The Most Famous Author of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the author you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 3, 2024 07:02
Determining the most famous author of all time is a complex task given the diversity of literary traditions and the thousands of influential writers who have shaped them. It's helpful to rank these authors not merely for competition's sake, but to facilitate a broader conversation about literary excellence and impact. Such a ranking can guide new readers towards influential works and highlight authors who have shaped cultural thoughts across generations.
By participating in this live ranking, users contribute to a collective assessment of literary greatness, offering a dynamic snapshot of public opinion at any given time. This interaction doesn't just energize literary discussions—it also ensures that lesser-known authors with significant impacts get recognized. Each vote helps adjust the lens through which we view literary history, possibly introducing someone to their next favorite writer.
Who Is the Most Famous Author of All Time?
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188votes
Attributed to John Taylor · Public domainWilliam Shakespeare - considered one of the greatest playwrights in history, his works have been translated into every major language and his influence can be seen in literature, theatre, and film.William Shakespeare in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous English playwright
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous author of sonnets in history
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous British artist
- Position 3 of 10 in Most talented boy in the world
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Taurus
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous father
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234votes
Cassandra Austen · Public domainJane Austen - known for her novels that capture the social norms and values of the 19th century. Her works continue to be widely read and adapted for film and television.Jane Austen in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Jane
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Victorian novelist
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful handwriting
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous satirist in English literature
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335votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainMark Twain - an American author and humorist who wrote classics such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." His works often explore the themes of freedom, individuality, and social justice.Mark Twain in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous cigar smoker
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous misanthrope
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person from Nevada
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous satirist in English literature
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous ENFP
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Freemason
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415votes
Jeremiah Gurney · Public domainCharles Dickens is a British author whose novels such as "Oliver Twist" and "Great Expectations" portray the harsh realities of life during the Victorian era. His works continue to be widely read and adapted for film and television.Charles Dickens in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Victorian novelist
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous author of Gothic literature
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513votes
Lloyd Arnold · Public domainErnest Hemingway - an American novelist and short-story writer who is known for his minimalist writing style and his portrayal of war and the human condition. His works include "The Old Man and the Sea" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls."Ernest Hemingway in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous American author
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous alcoholic
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Floridian
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous short story writer
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Prisoner of War
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous hunter
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65votes
George Charles Beresford · Public domainVirginia Woolf is a British author who is known for her experimental writing style and her exploration of gender and sexuality. Her works include "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse." -
716votes
Vasily Perov · Public domainFyodor Dostoevsky is a Russian author who is known for his psychological depth and his exploration of moral and philosophical themes. His works include "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov."Fyodor Dostoevsky in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Russian author
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in Russia
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person in Russia
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular character in Bungou Stray Dogs
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87votesGeorge Orwell is a British author who is known for his social and political commentary. His works include "Animal Farm" and "1984," which have become classics of dystopian literature.George Orwell in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person from Hertfordshire
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous satirist in English literature
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous George
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous author of Fables
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous INFP
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98votes
Gorup de Besanez · CC BY-SA 4.0Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a Colombian author who is known for his magical realism style and his portrayal of Latin American culture. His works include "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and "Love in the Time of Cholera."Gabriel Garcia Marquez in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Hispanic
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104votes
Toni Morrison
Toni MorrisonToni Morrison - an American author who is known for her exploration of African American culture and history. Her works include "Beloved" and "The Bluest Eye," which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards.Toni Morrison is a novel- Year of publication: 1970
- Genre: Fiction
- Narrative style: Multi-perspective
- Themes: Race, identity, memory
- Awards: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Nobel Prize in Literature
Toni Morrison in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous alumnus of Howard University
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Cornell alumni
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous African-American female artist
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous American author
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Ranking factors for famous author
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Literary impactHow influential has the author been on literary history? Have they created new genres or styles, or influenced the work of other writers?
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Sales and popularityHow widely-read is the author's work? Have they achieved commercial success and become a household name?
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Critical acclaimHave the author's works received critical acclaim and awards? Have they been recognized by literary institutions or fellow writers?
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Cultural significanceHas the author's work had a broader cultural impact, inspiring adaptations, film versions, or becoming part of the popular lexicon?
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LongevityHas the author's work stood the test of time, remaining relevant and widely read years after their death?
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Diversity of workHas the author produced a diverse range of works, including novels, poems, plays, and essays? Have they demonstrated a mastery of different styles and genres?
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous author of all time. 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
- 2451 views
- 223 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.
More information on most famous author of all time
Background Information: Who is the Most Famous Author of All Time?
Literature has been a source of inspiration and entertainment for centuries, with countless authors carving their names into the annals of literary history. But among them, who can claim the title of the most famous author of all time?
One name that is likely to come to mind is William Shakespeare, often hailed as the greatest playwright in the English language. Born in 1564, Shakespeare penned some of the most enduring works of literature, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth. His influence on the English language and culture is immeasurable, with countless phrases and expressions from his plays still in use today.
Another contender for the title of the most famous author is Charles Dickens, whose novels such as Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, and A Tale of Two Cities have been beloved by generations of readers. His vivid characters and social commentary have made him a household name, and his works have been adapted into countless films and TV shows.
Other authors who could lay claim to the title include Jane Austen, Mark Twain, and J.K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide and spawned a multibillion-dollar franchise.
Ultimately, the question of who is the most famous author of all time is a matter of personal opinion, influenced by factors such as cultural background, personal taste, and historical context. However, the enduring legacy of these authors and their works is a testament to the power of literature to inspire, entertain, and shape our world.
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