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.

52451. Ivan Raos

Ivan Raos's highest rated books

52452. Linn Skåber

Linn Skåber is a Norwegian actress, comedian, and author known for her work in theater, television, and literature. She has gained recognition for her comedic talent and has been involved in various successful projects in Norway.

Linn Skåber's highest rated books

52453. Danielle Giles

Danielle Giles's highest rated books

52454. David Cameron

David Cameron's highest rated books

52455. Peter Biskind

Peter Biskind is an American cultural critic, film historian, and author known for his works on the film industry, including books like 'Easy Riders, Raging Bulls' and 'Down and Dirty Pictures'.

Peter Biskind's highest rated books
Cover of 'Pandora’s Box' by Peter Biskind

52456. Alexander Chee

Alexander Chee is an American novelist, essayist, and critic known for his novels 'Edinburgh' and 'The Queen of the Night'. He is also recognized for his essays on race, gender, and LGBTQ+ issues, and has received numerous awards for his work.

Alexander Chee's highest rated books
Cover of 'Edinburgh' by Alexander Chee

52457. Johnny B. Truant

Johnny B. Truant is an author known for his work in the self-publishing and indie author community. He has co-authored several series and is recognized for his contributions to the genre of science fiction and fantasy.

Johnny B. Truant's highest rated books

52458. Javier Castillo

Javier Castillo is a Spanish author known for his thrilling novels that often combine elements of mystery and suspense. His works have gained significant popularity in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Javier Castillo's highest rated books

52459. Otto Friedrich

Otto Friedrich was an American journalist and cultural historian known for his work as a writer and editor at Time magazine. He authored several books on historical and cultural topics, including 'Before the Deluge' and 'City of Nets'.

Otto Friedrich's highest rated books
Cover of 'Before The Deluge' by Otto Friedrich

52460. Chloe Gong

Chloe Gong is a Chinese-New Zealand author known for her young adult novels, including the bestselling 'These Violent Delights' series. She is recognized for her work in the fantasy genre, often incorporating elements of historical fiction and romance.

Chloe Gong's highest rated books
Cover of 'Immortal Longings' by Chloe Gong

52461. Manny Farber

Manny Farber was an influential American film critic and painter, known for his insightful and often contrarian reviews. He was a pioneer of the 'termite art' concept, celebrating the small-scale, detailed, and often overlooked aspects of cinema. Farber's work has had a lasting impact on film criticism and theory.

Manny Farber's highest rated books

52462. Tara Wigley

Tara Wigley is a co-author known for her work on cookbooks, particularly in collaboration with Yotam Ottolenghi. She has contributed to several popular culinary books, focusing on innovative and accessible recipes.

Tara Wigley's highest rated books
Cover of 'Ottolenghi Comfort' by Tara Wigley

52463. Judith Weston

Judith Weston is an acting coach and author known for her work in guiding actors and directors. She has written books on acting techniques and has been influential in the film and theater industry.

Judith Weston's highest rated books

52464. David Bordwell

David Bordwell is an American film theorist and historian, known for his work on film theory, history, and analysis. He has authored several influential books on cinema and is a prominent figure in the field of film studies.

David Bordwell's highest rated books

52465. Eugen Kogon

Eugen Kogon was a German political scientist, sociologist, and journalist, known for his work on the sociology of National Socialism and his book 'The Theory and Practice of Hell', which detailed his experiences as a prisoner in the Buchenwald concentration camp.

Eugen Kogon's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Theory And Practice Of Hell' by Eugen Kogon

52466. Jeremy Leven

Jeremy Leven is an American screenwriter, novelist, and director, known for his work on films such as 'Don Juan DeMarco' and 'The Notebook'. He has also written novels, including 'Creator' and 'Satan: His Psychotherapy and Cure by the Unfortunate Dr. Kassler, J.S.P.S.'.

Jeremy Leven's highest rated books

52467. G. P. R. James

George Payne Rainsford James was a prolific British novelist and historical writer, known for his adventure and historical novels. He served as the British Consul in various locations and was a popular author in the 19th century, often compared to Sir Walter Scott.

