The Most Famous Victorian Novelist, Ranked

Choose the novelist you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 15, 2024 08:29
Determining the most celebrated Victorian novelist offers unique insights into a transformative period in literature. Amidst the rapid social, political, and technological changes of the 19th century, these writers crafted stories that reflected and shaped the worldviews of their time. Ranking these novelists not only highlights their narrative strengths but also helps modern readers understand the historical and cultural contexts that influenced their works. By participating in voting, users contribute to a collective appreciation of literary art. Each vote helps to prioritize certain authors over others, thus revealing contemporary interests and connections to Victorian themes. This dynamic ranking is more than just a list; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and the present, offering a bridge made of stories, characters, and ideas that continue to resonate today.

Who Is the Most Famous Victorian Novelist?

  1. 1
    36
    votes
    Charles Dickens
    Jeremiah Gurney · Public domain
    Charles Dickens - he is widely considered to be the most famous Victorian novelist due to his iconic characters, social commentary, and influence on the literary world.
    Charles Dickens in other rankings
  2. 2
    33
    votes
    Jane Austen
    Cassandra Austen · Public domain
    Jane Austen is although she is not technically a Victorian novelist, her works were highly influential during the Victorian era and her novels continue to be popular today for their wit, romance, and social commentary.
    Jane Austen in other rankings
  3. 3
    27
    votes
    Charlotte Bronte
    George Richmond · Public domain
    Charlotte Bronte is her novel "Jane Eyre" is a classic of Victorian literature and is still widely read and studied today.
    Charlotte Bronte in other rankings
  4. 4
    24
    votes
    Emily Bronte - her novel "Wuthering Heights" is another classic of Victorian literature and is known for its dark, gothic themes.
    Emily Bronte in other rankings
  5. 5
    20
    votes
    George Eliot - her real name was Mary Ann Evans and she was one of the most influential Victorian novelists, known for her complex characters, social commentary, and psychological insight.
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Anthony Trollope
    Trollope · Public domain
    Anthony Trollope is he was a prolific author during the Victorian era, known for his detailed characterizations, social commentary, and satirical wit.
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Thomas Hardy - his novels, such as "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" and "Jude the Obscure," are known for their tragic themes, rural settings, and social commentary.
    Thomas Hardy in other rankings
  8. 8
    11
    votes
    Wilkie Collins
    Rudolf Lehmann · Public domain
    Wilkie Collins is he was a popular author during the Victorian era, known for his mystery novels such as "The Woman in White" and "The Moonstone."
  9. 9
    0
    votes
    Elizabeth Gaskell
    User Phrood on de.wikipedia · Public domain
    Elizabeth Gaskell - her novels, such as "North and South" and "Cranford," are known for their social commentary, realism, and sympathetic portrayal of working-class characters.
    Elizabeth Gaskell in other rankings
  10. 10
    12
    votes
    Robert Louis Stevenson
    Henry Walter Barnett · Public domain
    Robert Louis Stevenson - although he is best known for his adventure novel "Treasure Island," Stevenson also wrote several other popular novels during the Victorian era, such as "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" and "Kidnapped."
    Robert Louis Stevenson in other rankings

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Ranking factors for famous novelist

  1. Literary Impact
    Assessing the literary impact of the novelist's works is crucial. Consider the influence their writing had on the literary landscape of the time and any lasting impact on subsequent generations of writers.
  2. Popularity and Reception
    The popularity and critical reception of a novelist's works during the Victorian era are significant indicators. Assessing the number of copies sold, reviews, and public opinion can help gauge their fame.
  3. Cultural and Historical Significance
    Consider the ways in which the novelist's works addressed or reflected prevalent cultural and historical themes of the Victorian era. Did their writings contribute to important social discussions or capture the spirit of the time?
  4. Global Reach and Translations
    Evaluate the international recognition and translations of the novelist's works. Their popularity and influence beyond English-speaking countries can demonstrate the extent of their fame.
  5. Longevity and Endurance
    Consider the lasting popularity and endurance of the novelist's works over time. Did their novels continue to be read, studied, and adapted to different mediums well beyond the Victorian era?
  6. Awards and Honors
    Take into account any awards or honors received by the novelist during their lifetime or posthumously. These accolades can indicate recognition of their talent and impact.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Victorian novelist. 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

  • 2172 views
  • 184 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 victorian novelist

The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, saw a great surge in literature, with many renowned authors emerging during this time. Among these, the Victorian novelists are particularly notable for their contributions to the literary world. These authors explored a wide range of themes and issues, including social class, gender roles, and morality, often reflecting the changes and challenges of their time. Some of the most famous Victorian novelists include Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, Thomas Hardy, William Makepeace Thackeray, and George Eliot. Their works continue to be read and admired today, and their impact on English literature is undeniable. In this poll, we ask the question: "Who is the most famous Victorian novelist?" – a difficult choice given the wealth of talent during this period.

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