Existentialism

Dostoevsky, along with Lev Tolstoy, is two of the greatest Russian writers of the 19th century. Critics highly regard him, most of whom see him as the founder or herald of existentialism.

In Russia, after the October Revolution, Dostoevsky’s works were not recognized, and it was not until 1972 that Dostoevsky was re-recognized and appreciated adequately in his homeland.

13. Goethe – The author of Faust

Goethe The	Information
Full Name	Goethe – The author of Faust
Birthdate	August 28, 1749
Birthplace	Free Imperial City of Frankfurt, Holy Roman Empire
Nationality	German
Occupation	Poet, playwright, novelist, scientist, statesman, theatre director, critic
Language	German
Education	Studied law at Leipzig University and University of Strasbourg
Literary Movement	Sturm und Drang, Weimar Classicism, Romanticism in science
Notable Works	Faust, The Sorrows of Young Werther, Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship, Elective Affinities, and more
Contributions	Influential writer in the German language; significant influence on Western literary, political, and philosophical thought
Residence	Weimar, Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach
Achievements	Ennobled by the Duke of Saxe-Weimar, Karl August
Relationship Status	Married to Christiane Vulpius (1806-1816)
Children	5 (4 died young), including August von Goethe
Parents	Johann Caspar Goethe, Catharina Elisabeth Textor
Additional Information	Widely regarded as the greatest and most influential writer in the German language; made significant contributions to poetry, literature, aesthetic criticism, and scientific fields; played a key role in the Weimar Classicism movement; known for his friendship with Friedrich Schiller; considered one of the greatest novelists in history

Real name: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Country: Germany

Date of birth – date of death: August 28, 1749 – March 22, 1832

Era: Late 18th century, early 19th century

Genre: Enlightenment, Romanticism

Goethe is one of the most brilliant great individuals in global literature since, in addition to being a writer and poet, he is also a dramatist, scientist, and painter.

Goethe’s most famous work is Faust, with two parts composed in the form of poetic drama, considered the pinnacle of world literature. Goethe is a familiar figure in German literature, bringing literature out of the Weimar classical school.

14. Voltaire – Writer behind Letters on the Quakers

Voltaire Writer	Information
Full Name	Voltaire – François-Marie Arouet
Portrait	Portrait by Nicolas de Largillière, c. 1720s
Birthdate	21 November 1694
Birthplace	Paris, Kingdom of France
Occupation	Writer, Philosopher, Historian
Education	Collège Louis-le-Grand
Literary Movement	Enlightenment, Classicism
Notable Works	Candide, The Maid of Orleans, The Age of Louis XIV
Genres	Fiction (novella, short story, tragedy, poetry) Non-fiction (essays, histories)
Subjects	Religious intolerance, freedom of speech, separation of church and state
Influences	Francis Bacon, Pierre Bayle, Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, Miguel de Cervantes, Plato, Cicero, Émilie de Chatelet, Confucius, Pierre Corneille, Epicurus, Homer, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, John Locke, Lucian, Lucretius, Jean Meslier, Molière, Isaac Newton, Alexander Pope, Jean Racine, William Shakespeare, Ibn Tufail, Virgil
Influenced	Vissarion Belinsky, Jeremy Bentham, Jorge Luis Borges, Lord Byron, Catherine the Great, Emilie de Chatelet, Denis Diderot, Gustave Flaubert, Frederick the Great, William Godwin, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Alexander Herzen, Kermani, Christopher Hitchens, Victor Hugo, Karl Marx, Napoleon, Friedrich Nietzsche, Thomas Paine, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Percy Bysshe Shelley, David Strauss, Mary Wollstonecraft
Famous Ideas	Advocacy for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, separation of church and state, criticism of religious dogma and intolerance
Notable Achievements	Renowned writer, extensive collection of works, advocate for civil liberties

Real name: Francois-Marie Arouet

France

Date of birth – date of death: November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778

Era: 17th century

Genre: Epic, History, Enlightenment

Voltaire was a renowned writer, poet, theologian, and philosopher of the 17th century. Born in Paris to a family of mandarins and nobles, he was educated by Jesuits and was fluent in Greek, Latin, English, Italian, and Spanish.