G. P. R. James's highest rated books
Cover of 'Richelieu' by G. P. R. James

52468. Rafael Santandreu

Rafael Santandreu is a Spanish psychologist and author known for his work in the field of personal development and self-help. He has written several books aimed at helping individuals improve their mental well-being and lead happier lives.

Rafael Santandreu's highest rated books

52469. Dalton Trumbo

Dalton Trumbo was an American screenwriter and novelist, known for his works such as 'Johnny Got His Gun' and for being one of the Hollywood Ten, a group of film industry professionals blacklisted for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947.

Dalton Trumbo's highest rated books
Cover of 'Johnny Got His Gun' by Dalton Trumbo

52470. Joanna Kavenna

Joanna Kavenna is a British author known for her novels and essays. Her work often explores themes of identity, philosophy, and the human condition. She has received critical acclaim for her unique narrative style and thought-provoking content.

Joanna Kavenna's highest rated books

52471. Dan Ephron

American journalist and editor known for reporting on international affairs; has written for major news magazines.

Dan Ephron's highest rated books

52472. Erik Bertrand Larssen

Erik Bertrand Larssen is a Norwegian mental trainer and author known for his work on personal development and performance improvement. He has written several books, including 'Hell Week' and 'No Mercy', which focus on mental toughness and achieving one's full potential.

Erik Bertrand Larssen's highest rated books

52473. Chris Van Allsburg

Chris Van Allsburg is an American author and illustrator, best known for his children's books, including 'The Polar Express' and 'Jumanji'. His works are characterized by their imaginative storytelling and detailed illustrations.

Chris Van Allsburg's highest rated books
Cover of 'Jumanji' by Chris Van Allsburg

52474. Alberto Denti di Pirajno

Alberto Denti di Pirajno was an Italian writer, physician, and diplomat known for his works that often drew upon his experiences in Africa. He served in various diplomatic roles and his literary contributions include both fiction and non-fiction, reflecting his diverse interests and experiences.

Alberto Denti di Pirajno's highest rated books
Cover of 'A Grave For A Dolphin' by Alberto Denti di Pirajno

52475. Ron Rash

Ron Rash is an American poet, short story writer, and novelist known for his works that often explore the Appalachian region and its culture. His notable works include 'Serena' and 'The Cove.'

Ron Rash's highest rated books
Cover of 'In The Valley' by Ron Rash

52476. John Cage

John Cage was an influential American composer, music theorist, artist, and philosopher known for his innovative and avant-garde approaches to music, including the use of chance operations and non-standard use of musical instruments. He is perhaps best known for his composition 4'33", which challenges the traditional notions of music and silence.

John Cage's highest rated books
Cover of 'Silence' by John Cage

52477. Anita Amirrezvani

Anita Amirrezvani is an Iranian-American author known for her novels that explore Persian culture and history. Her debut novel, 'The Blood of Flowers,' received critical acclaim for its rich storytelling and historical detail.

Anita Amirrezvani's highest rated books
Cover of 'Equal Of The Sun' by Anita Amirrezvani

52478. Gerri Hirshey

Gerri Hirshey is an American author and journalist known for her work in music journalism, particularly her writings on soul and rock music.

Gerri Hirshey's highest rated books
Cover of 'Nowhere To Run' by Gerri Hirshey

52479. V (formerly Eve Ensler)

V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, is an American playwright, performer, feminist, and activist, best known for her play 'The Vagina Monologues'. She is a prominent advocate for women's rights and has been involved in numerous global initiatives to end violence against women.

V (formerly Eve Ensler)'s highest rated books

52480. Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi

Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi was a Swiss pedagogue and educational reformer who is known for his innovative educational methods and philosophies. He emphasized the importance of a holistic education that nurtures the head, heart, and hands, and believed in the potential of every individual to learn and grow. His work laid the foundation for modern education systems and influenced many educators worldwide.

Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi's highest rated books
Cover of 'Enquiries Into The Course Of Nature In The Development Of The Human Race' by Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi

52481. Julia Briggs

Julia Briggs was a British literary scholar known for her work on Virginia Woolf and children's literature. She was a professor of English literature and made significant contributions to the study of modernist literature.

