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.

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.

Georges Duby's highest rated books
Cover of 'The Age Of The Cathedrals' by Georges Duby

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.'

Marsha Sinetar's highest rated books

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.

Ziglar Zig's highest rated books

8254. Linda Eyre

Linda Eyre's highest rated books

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'.

Fanny Kemble's highest rated books

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.

Nancy Milford's highest rated books
Cover of 'Zelda' by Nancy Milford
Cover of 'Savage Beauty' by Nancy Milford

8257. John P. Eaton

John P. Eaton's highest rated books

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.

Declan Burke's highest rated books

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.

Molly Caldwell Crosby's highest rated books

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.

Jason Rosenhouse's highest rated books

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.

Jane Espenson's highest rated books

8262. Elżbieta Turlej

Elżbieta Turlej's highest rated books

8263. Douglas Perry

Douglas Perry's highest rated books

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.

Tish Thawer's highest rated books

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.

Kevin C. Pyle's highest rated books

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.

Jonathan D. Sarna's highest rated books

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.

Don Lessem's highest rated books

8268. John Pohl

John Pohl's highest rated books

8269. Margaret Bateson Hill

Margaret Bateson Hill's highest rated books

8270. Mike Freeman

Mike Freeman's highest rated books

8271. Jeanette Keith

Jeanette Keith's highest rated books

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.

Otis Tufton Mason's highest rated books

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.

Mordecai Roshwald's highest rated books

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.

Austin Aslan's highest rated books

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.

Sarah Fine's highest rated books

8276. Claire Prentice

Claire Prentice's highest rated books

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.'

Juliet Barker's highest rated books

8278. Joe Taylor

Joe Taylor's highest rated books

8279. Leslie Parry

Leslie Parry's highest rated books

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.

Jennifer Teege's highest rated books

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.

Bernice L. McFadden's highest rated books

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.

Kate Manning's highest rated books
Cover of 'My Notorious Life' by Kate Manning

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'.

Brian Moynahan's highest rated books

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.

Pamela Newkirk's highest rated books

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.'

Ellen Urbani's highest rated books

8286. James Ross

James Ross's highest rated books

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.

Legson Kayira's highest rated books

8288. John Higham

John Higham's highest rated books

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.

Aram Goudsouzian's highest rated books

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.'

Shomari Wills's highest rated books

8291. Roy Van Arsdale

Roy Van Arsdale's highest rated books

8292. BookRags

BookRags's highest rated books

8293. Anne

Anne's highest rated books

8294. Paul Watson

Paul Watson's highest rated books

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.

Mo Rocca's highest rated books

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.

Sheree Renée Thomas's highest rated books

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.

James Naughtie's highest rated books

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'.

Annette Hess's highest rated books

8299. Brenda Chapman

Brenda Chapman's highest rated books

8300. Marilyn Masler

Marilyn Masler's highest rated books