The Most Famous Author of Gothic Literature, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the author you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 11, 2024 07:04
Gothic literature, with its eerie landscapes and shadowy atmospheres, has captivated readers for generations. It delves into the dark side of human experience, exploring themes of horror, romance, and the supernatural. Creating a list that ranks the most notable authors in this genre can give newcomers a starting point and offer enthusiasts a fresh perspective.
By participating in the ranking process, users contribute to a continuously updated list that reflects collective opinions and preferences. This approach not only guides readers to the works that have resonated the most with audiences but also celebrates the diversity and richness within the Gothic literary tradition.
Who Is the Most Famous Author of Gothic Literature?
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156votesRichard Rothwell · Public domain
Mary Shelley
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyAuthor of the iconic novel "Frankenstein," Shelley is often considered the mother of Gothic literature. Her work explores themes of death, resurrection, and the dangers of playing God.Mary Shelley is a well-known novel written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. It is a classic work of Gothic fiction that explores themes of creation, science, and the consequences of playing God. The story revolves around Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque and intelligent creature in a scientific experiment.- Genre: Gothic fiction
- Published: 1818
- Setting: Europe, primarily Switzerland and Germany
- Narrative style: Epistolary and framed narrative
- Themes: Creation, science, ethics, humanity, nature vs. nurture
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240votesKnown for his chilling tales of horror and macabre, Poe's work has influenced countless writers in the Gothic genre.Edgar Allan Poe in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous short story writer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous grave-digger
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous alcoholic
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person in Virginia
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous American author
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336votes
unidentified photographer · Public domainCreator of the iconic vampire, Count Dracula, Stoker's work has become a staple of the Gothic genre.Bram Stoker in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person in Dublin
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous author in Ireland
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421votes
George Richmond · Public domainWhile known for her romantic novel "Jane Eyre," Bronte also explored Gothic themes of madness and the supernatural in her work.Charlotte Bronte in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Victorian novelist
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516votes
Patrick Branwell Brontë (died 1848) · Public domainSister of Charlotte Bronte, Emily's only novel "Wuthering Heights" is a haunting tale of love and revenge set on the moors.Emily Bronte in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Victorian novelist
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous misanthrope
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous INFJ
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615votes
Joshua Reynolds · Public domainConsidered by many to have written the first Gothic novel, Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto" is a classic of the genre. -
714votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainKnown for her suspenseful and atmospheric novels, Radcliffe's work often features mysterious castles and supernatural occurrences. -
83votesAuthor of "The Monk," a scandalous novel of lust, murder, and demonic possession, Lewis pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in literature at the time.Matthew Lewis in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person from Leeds
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92votes
Jeremiah Gurney · Public domainWhile not strictly a Gothic author, Dickens' work often features Gothic elements such as ghosts, haunted houses, and supernatural occurrences.Charles Dickens in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Victorian novelist
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous author of all time
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104votes
W. & D. Downey · Public domainKnown for his wit and humor, Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a Gothic tale of a man who sells his soul for eternal youth.Oscar Wilde in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous satirist in English literature
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person in Dublin
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous convict
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous author in Ireland
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Irishman
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful handwriting
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Ranking factors for famous author
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Literary influenceThe influence that an author had on the genre of Gothic literature, including how their work inspired and shaped the works of other Gothic writers.
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Popularity and critical acclaimThe popularity of an author's work, as well as critical reception and reviews, can determine their place in history as a famous author of Gothic literature.
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Historical contextThe historical period in which an author wrote, and their contribution to the Gothic literary canon during that era can also be a factor.
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Innovation and originalityAn author's ability to create new and innovative Gothic tropes, themes, and literary techniques can make them stand out as a famous author of the genre.
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Enduring legacyAn author's lasting impact on Gothic literature and their continued relevance in contemporary literature and popular culture can also be considered in determining their fame.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous author of Gothic literature. 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
- 2190 views
- 204 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 gothic literature
Gothic literature is a genre that emerged in the late 18th century and gained popularity in the 19th century. It is characterized by its dark and mysterious themes, supernatural elements, and emphasis on emotions and the imagination. Many famous authors have contributed to the development of Gothic literature, including Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. These writers created iconic characters and stories that continue to captivate readers today. But who among them can be considered the most famous author of Gothic literature? Let's take a closer look at their contributions and see if we can come to a conclusion.
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