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.

53001. Cristanne Miller

Cristanne Miller is an American scholar and professor known for her work on American poetry, particularly Emily Dickinson. She has published extensively on Dickinson and other poets, contributing significantly to the field of American literary studies.

Cristanne Miller's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Letters Of Emily Dickinson' by Cristanne Miller

53002. Fosse, Jon

Jon Fosse is a contemporary Norwegian writer—playwright, novelist, poet and essayist—known for a spare, minimalist style. He is one of Norway's most performed dramatists and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2023.

Fosse, Jon's highest rated books

53003. Joe Casey

Joe Casey is a comic book writer known for his work on titles such as 'Uncanny X-Men', 'Adventures of Superman', and 'Wildcats'. He is also a member of the comics collective Man of Action, which created the animated series 'Ben 10' and 'Generator Rex'.

Joe Casey's highest rated books

53004. Petra Hammesfahr

Petra Hammesfahr is a German crime writer known for her psychological thrillers. She gained international recognition with her novel 'The Sinner', which was adapted into a successful television series.

Petra Hammesfahr's highest rated books

53005. Irena Dousková

Irena Dousková is a Czech author known for her novels and plays. Her work often explores themes of identity and the complexities of life in the Czech Republic.

Irena Dousková's highest rated books
Cover of 'B. Proudew' by Irena Dousková

53006. Tim Brown

Tim Brown's highest rated books

53007. Bernard Mandeville

Bernard Mandeville was a Dutch philosopher, political economist, and satirist, best known for his work 'The Fable of the Bees.' He is noted for his exploration of the relationship between individual self-interest and societal benefit, and his ideas were influential in the development of economic thought.

Bernard Mandeville's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Fable Of The Bees' by Bernard Mandeville

53008. Aaron Ralston

Aaron Ralston is an American outdoorsman, mechanical engineer, and motivational speaker known for surviving a canyoneering accident in 2003, during which he amputated his own arm to free himself from a boulder. He authored the book 'Between a Rock and a Hard Place,' which recounts his harrowing experience.

Aaron Ralston's highest rated books
Cover of '127 Hours' by Aaron Ralston

53009. Alexandra Hudson

Alexandra Hudson's highest rated books

53010. Larry Clark

Larry Clark is an American film director, photographer, writer, and film producer known for his controversial and raw portrayals of youth culture. He gained prominence with his photography book 'Tulsa' and the film 'Kids'.

Larry Clark's highest rated books

53011. Andy Maslen

Andy Maslen is a British author known for his work in the thriller and crime genres. He has written several novels featuring compelling characters and intricate plots. In addition to his fiction work, Maslen has also authored books on copywriting and marketing.

Andy Maslen's highest rated books

53012. Riichi Yokomitsu

Riichi Yokomitsu was a prominent Japanese writer known for his involvement in the Shinkankakuha (New Sensation School) literary movement. His works often explored themes of modernity and the complexities of human perception.

Riichi Yokomitsu's highest rated books

53013. Jun Ishikawa

Jun Ishikawa was a Japanese author known for his novels and essays. His works often explore themes of existentialism and the human condition, and he was an influential figure in Japanese literature during the 20th century.

Jun Ishikawa's highest rated books

53014. Bruno Latour

French philosopher, anthropologist, and sociologist of science; a leading figure in science and technology studies and developer of actor–network theory; author of works including Laboratory Life, Science in Action, We Have Never Been Modern, and Reassembling the Social.

Bruno Latour's highest rated books

53015. C Harry

C Harry's highest rated books

53016. James Norbury

James Norbury's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Dog Who Followed The Moon' by James Norbury

53017. Miyake Kaho

Miyake Kaho was a pioneering Japanese author known for her contributions to early modern Japanese literature. She is best known for her novel 'Warbler in the Grove' (Yabu no Uguisu), which is considered one of the first modern Japanese novels written by a woman.

Miyake Kaho's highest rated books

53018. Claude M. Steele

Claude M. Steele is an American social psychologist and a professor of psychology. He is best known for his work on stereotype threat and its application to minority student academic performance. Steele has held various academic positions and has contributed significantly to the understanding of how social identity affects individual behavior and performance.