Despite coming from a family of lords and mandarins, he was hostile to the French feudal court as well as the Church. Voltaire is considered the most influential philosopher then, even though his thought was full of prejudices such as racism, contempt for the bourgeoisie, and no respect for democracy, etc., later criticized by Victor Hugo in Les Miserables.

However, it can be said that Voltaire is a great writer who understood history and epics, especially having a strong influence on the later Enlightenment.

15. Ernest Hemingway – The author of For Whom the Bell Tolls

Ernest Hemingway	Information
Full Name	Ernest Hemingway – The author of For Whom the Bell Tolls
Born	July 21, 1899, Oak Park, Illinois, U.S.
Died	July 2, 1961, Ketchum, Idaho, U.S.
Notable Works	The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Old Man and the Sea
Notable Awards	Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1953), Nobel Prize in Literature (1954)
Spouses	Hadley Richardson, Pauline Pfeiffer, Martha Gellhorn, Mary Welsh
Children	Jack, Patrick, Gloria

Real name: Ernest Miller Hemingway

America

Date of birth – date of death: July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961

Era: 20th century

Genre: War, Romance

Ernest Hemingway is a French-American author who was a member of the “Lost Group” – the generation of young people who lived through the First World War. Hemingway invented the phrase “Lost Generation” and made it a household term.

Using the famed “iceberg technique” in writing, Ernest Hemingway has become the greatest contemporary American author. Many believe Ernest Hemingway to be even better than F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby, despite the fact that the two are close friends. Ernest Hemingway’s “iceberg principle” is a literary masterpiece and one of his most renowned writings.

In 1954, Ernest Hemingway was awarded both the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature for The Old Man and the Sea. Ernest Hemingway committed himself with a shotgun at his house in 1961.

16. Arthur Conan Doyle – The author of Sherlock Holmes series

Arthur Conan Doyle	Information
Full Name	Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle KStJ DL
Birthdate	May 22, 1859
Birthplace	Edinburgh, Scotland
Death	July 7, 1930
Occupation	Writer, Physician
Education	University of Edinburgh Medical School
Genre	Detective Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Historical Novels, Non-fiction
Notable Works	Sherlock Holmes series, Professor Challenger stories, Brigadier Gerard stories
Spouse	Louisa Hawkins (m. 1885; died 1906), Jean Leckie (m. 1907)
Children	5 (including Adrian and Jean)
Literary Legacy	Created the iconic character Sherlock Holmes; Pioneered crime fiction; Contributions to fantasy and science fiction genres; Notable works beyond Sherlock Holmes series
Medical Background	Practiced as a physician; Specialized in ophthalmology; Advocated for compulsory vaccination
Education Journey	Attended Jesuit preparatory school and Stonyhurst College; Studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh
Writing Career	Published numerous short stories, plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels
Influences	Inspired by his former university teacher Joseph Bell; Incorporation of deductive reasoning in Holmes’ character

Real name: Arthur Conan Doyle

Country: Scotland

Date of birth – date of death: May 22, 1859 – July 7, 1930

Era: Late 19th century, early 20th century

Genre: Mystery, History

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Ireland but subsequently obtained Scottish nationality; he is regarded as the monarch of the detective genre, and his book The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes has become a classic in detective fiction. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth.

