The Most Famous Short Story Writer, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the short story writer you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 30, 2024 07:14

In a cozy corner of a bustling cafe, amidst the aroma of brewed coffee and the soft hum of whispered conversations, a group of friends engage in a lively debate over who the most captivating short story writers are. Each friend champions a different author, passionately arguing about the depth, intrigue, and emotion each writer brings to the world of literature. Such discussions, common among enthusiasts, highlight the diversity of talent and the subjective nature of literary appreciation. This lively scene underscores the relevance of having a real-time, user-driven ranking system where passionate readers and literary aficionados can cast their votes. By participating, users not only contribute to the ongoing dialogue about literary excellence but also help others find and connect with works that resonate on a profound level. Such a dynamic list serves as a guide, an inspiration, and a community hub for those looking to dive deep into the rich world of short stories.

Who Is the Most Famous Short Story Writer?

1

62
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author; Restored by Yann Forget and Adam Cuerden · Public domain

Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe - widely regarded as the father of modern detective fiction and the master of the macabre. His short stories are known for their dark and psychological themes.
Edgar Allan Poe in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous author of Gothic literature
- 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
2

25
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov is a Russian writer and playwright whose short stories were characterized by their realism and subtle humor. His works influenced the development of modern short story writing.
Anton Chekhov in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Russian author
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous playwright
3

18
votes
Lloyd Arnold · Public domain

Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway - an American writer and journalist who is known for his concise and straightforward writing style. His short stories often depict the experiences of soldiers, hunters, and fishermen.
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 Prisoner of War
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous hunter
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous author of all time
4

18
votes

Nadar · Public domain

Guy de Maupassant

Guy de Maupassant is a French writer who is considered one of the masters of the short story form. His works are known for their clarity, economy, and realism.
5

19
votes

W.M. Vanderweyde, New York · Public domain

O. Henry

O. Henry - an American writer who is famous for his clever twist endings and use of irony. His short stories often explore the lives of ordinary people in New York City.
6

9
votes
Atelier Jacobi: Sigismund Jacobi (1860–1935) · Public domain

Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka is a Czech writer who is famous for his surreal and absurd short stories. His works often deal with themes of isolation, alienation, and the absurdity of modern life.
Franz Kafka in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Czech
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous misanthrope
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Existentialist
7

6
votes
Grete Stern · Public domain

Jorge Luis Borges

Jorge Luis Borges - an Argentine writer who is known for his imaginative and philosophical short stories. His works often explore themes of time, infinity, and the nature of reality.
Jorge Luis Borges in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous librarian
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Latin American poet
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Argentinian
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous blind person
8

11
votes

Marion Ettlinger · Public domain

Raymond Carver

Raymond Carver - an American writer who is famous for his minimalist and realistic short stories. His works often focus on the lives of working-class people and the struggles of everyday life.
9

11
votes
Ottoline Morrell (1873-1938) · Public domain

Katherine Mansfield

Katherine Mansfield is a New Zealand writer who is considered one of the pioneers of the modern short story. Her works often explore the inner lives of women and the complexities of human relationships.
Katherine Mansfield in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous author in New Zealand
10

8
votes
Israel Press and Photo Agency (I.P.P.A.) photographer · CC BY 4.0

Isaac Bashevis Singer

Isaac Bashevis Singer is a Polish-American writer who is famous for his stories about Jewish life and tradition. His works often deal with themes of family, love, and the struggle to maintain cultural traditions in a changing world.
Isaac Bashevis Singer in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Isaac

Missing your favorite short story writer?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous short story writer

Literary Influence

Consider the impact the writer has had on the literary world. Have they inspired other authors or influenced the development of the short story genre?
Popularity and Recognition

Consider the writer's overall fame and the extent to which their works are known and read by the general public. Have their stories gained widespread popularity or been adapted into other forms of media?
Critical Acclaim

Consider the awards, accolades, and positive reviews received by the writer's short stories. Have their works been praised by literary critics or received notable literary awards?
Cultural Relevance

Consider the impact of the writer's stories on culture or society. Have their works provided meaningful commentary or insight into human experiences, societal issues, or historical events?
Longevity and Body of Work

Consider the length and quality of the writer's career, as well as the volume and consistency of their short story output. Have they produced a significant number of notable stories over an extended period of time?
Influence on Other Writers

Consider the influence the writer has had on subsequent generations of short story authors. Have they inspired or influenced other writers in terms of style, themes, or storytelling techniques?

About this ranking

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

Statistics

1658 views
182 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous short story writer

Short stories are a form of literature that captivates readers with their concise yet powerful narratives. Over the years, many short story writers have gained worldwide recognition for their exceptional contributions to the genre. But, who among them is the most famous? The answer to that question is subjective, as every reader has their own preferences. However, there are a few names that come up frequently in discussions about the most famous short story writers. From the masterful Edgar Allan Poe to the legendary Ernest Hemingway, these writers have left an indelible mark on the literary world with their unique storytelling styles and memorable characters. Join us as we delve into the world of short stories and explore the lives and works of some of the most famous short story writers in history.