Claude M. Steele's highest rated books

53019. Teresa de la Parra

Teresa de la Parra was a Venezuelan author known for her novels 'Ifigenia' and 'Memorias de Mamá Blanca'. Her works often explore themes of social and gender issues in early 20th-century Venezuela.

Teresa de la Parra's highest rated books
Cover of 'Memorias De Mama Blanca' by Teresa de la Parra

53020. Navaz Batliwalla

Navaz Batliwalla is a fashion journalist and author known for her work in the fashion industry, including her book 'The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman'.

Navaz Batliwalla's highest rated books

53021. Lili Anolik

Lili Anolik is an author and journalist known for her work in Vanity Fair and her book 'Hollywood's Eve: Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A.' which explores the life and influence of Eve Babitz.

Lili Anolik's highest rated books
Cover of 'Didion & Babitz' by Lili Anolik

53022. Леонід Кононович

Леонід Кононович's highest rated books

53023. William Petty

William Petty was an English economist, scientist, and philosopher, known for his contributions to political economy and statistics. He was a prominent figure in the early development of economic thought and is often credited with pioneering the use of empirical data in economic analysis.

William Petty's highest rated books
Cover of 'Verbum Sapienti' by William Petty

53024. James Wood

James Wood is a renowned British literary critic, essayist, and novelist. He is known for his insightful critiques and has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 2007. Wood has also taught literary criticism at Harvard University.

James Wood's highest rated books

53025. Robert McCrum

Robert McCrum is a British author and editor known for his work in literature and publishing. He served as the editor-in-chief at Faber & Faber and was the literary editor of The Observer. McCrum has written several books, including 'The Story of English' and 'Globish: How the English Language Became the World's Language'.

Robert McCrum's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Story Of English' by Robert McCrum

53026. Jessi Kneeland

Jessi Kneeland's highest rated books
Cover of 'Body Neutral' by Jessi Kneeland

53027. Morgan Talty

Morgan Talty is a writer known for his work that often explores themes related to Native American life and culture. His stories have been recognized for their depth and authenticity.

Morgan Talty's highest rated books
Cover of 'Fire Exit' by Morgan Talty

53028. Brian Allen Carr

Brian Allen Carr is an American author known for his works of fiction, including novels and short stories. His writing often explores themes of identity and the human experience.

Brian Allen Carr's highest rated books
Cover of 'Bad Foundations' by Brian Allen Carr

53029. Copi

Copi was an Argentinian writer, cartoonist, and playwright known for his avant-garde and often surreal works. He spent much of his career in France and was a prominent figure in the Parisian artistic scene.

Copi's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Queens’ Ball' by Copi

53030. Jan Zahradníček

Jan Zahradníček was a Czech poet, translator, and editor, known for his contributions to Czech literature and his opposition to totalitarian regimes. His work often explored themes of faith, morality, and the human condition.

Jan Zahradníček's highest rated books
Cover of 'Znamení Moci' by Jan Zahradníček

53031. Louis Vaculík

Ludvík Vaculík was a Czech writer and journalist known for his dissident activities against the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. He is famous for authoring the 'Two Thousand Words' manifesto in 1968, which called for democratic reforms and greater freedom of expression.

Louis Vaculík's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Axe' by Louis Vaculík

53032. Takashi Matsuoka

Takashi Matsuoka is an author known for his historical novels set in Japan, including 'Cloud of Sparrows' and 'Autumn Bridge'. His works often explore themes of cultural exchange and historical change.

Takashi Matsuoka's highest rated books

53033. Winston Graham

Winston Graham was a British author best known for his Poldark series of historical novels set in Cornwall. His writing career spanned over seven decades, during which he wrote numerous novels, many of which were adapted for film and television.

Winston Graham's highest rated books

53034. Yusuke Kishi

Yusuke Kishi is a Japanese author known for his works in the horror and thriller genres. He has gained acclaim for novels such as 'The Crimson Labyrinth' and 'From the New World', which have been adapted into various media formats.

