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:
- Book Rankings: Each author's score starts with the sum of their books' rankings from our master list.
- Number of Great Books: Authors are rewarded for having multiple highly-ranked books. The more great books an author has, the higher their overall score.
- Age of Books: Older books receive a small bonus to their score, with the maximum bonus going to books over 100 years old.
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.
7201. Erik Axl Sund
Erik Axl Sund is the pseudonym for the Swedish author duo Jerker Eriksson and Håkan Axlander Sundquist, known for their psychological thriller novels.
7202. Kim Wright
7203. Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is an author known for her contemporary fiction novels, often exploring themes of family, relationships, and personal growth. She is also a co-founder of the popular book blog She Reads.
7204. Gail Brenner
7205. Arna Baartz
7206. Alexandra Kuykendall
7207. Helen Docherty
Helen Docherty is a children's author known for her picture books, often collaborating with her husband, Thomas Docherty, who illustrates her works. Her stories are characterized by their engaging narratives and whimsical illustrations.
7208. Sally Miller
7209. Sady Doyle
Sady Doyle is an American author and journalist known for her work on feminism and culture. She has written for various publications and is the author of books such as 'Trainwreck: The Women We Love to Hate, Mock, and Fear... and Why' and 'Dead Blondes and Bad Mothers: Monstrosity, Patriarchy, and the Fear of Female Power.'
7210. Christina Diaz Gonzalez
Christina Diaz Gonzalez is an American author known for her works in children's and young adult literature. Her books often explore themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage.
7211. Isabella Valeri
7213. Clay McLeod Chapman
Clay McLeod Chapman is an American author known for his work in horror fiction, including novels, short stories, and plays. He is recognized for his unique storytelling style and contributions to the genre.
7214. Amanda Jones
7215. Anna Bailey
7216. Kathleen Kaufman
Kathleen Kaufman is an author known for her works in the horror and speculative fiction genres. Her novels often explore themes of folklore, mythology, and the supernatural.
7217. Wendy Corsi Staub
Wendy Corsi Staub is a bestselling American author known for her suspense and thriller novels. She has written numerous books, including the popular 'Lily Dale' series and several standalone thrillers. Her work often features strong female protagonists and intricate plots.
7218. Jefferson Fisher
7219. Alice Henderson
7220. Molly O'Sullivan
7221. Miné Okubo
Miné Okubo was an American artist and writer known for her book 'Citizen 13660', which is a graphic memoir detailing her experiences in Japanese American internment camps during World War II.
7222. Marcus Valerius Martialis
Marcus Valerius Martialis, known in English as Martial, was a Roman poet from Hispania best known for his twelve books of Epigrams, published in Rome between AD 86 and 103. His epigrams are witty, satirical, and often bawdy, providing a vivid picture of Roman society during the early Empire.
7223. Nick Schou
Nick Schou is an American journalist and author known for his investigative reporting. He has written extensively on topics such as government corruption, the war on drugs, and the media. Schou is also known for his work with the OC Weekly and his books, including 'Kill the Messenger,' which was adapted into a film.
7224. Martin Popoff
Martin Popoff is a Canadian music journalist, critic, and author known for his extensive work on heavy metal music. He has written numerous books on the genre and is recognized for his detailed album reviews and historical accounts of bands and music movements.
7225. Neil Peart
Neil Peart was a Canadian musician and author, best known as the drummer and primary lyricist for the rock band Rush. He was renowned for his technical proficiency and elaborate drum solos, as well as his thoughtful and philosophical lyrics. Peart also authored several travel books, sharing his experiences and insights from his journeys.
7226. Scott Von Doviak
Scott Von Doviak is an author known for his work in film criticism and fiction. He has written several books, including 'Hick Flicks: The Rise and Fall of Redneck Cinema' and 'Charlesgate Confidential'.
7227. Franny Moyle
Franny Moyle is a British author and television producer known for her works on art history and biographies. She has written several acclaimed books and has a background in producing arts and culture programs for television.
7228. Dick Richards
7229. Pavel Somov
7230. Randy Komisar
Randy Komisar is an American entrepreneur, author, and venture capitalist known for his work in Silicon Valley. He has been involved with several successful startups and is a partner at Kleiner Perkins, a venture capital firm. Komisar is also the author of 'The Monk and the Riddle,' a book that explores the intersection of work and life.
7231. William Buhlman
William Buhlman is an author known for his work on out-of-body experiences and astral projection. He has written several books on the subject and conducts workshops and seminars to help others explore these phenomena.
7232. Mary Jaene Edmonds
7233. Nick Adams
7234. Charles T. Tart
Charles T. Tart is a psychologist and parapsychologist known for his work on the nature of consciousness, particularly in the areas of altered states of consciousness and transpersonal psychology. He has been a significant figure in the study of parapsychology and has authored several books on the subject.
7235. Peter Zheutlin
Peter Zheutlin is an American author known for his works on historical and contemporary topics, including books about dogs and cycling. He is also recognized for his contributions to various publications as a journalist.
7236. Margaret Yardley Potter
Margaret Yardley Potter was an American author known for her cookbook 'At Home on the Range', which was rediscovered and republished by her great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Gilbert. The book offers a glimpse into early 20th-century American cooking and domestic life.
7237. Harriet Brown
7238. Zachary Anderegg
Zachary Anderegg is known for his inspirational story of rescuing a dog from a deep canyon, which he later recounted in his book 'Rescuing Riley, Saving Myself'. His story highlights themes of perseverance, compassion, and personal growth.
7239. Raoul Wientzen
7240. Danielle MacKinnon
Danielle MacKinnon is an author known for her work in the field of animal communication and intuitive development. She has written books and offers courses on how to connect with animals and develop intuitive skills.
7241. Julia Gregson
Julia Gregson is a British author known for her historical novels, including 'East of the Sun,' which won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award in 2009. Her work often explores themes of love, adventure, and the experiences of women in different historical contexts.
7242. M.J. Ryan
M.J. Ryan is an author known for her works on personal development and happiness. She often uses her initials in her publications.
7243. Jason Harvey
7244. Milton Cudney
7245. Matthieu Ricard
Matthieu Ricard is a French writer, photographer, and Buddhist monk who has been a prominent advocate for altruism and compassion. He is known for his books on Buddhism and meditation, as well as his work in promoting humanitarian projects in the Himalayan region.
7246. Russell H. Conwell
Russell H. Conwell was an American Baptist minister, orator, philanthropist, lawyer, and writer. He is best known for his inspirational lecture 'Acres of Diamonds,' which emphasized the idea that opportunities for success and wealth are present in one's own community. Conwell was also the founder and first president of Temple University in Philadelphia.
7247. Louis P. Pojman
Louis P. Pojman was an American philosopher and professor known for his work in ethics, philosophy of religion, and political philosophy. He authored numerous books and articles, contributing significantly to contemporary philosophical discourse.
7248. Yogi Cameron Alborzian
Yogi Cameron Alborzian is a former fashion model and actor who transitioned into a career as a yoga and Ayurveda practitioner. He is known for his work in promoting holistic health and wellness, and has authored books on the subject.
7249. Kathryn E. Livingston
7250. Annie Barrows
Annie Barrows is an American author known for her work in children's literature and adult fiction. She is best known for co-authoring 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' and for her children's series 'Ivy and Bean.'