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.
8251. Georges Duby
Georges Duby was a renowned French historian specializing in the social and economic history of the Middle Ages. He was a prominent figure in the Annales School and made significant contributions to the understanding of medieval society and culture.
8252. Marsha Sinetar
Marsha Sinetar is an author known for her work on personal development and spirituality, including the popular book 'Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow.'
8253. Ziglar Zig
Zig Ziglar was a renowned American author, salesman, and motivational speaker known for his influential work in personal development and sales training.
8254. Linda Eyre
8255. Fanny Kemble
Frances Anne Kemble, known as Fanny Kemble, was a notable British actress and writer in the 19th century. She is best known for her memoirs and writings on her experiences in America, particularly her opposition to slavery, which she detailed in her book 'Journal of a Residence on a Georgian Plantation in 1838–1839'.
8256. Nancy Milford
Nancy Milford was an American biographer known for her acclaimed works on Zelda Fitzgerald and Edna St. Vincent Millay. Her book 'Zelda' was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.
8257. John P. Eaton
8258. Declan Burke
Declan Burke is an Irish author known for his work in the crime fiction genre. He has written several novels and is also recognized for his contributions as an editor and critic in the literary field.
8259. Molly Caldwell Crosby
Molly Caldwell Crosby is an American author known for her works on medical history and science. She has written several books that explore historical epidemics and the impact of diseases on society.
8260. Jason Rosenhouse
Jason Rosenhouse is an author and mathematician known for his work on mathematical puzzles and his writings on the intersection of mathematics and religion.
8261. Jane Espenson
Jane Espenson is an American television writer and producer known for her work on popular series such as 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', 'Battlestar Galactica', and 'Once Upon a Time'. She has also contributed to various other shows and is recognized for her talent in writing science fiction and fantasy genres.
8262. Elżbieta Turlej
8263. Douglas Perry
8264. Tish Thawer
Tish Thawer is an author known for writing paranormal romance and fantasy novels. Her works often explore themes of magic, mythology, and romance, and she has gained a following for her engaging storytelling and richly developed characters.
8265. Kevin C. Pyle
Kevin C. Pyle is an author and illustrator known for his work in graphic novels and comics. His works often explore themes of social justice and personal narratives.
8266. Jonathan D. Sarna
Jonathan D. Sarna is a prominent American historian specializing in American Jewish history. He is a professor at Brandeis University and has authored numerous books and articles on the subject.
8267. Don Lessem
Don Lessem is an author known for his work on dinosaurs and natural history. He has written numerous books for children and adults, and has been involved in the creation of dinosaur exhibits and theme park attractions.
8268. John Pohl
8269. Margaret Bateson Hill
8270. Mike Freeman
8271. Jeanette Keith
8272. Otis Tufton Mason
Otis Tufton Mason was an American anthropologist and curator at the Smithsonian Institution. He is known for his work in ethnology and for his contributions to the development of museum anthropology.
8273. Mordecai Roshwald
Mordecai Roshwald was an American academic and writer, best known for his science fiction novel 'Level 7', which explores themes of nuclear war and its aftermath. Born in Poland, he later moved to the United States, where he pursued a career in academia and literature.
8274. Austin Aslan
Austin Aslan is an American author known for his young adult science fiction novels, including 'The Islands at the End of the World' and its sequel 'The Girl at the Center of the World.' His work often explores themes of environmentalism and survival.
8275. Sarah Fine
Sarah Fine is an author known for writing young adult and adult fiction, often with elements of fantasy and science fiction. Her works include the Guards of the Shadowlands series and the Impostor Queen series.
8276. Claire Prentice
8277. Juliet Barker
Juliet Barker is a British historian and author known for her expertise in medieval history and her works on the Brontë family. She has written several acclaimed books, including 'The Brontës' and 'Agincourt: The King, the Campaign, the Battle.'
8278. Joe Taylor
8279. Leslie Parry
8280. Jennifer Teege
Jennifer Teege is a German author known for her autobiographical book 'My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me', which explores her discovery of her grandfather's role as a Nazi concentration camp commander.
8281. Bernice L. McFadden
Bernice L. McFadden is an acclaimed American author known for her richly woven narratives that explore themes of race, identity, and history. Her works often delve into the African American experience, and she has received numerous accolades for her contributions to literature.
8282. Kate Manning
Kate Manning is an author known for her historical novels, including 'My Notorious Life,' which is inspired by the story of a 19th-century midwife. Her work often explores themes of women's rights and social justice.
8283. Brian Moynahan
Brian Moynahan was a British journalist and historian known for his works on Russian history and culture. He worked as a foreign correspondent and editor for The Sunday Times and authored several books, including 'The Russian Century' and 'Leningrad: Siege and Symphony'.
8284. Pamela Newkirk
Pamela Newkirk is an award-winning journalist, professor, and author known for her work on African American history and culture. She has written several books and articles that explore race, media, and the arts.
8285. Ellen Urbani
Ellen Urbani is an American author known for her works that often explore themes of resilience and human connection. She has written both fiction and non-fiction, including the novel 'Landfall' and the memoir 'When I Was Elena.'
8286. James Ross
8287. Legson Kayira
Legson Kayira was a Malawian author and academic known for his remarkable journey from Malawi to the United States on foot to pursue higher education. He wrote several books, including his autobiography 'I Will Try,' which details his inspiring journey and determination to achieve his dreams.
8288. John Higham
8289. Aram Goudsouzian
Aram Goudsouzian is a historian and author known for his works on American history, particularly focusing on the civil rights movement and African American history. He has written several books and is a professor at the University of Memphis.
8290. Shomari Wills
Shomari Wills is an author known for his work on African American history. He is the author of 'Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Escaped Slavery and Became Millionaires.'
8291. Roy Van Arsdale
8292. BookRags
8293. Anne
8294. Paul Watson
8295. Mo Rocca
Mo Rocca is an American humorist, journalist, and actor known for his work as a correspondent on CBS Sunday Morning and as a panelist on NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! He has also hosted various television programs and is recognized for his witty and insightful commentary.
8296. Sheree Renée Thomas
Sheree Renée Thomas is an American author, editor, and publisher known for her work in speculative fiction. She is recognized for her contributions to the genre, particularly through her anthologies that highlight African American voices in science fiction and fantasy.
8297. James Naughtie
James Naughtie is a Scottish broadcaster and author, known for his work on BBC Radio 4 as a presenter of the Today programme. He has also written several books, including political and historical works, as well as thrillers.
8298. Annette Hess
Annette Hess is a German author and screenwriter known for her work on popular television series and her debut novel 'The German House'.