17. Agatha Christie – The author of Death on the Nile

Agatha Christie	Information
Full Name	Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller)
Profession	English writer
Known For	Writing 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections
Fictional Detectives	Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple
Notable Work	The Mousetrap – World’s longest-running play
Pseudonym	Mary Westmacott (used for six novels)
Awards and Honors	Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1971
Translations	Most-translated individual author according to UNESCO’s Index Translationum
Best-Selling Books	And Then There Were None – Approximately 100 million copies sold
Longest Initial Run	The Mousetrap – World record for the longest initial run in the West End
Personal Life	Married to Archibald Christie (1914-1928) and Max Mallowan (1930 until her death)
Children	One daughter, Rosalind Hicks
Archaeological Work	Participated in archaeological digs in the Middle East with her second husband, Max Mallowan
Educational Background	Home-schooled in Torquay, later attended Miss Guyer’s Girls’ School and education in Paris
Literary Beginnings	First novel published in 1920: The Mysterious Affair at Styles, featuring detective Hercule Poirot
Legacy	Adaptation of her works in television, radio, video games, and graphic novels; over 30 feature films based on her books
Birthdate	September 15, 1890
Birthplace	Torquay, Devon, England
Death	January 12, 1976
Place of Death	Winterbrook House, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, England

Real name: Agatha Mary Clarissa

Country: England

Date of birth – date of death: September 15, 1890 – January 12, 1976

Era: 20th century

Genre: Detective, Romance

If Sherlock Holmes is the king, Agatha Christie is the queen of detective fiction. Just behind Shakespeare, Agatha Christie is the best-selling writer of all time in the detective fiction genre. Agatha Christie is projected to have sold around 1 billion copies in English and 1 billion copies in translations into other languages worldwide.

18. F. Scott Fitzgerald – The author of Tender is the Night

F Scott Fitzgerald	Information
Full Name	F. Scott Fitzgerald – The author of Tender is the Night
Birthdate	September 24, 1896
Birthplace	Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Death	December 21, 1940 (aged 44) in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Resting Place	Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Rockville, Maryland, U.S.
Occupation	Novelist, essayist, short story writer
Notable Works	The Beautiful and Damned, Tales of the Jazz Age, The Great Gatsby, Tender Is the Night
Literary Achievements	Widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century
Spouse	Zelda Sayre (married in 1920)
Children	Frances Scott Fitzgerald
Education	Princeton University (attended)
Writing Style	Known for depicting the flamboyance and excess of the Jazz Age
Notable Connections	Friendships with literary critic Edmund Wilson and writer John Peale Bishop
Associated Term	Popularized the term “Jazz Age” in his short story collection
Legacy	The Great Gatsby hailed as a “Great American Novel”
Additional Information	– Born into a middle-class family in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Real name: Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald

America

Date of birth – date of death: September 24, 1896 – December 21, 1940

Era: 20th century

Genre: Social Criticism, Social Psychology

Alongside his close friend Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of the best authors of “The Lost Generation.” Gatsby is said to have shown the opposite of the “American ideal” and the “jazz age” and is one of the “four foundations” of contemporary American literature.

19. J. D. Salinger – The author of The Catcher in the Rye

J D Salinger	Information
Full Name	J. D. Salinger – The author of The Catcher in the Rye
Birthdate	January 1, 1919
Birthplace	New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Author, Writer
Language	English
Education	New York University, Ursinus College, Columbia University (not graduated)
Genre	Coming-of-age story (novel, short story)
Notable Works	The Catcher in the Rye, Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey, Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction
Spouses	Sylvia Welter, Claire Douglas, Colleen O’Neill
Children	2, including Matt
Period	Contemporary
Literary Movement	American Realism, Modernism
Subject	Loss of innocence
Years Active	From 1940
Additional Information	Salinger published several short stories before serving in World War II. His critically acclaimed story “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” appeared in The New Yorker. The Catcher in the Rye became an immediate popular success, depicting adolescent alienation. Salinger became reclusive, publishing less frequently. He followed up with notable works such as Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey, and Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction. Salinger’s last published work was the novella Hapworth 16, 1924. He struggled with unwanted attention and legal battles in the 1980s. Salinger’s parents were Sol Salinger and Marie (née Jillich). He attended public schools in Manhattan, McBurney School, and Valley Forge Military Academy. Salinger had an interest in Zen Buddhism. His relationship with The New Yorker began with “A Perfect Day for Bananafish.” He had three marriages: Sylvia Welter, Claire Douglas, and Colleen O’Neill.

