The Greatest Authors of All Time

Ever wondered who the greatest authors of all time are? We've analyzed 759 diverse book lists to create this comprehensive ranking of literary masters. Our algorithm considers several key factors to determine each author's position:

This system ensures that authors with multiple enduring works are recognized, while still giving weight to the quality of individual books. The rankings are automatically calculated and updated as new lists are added to our database.

50951. Donald George

Donald George's highest rated books

50952. Burton Raffel

Burton Raffel was an American translator, poet, and teacher, renowned for his translations of epic works such as 'Beowulf' and 'The Divine Comedy'. His contributions to literature include translating numerous classic works into modern English, making them accessible to contemporary readers.

Burton Raffel's highest rated books

50953. Coll Thrush

Coll Thrush is a historian known for his work on Indigenous history and urban studies, particularly focusing on the intersections of Indigenous peoples and urban spaces.

Coll Thrush's highest rated books

50954. Leila Aboulela

Leila Aboulela is a Sudanese author known for her novels and short stories that explore themes of identity, migration, and spirituality. Her works often reflect her own experiences as a Sudanese expatriate and have received critical acclaim for their lyrical prose and insightful portrayal of cultural intersections.

Leila Aboulela's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Translator' by Leila Aboulela
Cover of 'River Spirit' by Leila Aboulela

50955. Mike McHargue

Mike McHargue, also known as 'Science Mike', is an author, speaker, and podcaster known for exploring the intersection of science and faith. He is the author of 'Finding God in the Waves' and is a co-host of 'The Liturgists Podcast'.

Mike McHargue's highest rated books

50956. Pavel Florensky

Pavel Florensky was a Russian Orthodox theologian, philosopher, priest, and mathematician. He is often referred to as the 'Russian Leonardo da Vinci' for his diverse contributions to theology, philosophy, science, and art. Florensky was a prominent figure in the Russian religious and philosophical renaissance of the early 20th century. He was arrested during the Stalinist purges and executed in 1937.

Pavel Florensky's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Pillar And Ground Of The Truth' by Pavel Florensky

50957. Wang Lixiong

Wang Lixiong is a Chinese author and scholar known for his writings on Tibet, Chinese politics, and ethnic issues. He is also recognized for his novel 'Yellow Peril,' which explores the potential consequences of China's political and social issues.

Wang Lixiong's highest rated books
Cover of 'Yellow Peril' by Wang Lixiong

50958. Chung Li-ho

Chung Li-ho was a prominent Taiwanese novelist known for his works that often depicted the struggles and lives of rural Taiwanese people. His literature is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of Taiwanese culture and social issues.

Chung Li-ho's highest rated books
Cover of 'My Native Land' by Chung Li-ho

50959. Bo Yang

Bo Yang was a renowned Taiwanese writer, historian, and social critic, known for his outspoken views on Chinese culture and politics. He is best known for his work 'The Ugly Chinaman and the Crisis of Chinese Culture.'

Bo Yang's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Alien Realm' by Bo Yang

50960. Wang Chen-ho

Wang Chen-ho was a Taiwanese author known for his satirical and humorous writing. His works often explored social and political issues in Taiwan.

Wang Chen-ho's highest rated books
Cover of 'An Oxcart For Dowry' by Wang Chen-ho

50961. Sarah Brewer

Sarah Brewer's highest rated books

50962. Paul Reps

Paul Reps was an American artist, poet, and author known for his works on Zen Buddhism and Eastern philosophy. He is best known for his book 'Zen Flesh, Zen Bones,' which is a collection of Zen and pre-Zen writings.

Paul Reps's highest rated books
Cover of 'Zen Flesh, Zen Bones' by Paul Reps

50963. Joy Harjo

Joy Harjo is a renowned American poet, musician, and author, known for her work that often incorporates Native American themes and perspectives. She served as the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States, being the first Native American to hold the position.

Joy Harjo's highest rated books
Cover of 'An American Sunrise' by Joy Harjo

50964. Max Barry

Max Barry is an Australian author known for his satirical and speculative fiction novels, including 'Syrup', 'Jennifer Government', and 'Lexicon'. His works often explore themes of corporate culture, politics, and language.

Max Barry's highest rated books
Cover of 'Lexicon' by Max Barry

50965. Malise Ruthven

Malise Ruthven is a British writer and historian, known for his works on Islam, the Middle East, and religion. He has written extensively on the cultural and political aspects of the Islamic world and has contributed to various publications.

Malise Ruthven's highest rated books

50966. Marguerite Steen

Marguerite Steen was a British author known for her novels, biographies, and plays. She gained popularity in the mid-20th century with works that often explored themes of romance and adventure.