Julia Briggs's highest rated books
Cover of 'Night Visitors' by Julia Briggs

52482. Ed Saunders

Ed Saunders's highest rated books
Cover of 'Tales Of Beatnik Glory' by Ed Saunders

52483. Bo Burnham

Bo Burnham is an American comedian, musician, actor, and filmmaker known for his satirical and introspective comedy. He gained fame through his YouTube videos and has since released several comedy specials, including 'Bo Burnham: Inside.'

Bo Burnham's highest rated books

52484. Fran Lebowitz

Fran Lebowitz is an American author, public speaker, and occasional actor known for her sardonic social commentary on American life as filtered through her New York City sensibilities. She is best known for her books 'Metropolitan Life' and 'Social Studies', as well as her public speaking engagements and appearances in documentaries.

Fran Lebowitz's highest rated books
Cover of 'Metropolitan Life' by Fran Lebowitz

52485. Saara El-Arifi

Saara El-Arifi's highest rated books
Cover of 'Faebound' by Saara El-Arifi

52486. Alex Aster

Alex Aster is a contemporary author known for her work in young adult fiction, particularly in the fantasy genre. She gained recognition for her debut novel 'Lightlark,' which became popular on social media platforms.

Alex Aster's highest rated books
Cover of 'Lightlark' by Alex Aster

52487. Mark; Richardson Merry

Mark; Richardson Merry's highest rated books

52488. Nicholas Doggett

Nicholas Doggett's highest rated books

52489. Verena Lochmuller

Verena Lochmuller's highest rated books
Cover of 'Ottolenghi Comfort' by Verena Lochmuller

52490. Ian McEwan

English novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter (born 1948), known for psychologically acute, morally complex fiction such as Atonement and Amsterdam (which won the 1998 Booker Prize).

Ian McEwan's highest rated books

52491. Lori Schiller

American author and mental health advocate, best known for the memoir The Quiet Room, which recounts her experiences living with schizophrenia.

Lori Schiller's highest rated books

52492. Peter Sadecky

Peter Sadecky's highest rated books
Cover of 'Octobriana And The Russian Underground' by Peter Sadecky

52493. Charles White

Charles White's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Life And Times Of Little Richard' by Charles White

52494. Dobriša Cesarić

Dobriša Cesarić was a renowned Croatian poet known for his lyrical and melancholic style. He is considered one of the most significant Croatian poets of the 20th century, with works that often explore themes of nature, love, and existential reflection.

Dobriša Cesarić's highest rated books

52495. Andrew Knapp

Andrew Knapp's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Names' by Andrew  Knapp

52496. Boris Akunin

Boris Akunin is the pen name of Grigory Shalvovich Chkhartishvili, a Russian writer of Georgian and Jewish origin. He is best known for his historical detective novels featuring the character Erast Fandorin. Akunin's works have gained significant popularity in Russia and have been translated into multiple languages.

Boris Akunin's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Winter Queen' by Boris Akunin

52497. Rasmus Wold

Rasmus Wold's highest rated books

52498. Malcolm Cowley

Malcolm Cowley was an American novelist, poet, literary critic, and editor. He is best known for his influential work as a chronicler of the Lost Generation and his role in the literary renaissance of the 1920s. Cowley was a key figure in promoting and preserving the works of authors such as William Faulkner and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Malcolm Cowley's highest rated books
Cover of 'Writers At Work' by Malcolm Cowley

52499. Richard Cork

Richard Cork is a British art historian, critic, broadcaster, and curator. He has written extensively on modern art and has been a prominent figure in the art world, contributing to various publications and exhibitions.

Richard Cork's highest rated books
Cover of 'David Bomberg' by Richard Cork

52500. Douglas Harding

Douglas Edison Harding was a British philosopher, mystic, and author, best known for his work in spiritual philosophy and the development of the 'Headless Way,' a method of self-inquiry and awareness.

Douglas Harding's highest rated books
Cover of 'On Having No Head' by Douglas Harding