Real name: Jerome David Salinger

Country: America

Date of birth – date of death: January 1, 1919 – January 27, 2010

Era: 20th century

Genre: Autobiographical Fiction, Social

J. D. Salinger is an American author whose personality is distinct. The popularity of his works led to a more reclusive lifestyle, and he ceased composing in 1965. His most successful novel, “The Catcher in the Rye,” is among the “four pillars” of modern American literature. However, it has received much criticism from critics and has been censored and cut out in libraries in the United States.

20. Emily Bronte – The author of Wuthering Heights

Ellis Bell	Information
Full Name	Emily Brontë – The author of Wuthering Heights
Birthdate	July 30, 1818
Birthplace	Thornton, Yorkshire, England
Death	December 19, 1848
Resting Place	St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Haworth, Yorkshire
Pen Name	Ellis Bell
Occupation	Novelist, Poet, Governess
Education	Cowan Bridge School, Lancashire
Notable Works	Wuthering Heights
Literary Movement	Romantic Period
Parents	Patrick Brontë, Maria Branwell
Siblings	Charlotte Brontë, Anne Brontë, Branwell Brontë
Childhood Influences	Development of literary talents, love for animals
Writing Style	Poetic genius, exploration of romantic themes
Schooling	Clergy Daughters’ School, homeschooling by father and aunt
Travels	Brief attendance at Roe Head Girls’ School, visit to Brussels
Publishing	Co-author of “Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell”
Legacy	Mysterious and reclusive nature, lasting impact of Wuthering Heights

Real name: Emily Jane Bronte

Country: England

Date of birth – date of death: July 30, 1818 – December 19, 1848

Era: 19th century

Genre: Humanities, Love

Wuthering Heights is the sole book written by Emily Bronte, although it is regarded as one of the greatest literary works. In addition to the novel Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte also wrote poetry, but very few poems have been preserved.

21. Vladimir Nabokov

Vladimir Nabokov	Information
Full Name	Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov
Native Name	Владимир Владимирович Набоков
Pen Name	Vladimir Sirin
Nationality	Russian Empire → United States, Switzerland
Occupation	Novelist, poet, translator, entomologist
Language	Russian, English, French
Education	BA in French literature
Alma Mater	University of Cambridge
Period	Contemporary (20th century)
Genres	Novel, poetry, short story, drama, translation, autobiography, non-fiction
Literary Movement	Modernism, postmodernism
Years Active	From 1916
Employers	Wellesley College, Cornell University
Notable Works	Lolita, Pale Fire, Speak, Memory
Spouse	Véra Nabokova
Children	Dmitri Nabokov
Expertise	Lepidopterist, composer of chess problems
Family Background	Descendant of Russian nobility
Childhood and Education	Raised in Saint Petersburg and Vyra; trilingual in Russian, English, and French; studied at the University of Cambridge
Exile and Career	Achieved recognition as a writer in Russian émigré community; settled in the United States; joined the staff of Wellesley College; founder of Wellesley’s Russian department
Later Life	Settled in Montreux, Switzerland; achieved international acclaim writing in English; known for novels like Lolita, Pale Fire, and Speak, Memory
Legacy	Regarded as one of the most important writers of the 20th century

Real name: Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov

Country: Russia

Date of birth – date of death: April 22, 1899 – July 2, 1977

Era: 20th century

Genre: Comedy, Educational, Psychological

Vladimir Nabokov is one of the most famous Russian writers of the 20th century with his controversial work Lolita. Later, Lolita became a world-famous novel, a “classic classic document in the world of psychiatric medicine”, containing a deep meaning of education and protection of minors.