Marguerite Steen's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Sun Is My Undoing' by Marguerite Steen

50967. Leena Krohn

Leena Krohn is a Finnish author known for her works that often explore themes of reality, consciousness, and the human condition. Her writing spans various genres, including novels, short stories, and essays, and she has received several literary awards for her contributions to literature.

Leena Krohn's highest rated books

50968. David Mazzucchelli

David Mazzucchelli is an American comic book writer and artist known for his work on 'Daredevil: Born Again' with Frank Miller and 'Batman: Year One'. He has also created the graphic novel 'Asterios Polyp', which has received critical acclaim.

David Mazzucchelli's highest rated books
Cover of 'Asterios Polyp' by David Mazzucchelli

50969. Stuart Rutherford

Stuart Rutherford is an author known for his work on microfinance and financial inclusion. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of how financial services can be designed to meet the needs of low-income communities.

Stuart Rutherford's highest rated books
Cover of 'Portfolios Of The Poor' by Stuart Rutherford

50970. Zhuoliu Wu

Zhuoliu Wu was a prominent Taiwanese author known for his works that reflect the social and political issues of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period. His most famous work is 'Orphan of Asia,' which explores themes of identity and cultural conflict.

Zhuoliu Wu's highest rated books
Cover of 'Orphan Of Asia' by Zhuoliu Wu

50971. Han Shaogong

Han Shaogong is a prominent Chinese author known for his contributions to contemporary Chinese literature. He is recognized for his works that often explore themes of cultural identity and the complexities of modern Chinese society.

Han Shaogong's highest rated books
Cover of 'A Dictionary Of Maqiao' by Han Shaogong

50972. Kevin Roose

Kevin Roose is a technology columnist for The New York Times, known for his work on digital culture, artificial intelligence, and the impact of technology on society.

Kevin Roose's highest rated books

50973. Stephen Gray

Stephen Gray was a British astronomer and scientist known for his pioneering work in electricity. He is best remembered for his experiments in electrical conduction and for discovering the phenomenon of electrical induction.

Stephen Gray's highest rated books

50974. Wang Wen-hsin

Wang Wen-hsin's highest rated books
Cover of 'Family Catastrophe' by Wang Wen-hsin

50975. Jo Marchant

Jo Marchant is a British science journalist and author known for her work on topics that intersect science, history, and culture. She has written several books exploring the human mind, ancient technologies, and the science behind health and well-being.

Jo Marchant's highest rated books

50976. Ellen McGarrahan

Ellen McGarrahan is an author known for her investigative work and memoir writing. Her book 'Two Truths and a Lie' explores her experiences as a private investigator and journalist, delving into a complex murder case.

Ellen McGarrahan's highest rated books
Cover of 'Two Truths And A Lie' by Ellen McGarrahan

50977. Brendan Mathews

Brendan Mathews is an author known for his debut novel 'The World of Tomorrow', which was published in 2017. His work often explores themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.

Brendan Mathews's highest rated books

50978. Stephanie Wrobel

Stephanie Wrobel is an author known for her psychological thrillers, including the novel 'Darling Rose Gold'.

Stephanie Wrobel's highest rated books

50979. Ah Cheng

Zhong Acheng, commonly known as A Cheng, is a Chinese author and screenwriter known for his works during the 1980s. He is best known for his 'Three Kings' trilogy, which includes 'The King of Trees,' 'The King of Chess,' and 'The King of Children.'

Ah Cheng's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Chess Master' by Ah Cheng

50980. Al-Biruni

Al-Biruni was a renowned Persian scholar and polymath of the Islamic Golden Age. He made significant contributions to various fields including mathematics, astronomy, physics, and geography. His works on the Indian subcontinent and his comparative studies of different cultures are particularly notable.

Al-Biruni's highest rated books
Cover of 'Alberuni's India' by Al-Biruni

50981. Rafael Spregelburd

Rafael Spregelburd is an Argentinian playwright, director, and actor known for his contributions to contemporary theatre. His works often explore complex themes and are characterized by their innovative structure and style.

Rafael Spregelburd's highest rated books
Cover of 'Stupidity' by Rafael Spregelburd

50982. Jen Hatmaker

Jen Hatmaker is an American author, speaker, and television presenter known for her books on faith, family, and community. She gained popularity with her humorous and candid writing style, often addressing contemporary issues with a focus on personal growth and social justice.

Jen Hatmaker's highest rated books
Cover of 'Awake' by Jen Hatmaker

50983. Li Jieren

Li Jieren was a Chinese novelist and translator known for his works that depict the social changes in Sichuan during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China periods.