Yusuke Kishi's highest rated books

53035. Sofi Thanhauser

Sofi Thanhauser's highest rated books
Cover of 'Worn' by Sofi Thanhauser

53036. Rosemary Kirstein

Rosemary Kirstein is an American science fiction author known for her 'Steerswoman' series, which blends elements of fantasy and science fiction. Her work is noted for its strong female protagonists and intricate world-building.

Rosemary Kirstein's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Steerswoman' by Rosemary Kirstein

53037. Francis Wheen

Francis Wheen is a British journalist, writer, and broadcaster known for his work as a columnist and his books on politics and history. He has written for various publications and is recognized for his critical analysis and wit.

Francis Wheen's highest rated books
Cover of 'Hoo Hahs And Passing Frenzies' by Francis Wheen
Cover of 'Karl Marx' by Francis Wheen

53038. Parke Godwin

Parke Godwin was an American author known for his works of historical fiction and fantasy. He is best known for his reinterpretations of the King Arthur legend and his novels set in the medieval period.

Parke Godwin's highest rated books
Cover of 'Waiting For The Galactic Bus' by Parke Godwin

53039. Peter Mendelsund

Peter Mendelsund is a renowned book cover designer and author known for his work in the publishing industry. He has designed covers for many notable authors and has written books on design and literature.

Peter Mendelsund's highest rated books

53040. Alexa Martin

Alexa Martin is an author known for her contemporary romance novels, particularly the 'Playbook' series, which is inspired by her experiences as an NFL wife.

Alexa Martin's highest rated books
Cover of 'Intercepted' by Alexa Martin

53041. Simona Ahrnstedt

Simona Ahrnstedt is a Swedish author known for her contemporary romance novels. She is considered a pioneer in the genre in Sweden and has gained international recognition for her work, which often features strong, independent female protagonists and explores themes of love, power, and societal norms.

Simona Ahrnstedt's highest rated books
Cover of 'All In' by Simona Ahrnstedt

53042. Michael Chu

Michael Chu's highest rated books

53043. Nicola Graimes

Nicola Graimes is an established author known for her work in the field of health and nutrition. She has written numerous books focusing on healthy eating and vegetarian cuisine.

Nicola Graimes's highest rated books

53044. Yuan Yang

Yuan Yang's highest rated books
Cover of 'Private Revolutions' by Yuan Yang

53045. Caroline Myss

Caroline Myss is an American author and speaker in the fields of human consciousness, spirituality, and mysticism. She is known for her work on energy medicine and the concept of medical intuition.

Caroline Myss's highest rated books

53046. Pavel Šrut

Pavel Šrut was a Czech poet, writer, and translator known for his contributions to children's literature and his work in translating English literature into Czech. He was a significant figure in Czech literature, recognized for his playful use of language and imaginative storytelling.

Pavel Šrut's highest rated books
Cover of 'Zlá Milá' by Pavel Šrut

53047. Petr Borkovec

Petr Borkovec is a Czech poet and translator known for his lyrical and evocative poetry. He has published several collections and his work has been translated into multiple languages. Borkovec is also recognized for his contributions to Czech literature and his involvement in literary events and festivals.

Petr Borkovec's highest rated books
Cover of 'Mezi Oknem, Stolem A Postelí' by Petr Borkovec

53048. Vlastimil Třešňák

Vlastimil Třešňák is a Czech singer-songwriter, writer, and artist known for his involvement in the Czech dissident movement during the communist era. His work often reflects themes of political resistance and personal freedom.

Vlastimil Třešňák's highest rated books
Cover of 'Klíč Je Pod Rohožkou' by Vlastimil Třešňák

53049. Kōyō Ozaki

Kōyō Ozaki was a prominent Japanese author and a key figure in the literary world during the Meiji era. He is best known for his works that blend traditional Japanese storytelling with modern literary techniques, contributing significantly to the development of modern Japanese literature.

Kōyō Ozaki's highest rated books

53050. Carolyn Jess-Cooke

Carolyn Jess-Cooke is an author known for her work in both fiction and poetry. Her writing often explores themes of the supernatural, mental health, and the complexities of human relationships.

Carolyn Jess-Cooke's highest rated books