22. Harper Lee – The author of To Kill the Mockingbird

Harper Lee	Information
Full Name	Harper Lee – The author of To Kill a Mockingbird
Birthdate	April 28, 1926
Birthplace	Monroeville, Alabama, U.S.
Death	February 19, 2016
Occupation	Novelist
Education	University of Alabama
Genre	Literature, Fiction
Notable Works	To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) Go Set a Watchman (2015)
Literary Movement	Southern Gothic
Awards and Recognition	Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1961) Presidential Medal of Freedom (2007)
Contributions	Assisted Truman Capote in research for In Cold Blood
Family Background	Youngest of four children Related to Confederate General Robert E. Lee and a member of the prominent Lee family
Connection with Capote	Childhood friend and neighbor of Truman Capote
Privacy and Legacy	Maintained privacy and avoided public appearances Posthumously published work: Go Set a Watchman (2015)

Real name: Nelle Harper Lee

Country: America

Date of birth – date of death: April 28, 1926 – February 19, 2016

Era: 20th century

Genre: Semi-autobiographical, Social, Southern Gothic

Harper Lee is an American writer, lawyer, and journalist. During her career, she wrote only two novels, but one of them was To Kill a Mockingbird, with content about racism; together with The Great Gatsby, it became one of the “four pillars” of modern American literature.

23. JK. Rowling – The author of Harry Potter series

J K Rowling	Information
Full Name	JK. Rowling – The author of the Harry Potter series
Birthdate	July 31, 1965 (age 57)
Birthplace	Yate, Gloucestershire, England
Pen Name	J. K. Rowling, Robert Galbraith
Occupation	Author, philanthropist
Notable Works	Harry Potter series
Genres	Fantasy, drama, young adult fiction, crime fiction
Years Active	1997-present
Education	University of Exeter
Famous For	Creating the Harry Potter series, which has sold over 600 million copies worldwide
Philanthropic Activities	Co-founder of the charity Lumos, established the Volant Charitable Trust
Awards and Honors	OBE, Companion of Honour
Political Stance	Opposed Scottish independence and Brexit
Controversies	Criticized for her views on transgender rights

Real name: Joanne Rowling

Country: England

Date of birth: July 31, 1965

Era: Late 20th century, early 21st century

Genre: Fantasy, drama, young adult, fiction, crime fiction

Joanne Rowling, commonly known by the pen name J. K. Rowling, is an English writer, philanthropist, film and television producer, and screenwriter.

J. K. Rowling is widely recognized as the creator of the best-selling book series of all time, the Harry Potter fantasies, which have together sold over 500 million copies throughout the world.

Using the pen name Robert Galbraith, she also wrote crime fiction. Though she became famous for her contributions to the Harry Potter series, that success cast such a lengthy shadow that she could never recover.

She is also the first writer to become a billionaire by publishing books. Anyway, JK Rowling is still a great writer.

24. Jack Kerouac – The author of On the Road

Jack Kerouac	Information
Full Name	Jack Kerouac – The author of On the Road
Birth	March 12, 1922, Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
Death	October 21, 1969, St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S.
Occupation	Novelist, Poet
Alma Mater	Columbia University
Literary Movement	Beat Generation, Franco American
Notable Works	On the Road, The Dharma Bums, Big Sur, Desolation Angels
Spouse	Edie Parker (m. 1944; div. 1948), Joan Haverty (m. 1950; div. 1951), Stella Sampas (m. 1966)
Children	Jan Kerouac
Legacy	Influential figure in the Beat Generation, inspiring cultural icons like Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Jerry Garcia, and the Doors
Writing Style	Known for his spontaneous prose
Themes	Catholic spirituality, jazz, travel, promiscuity, life in New York City, Buddhism, drugs, poverty
Cause of Death	Abdominal hemorrhage due to a lifetime of heavy drinking
Published Works	12 novels and numerous poetry volumes
Unseen Works	Several previously unpublished works have been published
Language Skills	Bilingual in English and French
Childhood Tragedy	Loss of his brother Gerard at a young age
Athletics	Talented football player and wrestler
Scholarships	Offered scholarships from Boston College, Notre Dame, and Columbia University
Circle of Influence	Associated with Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, Neal Cassady, and others
Military Service	Served in the United States Merchant Marine and United States Navy Reserves
First Published Novel	The Town and the City (1950)
Posthumous Recognition	Literary prestige has grown since his death