Li Jieren's highest rated books
Cover of 'Ripples Across Stagnant Water' by Li Jieren

50984. Chen Yingzhen

Chen Yingzhen, also known as Chen Ying-chen, was a prominent Taiwanese writer and social activist known for his works that explore social and political issues in Taiwan. He was a significant figure in Taiwanese literature and contributed greatly to the cultural and intellectual discourse in the region.

Chen Yingzhen's highest rated books
Cover of 'A Race Of Generals' by Chen Yingzhen

50985. Li Baojia

Li Baojia, also known by his courtesy name Li Boyuan, was a Chinese novelist and journalist during the late Qing Dynasty. He is best known for his satirical novels that critique the social and political issues of his time.

Li Baojia's highest rated books
Cover of 'Officialdom Unmasked' by Li Baojia

50986. Oscar Pujol

Oscar Pujol is a renowned Sanskrit scholar and lexicographer known for his contributions to the field of Sanskrit studies, including the creation of a comprehensive Sanskrit-Catalan dictionary.

Oscar Pujol's highest rated books
Cover of 'Diccionario Sánscrito Español' by Oscar Pujol

50987. Motorō Mase

Motorō Mase is a Japanese manga artist known for his work on the series 'Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit', which explores themes of life, death, and societal control.

Motorō Mase's highest rated books

50988. Adam Hamilton

Adam Hamilton is a well-known pastor and author, recognized for his work in Christian ministry and his writings on faith and spirituality. He is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, which is one of the largest United Methodist congregations in the United States.

Adam Hamilton's highest rated books

50989. C. B. George

C. B. George's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Death Of Rex Nhongo' by C. B. George

50990. Patricia St. John

Patricia St. John was a British author known for her Christian-themed children's books. Her works often explore themes of faith, adventure, and moral lessons, and have been cherished by readers for their engaging storytelling and inspirational messages.

Patricia St. John's highest rated books

50991. Thad Nodine

Thad Nodine is an American author known for his novel 'Touch and Go,' which has been praised for its engaging storytelling and vivid characters.

Thad Nodine's highest rated books

50992. Safiya Umoja Noble

Safiya Umoja Noble is an American scholar and author known for her work on algorithmic bias and the intersection of race, gender, culture, and technology. She is a professor at UCLA and the author of the book 'Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism.'

Safiya Umoja Noble's highest rated books
Cover of 'Algorithms Of Oppression' by Safiya Umoja Noble

50993. Stephen P. Robbins

Stephen P. Robbins is an American author known for his work in management and organizational behavior. He has written numerous textbooks that are widely used in business schools around the world.

Stephen P. Robbins's highest rated books

50994. Eino Hanski

Eino Hanski was a Finnish author and sculptor known for his works that often explored themes of war and human resilience. He was also recognized for his contributions to the arts in Finland.

Eino Hanski's highest rated books
Cover of 'De Långa åren' by Eino Hanski

50995. Kirthana Ramisetti

Kirthana Ramisetti is an author known for her work in contemporary fiction. Her debut novel, 'Dava Shastri's Last Day,' has been well-received for its exploration of family dynamics and legacy.

Kirthana Ramisetti's highest rated books

50996. Chelsea Manning

Chelsea Manning is a former United States Army intelligence analyst who gained international attention in 2010 when she was arrested for disclosing classified military and diplomatic documents to WikiLeaks. Her actions sparked a global debate on government transparency and whistleblowing. Manning was convicted in 2013 and sentenced to 35 years in prison, but her sentence was commuted by President Barack Obama in 2017. She is also known for her advocacy on issues related to transparency, free speech, and transgender rights.

Chelsea Manning's highest rated books
Cover of 'Readme.Txt' by Chelsea Manning

50997. Jack Goldsmith

Jack Goldsmith is an American legal scholar and professor at Harvard Law School. He is known for his work in international law, national security, and internet law. Goldsmith served as the Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Counsel during the George W. Bush administration.

Jack Goldsmith's highest rated books
Cover of 'Who Controls The Internet?' by Jack Goldsmith

50998. W.B. Yeats

William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, dramatist, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. He was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival and co-founded the Abbey Theatre. Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923.

W.B. Yeats's highest rated books

50999. Liu T'ieh-yün

Liu T'ieh-yün, also known as Liu E, was a Chinese author and scholar during the late Qing dynasty. He is best known for his novel 'The Travels of Lao Can,' which provides a critical look at the social and political issues of his time.

Liu T'ieh-yün's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Travels Of Lao Ts'an' by Liu T'ieh-yün

51000. Shumon Basar

Shumon Basar is a writer, thinker, and cultural critic known for his work in art, architecture, and design. He often collaborates on projects that explore the intersections of culture and technology.

Shumon Basar's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Extreme Self' by Shumon Basar