The Most Famous Russian Author, Ranked

Choose the author you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 29, 2024 07:55
Debates often arise about who the most influential Russian writers are; their works span from profound novels to poignant short stories that have left indelible marks on literature. A clear, crowd-sourced ranking helps delineate not only who is read the most but also whose works continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. By contributing to these rankings, readers indirectly reveal which themes and narratives are most enduring in our current culture. Voting on your favorite authors allows you to express your personal preference and see how it aligns with the collective opinion. As votes accumulate, the dynamic list adjusts, reflecting those who have made significant impacts through their literary contributions. This live updating mechanism ensures that new voices are recognized and evaluated alongside established literary giants.

Who Is the Most Famous Russian Author?

  1. 1
    52
    votes

    Leo Tolstoy

    Renowned for his epic novels 'War and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina', Leo Tolstoy is considered one of the greatest novelists of all time.
    • Notable Works: 'War and Peace', 'Anna Karenina'
    • Philosophy: Christian anarchism, nonviolent resistance
  2. 2
    31
    votes

    Fyodor Dostoevsky

    Famous for his profound psychological insight into the human soul, Dostoevsky authored 'Crime and Punishment' and 'The Brothers Karamazov'.
    • Notable Works: 'Crime and Punishment', 'The Brothers Karamazov'
    • Themes: Existentialism, ethics, religion
  3. 3
    24
    votes

    Anton Chekhov

    A master of the short story and modern drama, Chekhov is known for his powerful character studies and the plays 'The Cherry Orchard' and 'Three Sisters'.
    • Notable Works: 'The Cherry Orchard', 'Three Sisters'
    • Contribution: Modern short story and drama
  4. 4
    17
    votes

    Alexander Pushkin

    Often considered the founder of modern Russian literature, Pushkin was a poet, playwright, and novelist, best known for 'Eugene Onegin'.
    • Notable Works: 'Eugene Onegin', 'The Bronze Horseman'
    • Style: Romanticism
  5. 5
    16
    votes

    Nikolai Gogol

    Gogol is known for his surreal and grotesque portrayals of Russian society, most famously in 'Dead Souls' and 'The Overcoat'.
    • Notable Works: 'Dead Souls', 'The Overcoat'
    • Style: Surrealism, grotesque
  6. 6
    14
    votes

    Vladimir Nabokov

    Nabokov was a Russian-American novelist, best known for his controversial and critically acclaimed novel 'Lolita'.
    • Notable Works: 'Lolita', 'Pale Fire'
    • Style: Modernism, postmodernism
  7. 7
    13
    votes

    Mikhail Bulgakov

    Best known for 'The Master and Margarita', Bulgakov's works are celebrated for their satirical and fantastical elements.
    • Notable Works: 'The Master and Margarita'
    • Themes: Fantasy, satire
  8. 8
    9
    votes

    Ivan Turgenev

    A notable figure in Russian literature, Turgenev was a novelist, poet, and playwright, best known for 'Fathers and Sons'.
    • Notable Works: 'Fathers and Sons'
    • Themes: Nihilism, the generational divide
  9. 9
    4
    votes

    Alexander Solzhenitsyn

    A Nobel Prize-winning author, Solzhenitsyn exposed the Soviet Union's labor camp system in his work 'One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich'.
    • Notable Works: 'One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich'
    • Achievements: Nobel Prize in Literature, 1970
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Sergei Dovlatov

    Dovlatov was a Russian-American journalist and author, celebrated for his unique narrative voice and ironic perspective.
    • Notable Works: 'The Suitcase', 'The Zone'
    • Themes: Exile, Soviet society

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Russian author. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or writer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1932 views
  • 180 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each writer once every 24 hours. The rank of each writer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Russian Author

Leo Tolstoy
Rank #1 for the most famous Russian author: Leo Tolstoy (Source)
Russia has a rich literary tradition. Many Russian authors have left a deep mark on world literature. They explored themes of human suffering, morality, and society. Their works often reflect the turbulent history of Russia.

The 19th century was a golden age for Russian literature. During this time, several authors emerged who would become famous worldwide. They wrote novels, short stories, and plays that delved into the human condition. Their characters often faced moral dilemmas and existential crises. These stories were set against the backdrop of Russian society, with its unique customs and challenges.

Russian authors often used their works to critique society. They examined the lives of the poor and the wealthy. They highlighted the struggles of ordinary people. Their stories often depicted the harsh realities of life in Russia. This gave their works a sense of realism that resonated with readers.

Many Russian authors were also philosophers. They pondered deep questions about existence, faith, and ethics. Their works often reflected their own beliefs and doubts. This philosophical depth added another layer to their stories. It made their works not just entertaining, but also thought-provoking.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 marked a turning point. Authors faced new challenges and opportunities. Some embraced the changes, while others resisted. Their works from this period reflect the turmoil and hope of the time.

In the 20th century, Russian authors continued to make significant contributions. They wrote about the impact of war, the struggles of the Soviet era, and the quest for freedom. Their stories often depicted the resilience of the human spirit. Despite censorship and repression, they found ways to express their ideas.

Russian literature has had a profound influence on writers around the world. Many authors have cited Russian literature as an inspiration. The themes and characters created by Russian authors continue to resonate with readers today.

In summary, Russian authors have made a lasting impact on literature. Their works explore deep themes and reflect the complexities of Russian society. They have influenced countless writers and continue to be read and studied around the world.

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