Real name: Jack Kerouac

Country: America

Date of birth – date of death: March 12, 1922 – October 21, 1969

Era: 20th century

Genre: Religion, Society, Travel, Music

Jack Kerouac is the last name with the work On the Road in the “four pillars” of modern American literature. He is regarded as the antithesis of literary iconography. At 47, Jack Kerouac died of internal bleeding caused by alcohol abuse.

25. Miguel de Cervantes The author of Don Quixote

El Manco de	Information
Full Name	Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Birthdate	29 September 1547 (assumed)
Birthplace	Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Nationality	Spanish
Occupation	Writer, soldier, tax collector
Literary Works	– Don Quixote
Spouse	Catalina de Salazar y Palacios
Children	– Isabel (illegitimate)
Notable Nickname	El Manco de Lepanto (The one-handed man of Lepanto)
Language	Spanish
Literary Impact	– Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language

Real name: Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra

Country: Spain

Date of birth – date of death: September 29, 1547 – April 23, 1616

Era: 16th century

Genre: Satire, satire

Miguel de Cervantes is a Spanish writer, poet, and playwright, best known for his classic Don Quixote. Don Quixote is the first novel written in modern European languages. The work is considered to have a critical position in European literature.

26. Alexandre Dumas – The author of The Three Musketeers

Alexandre Dumas	Information
Full Name	Alexandre Dumas – The author of The Three Musketeers
Birthdate	July 24, 1802
Birthplace	Villers-Cotterêts, Picardy, France
Died	December 5, 1870 (aged 68)
Occupation	Novelist, playwright
Literary Movement	Romanticism and historical fiction
Notable Works	The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo
Spouse	Ida Ferrier (married in 1840; died in 1859)
Children	Alexandre Dumas fils (son)
Parents	Thomas-Alexandre Dumas
Contributions	Founded the Théâtre Historique in Paris, prolific playwright and novelist
Cultural Impact	Widely read French author, translated into many languages
Personal Life	Known for numerous affairs and alleged illegitimate children
Legacy	Regarded as one of the best writers of all time, influential in Romanticism and historical fiction

Real name: Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie

Country: France

Date of birth – date of death: 24/7/1802 – December 5, 1870

Era: 19th century

Genre: Romanticism, History, Adventure

Alexandre Dumas is a French writer with strong creative power: about 250 works, including 100 novels and 91 plays; the rest are memoirs, memoirs, reportages, etc. Both “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “The Three Musketeers” are considered to be among his most well-known works. These are all famous literary works and have been made into movies frequently.

27. Oscar Wilde – The author of The Painting of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde	Information
Full Name	Oscar Fingal O’Fflahertie Wills Wilde
Birthdate	October 16, 1854
Birthplace	Dublin, Ireland
Occupation	Poet, Playwright
Notable Works	The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest
Languages	English, French, German
Alma Mater	Trinity College Dublin, Magdalen College, Oxford
Period	Victorian era
Literary Movement	Aestheticism, Decadent movement
Conviction	Criminal conviction for gross indecency
Death	November 30, 1900 (aged 46), Paris, France
Spouse	Constance Lloyd (m. 1884; died 1898)
Children	Cyril Holland, Vyvyan Holland
Parents	Sir William Wilde, Jane, Lady Wilde
Early Influences	Anglo-Irish intellectuals, exposure to French and German
Dramatic Works	Salome, four society comedies
Legal Troubles	Prosecuted the Marquess of Queensberry, arrested and tried for gross indecency
Imprisonment	Two years’ hard labor, wrote De Profundis during imprisonment
Exile	Left for France after release, never returned to Ireland or Britain

Real name: Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde

Country: Ireland

Date of birth – date of death: October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900

Era: Late 19th century, 20th century

Genre: Aesthetics, Art for Art’s sake

Oscar Wilde is a famous writer and poet. He greatly influenced European aesthetics and was the first to explain the movement “Art for art’s sake,” which later contrasted with Victor Hugo’s “Art for life’s sake” movement. His most famous work is The Painting of Dorian Gray.

28. Gabriel Garcia Marquez – The author of One Hundred Years of Solitude

Gabriel Garcia Marquez	Information
Full Name	Gabriel José de la Concordia García Márquez
Birthdate	March 6, 1927
Birthplace	Aracataca, Colombia
Nationality	Colombian
Occupation	Novelist, short-story writer, screenwriter, journalist
Notable Works	One Hundred Years of Solitude, Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Love in the Time of Cholera
Literary Movement	Magic realism, Latin American Boom
Notable Awards	Neustadt International Prize for Literature, Nobel Prize in Literature
Spouse	Mercedes Barcha Pardo (married in 1958)
Children	2 sons – Rodrigo and Gonzalo
Writing Style	Popularized magic realism, blending magical elements with ordinary situations
Significant Influence	Widely regarded as one of the most significant authors of the 20th century
Legacy	Most-translated Spanish-language author, known for exploring the theme of solitude
Presidential Tribute	Juan Manuel Santos, the president of Colombia, called him “the greatest Colombian who ever lived”

Real name: Gabriel Jose Garcia Marquez

Country: Columbia

Date of birth – date of death: March 6, 1928 – April 17, 2014

Era: 20th century, early 21st century

Genre: Fantasy Reality

Gabriel Garcia Marquez is the most excellent writer of South America, representing Magical Realism with his typical work One Hundred Years of Solitude. He won the Neustadt International Literary Prize in 1972 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982.

29. O’Henry – The author of The Last Leaf

O Henry The	Information
Full Name	O’Henry – The author of “The Last Leaf”
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre	Short story
Published in	The Trimmed Lamp and Other Stories
Publication Date	1907
Original Publication	New York World
Setting	Greenwich Village, New York City
Theme	Hope, resilience, sacrifice
Main Characters	Old artist, Young neighboring artist
Plot Summary	In Greenwich Village during a pneumonia epidemic, an old artist saves the life of a young artist by painting a leaf on the wall, giving her hope. The artist’s health improves, but the old artist dies from pneumonia.
Adaptations	“The Last Leaf” has been frequently adapted for stage and screen.
Legacy	Greenwich Village has transformed from a poor literati settlement to a renowned art center and tourist attraction.

Real name: William Sydney Porter

Country: America

Date of birth – date of death: September 1, 1862 – June 5, 1910

Era: 19th century, early 20th century

Genre: Life, society, humanities, satire

O’Henry is an American writer known for his short stories. O’Henry’s short stories are often rustic, everyday life tells about ordinary people in society, but there are fascinating, tricky, sometimes wacky plots in which they are full of humanity or social satire. His most famous short story is The Last Leaf.

30. Jane Austen – The author of Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen	Information
Full Name	Jane Austen – The author of Pride and Prejudice
Portrait	c. 1810
Born	16 December 1775, Steventon Rectory, Hampshire, England
Died	18 July 1817, Winchester, Hampshire, England
Resting Place	Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire
Literary Themes	Critique of British landed gentry, Women’s dependence on marriage, Social commentary, Realism, Irony
Major Novels	Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion
Published Works	Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), Emma (1815)
Literary Influence	Transition to 19th-century literary realism, Inspiration for critical essays and films
Literary Reputation	Gained wide acclaim and readership after her death

Real name: Jane Austen

Country: England

Year of birth-year of death: December 16, 1775 – July 18, 1817

Era: Late 18th century, early 19th century

Genre: Humanities, Love, Culture, Society

Jane Austen is Britain’s most respected female writer, with her classic work Pride and Prejudice. The character Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice, with her demanding, witty, and sensitive personality, is considered the most charismatic character in English literature.