English classics are a priceless pearl of world literature. The best English writers and their works for children

Everyone knows the plot of Daniel Defoe's novel. However, the book contains many other interesting details about the organization of Robinson's life on the island, his biography, inner experiences. If you ask a person who has not read the book to describe Robinson’s character, he is unlikely to cope with this task.

In the popular consciousness, Crusoe is a smart character without character, feelings or history. The novel reveals the image of the main character, which allows you to look at the plot from a different angle.

Why you need to read

To meet one of the most famous adventure novels and find out who Robinson Crusoe really was.

Swift does not openly challenge society. Like a true Englishman, he does it correctly and witty. His satire is so subtle that Gulliver's Travels can be read as an ordinary fairy tale.

Why you need to read

For children, Swift's novel is a fun and unusual adventure story. Adults need to read it to get acquainted with one of the most famous artistic satires.

This novel, let it artistically and not the most outstanding, definitely iconic in the history of literature. After all, in many ways he predetermined the development of the scientific genre.

But this is not just entertaining reading. It raises problems of the relationship between creator and creation, God and man. Who is responsible for creating a being who is destined to suffer?

Why you need to read

To get acquainted with one of the main works of science fiction, as well as to experience complex issues that are often lost in film adaptations.

Difficult to pick out best play Shakespeare. There are at least five of them: “Hamlet”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Othello”, “King Lear”, “Macbeth”. The unique style and deep understanding of life's contradictions made Shakespeare's works an immortal classic, relevant at all times.

Why you need to read

To begin to understand poetry, literature and life. And also to find the answer to the question, what is better: to be or not to be?

The main topic English literature the beginning of the 19th century was social criticism. Thackeray in his novel denounces his contemporary society with the ideals of success and material enrichment. To be in society means to be sinful - this is approximately Thackeray’s conclusion regarding his social environment.

After all, the successes and joys of yesterday lose their meaning when a well-known (albeit unknown) tomorrow looms ahead, which we all will sooner or later have to think about.

Why you need to read

To learn to relate more simply to life and the opinions of others. After all, everyone in society is infected with “fair ambitions” that have no real value.

The language of the novel is beautiful, and the dialogue is an example of English wit. Oscar Wilde is a subtle psychologist, which is why his characters turned out to be so complex and multifaceted.

This book is about human vice, cynicism, the difference between the beauty of the soul and body. If you think about it, to some extent each of us is Dorian Gray. Only we do not have a mirror on which sins would be imprinted.

Why you need to read

To enjoy the stunning language of Britain's wittiest writer, to see how much one's moral character can deviate from one's appearance, and to become a little better person. Wilde's work is a spiritual portrait not only of his era, but of all humanity.

The ancient Greek myth about a sculptor who fell in love with his creation takes on a new, socially significant meaning in Bernard Shaw's play. How should a work feel towards its author if this work is a person? How can it relate to the creator - the one who made it in accordance with his ideals?

Why you need to read

This is the most famous play Bernard Shaw. It is often staged in theaters. According to many critics, Pygmalion is a landmark work of English drama.

A universally recognized masterpiece of English literature, familiar to many from cartoons. Who, at the mention of Mowgli, does not hear Kaa’s drawn-out hiss in his head: “Man-cub...”?

Why you need to read

As an adult, it is unlikely that anyone will take up The Jungle Book. A person has only one childhood to enjoy Kipling's creation and appreciate it. So be sure to introduce your children to the classics! They will be grateful to you.

And again the Soviet cartoon comes to mind. It's really good, and the dialogue in it is almost entirely taken from the book. However, the images of the characters and the general mood of the story in the original source are different.

Stevenson's novel is realistic and quite harsh in places. But this is a good adventure work that every child and adult will read with pleasure. Boardings, sea ​​wolves, wooden legs - the marine theme beckons and attracts.

Why you need to read

Because it's fun and exciting. In addition, the novel is divided into quotes, which everyone should know.

Interest in the deductive abilities of the great detective is still great thanks to a huge number film adaptations. Many people are familiar with the classic detective story only from films. But there are many film adaptations, and there is only one collection of stories, but what a one!

Why you need to read

H.G. Wells was in many ways a pioneer in the genre of science fiction. Before him, people were not at odds with, he was the first to write about time travel. Without the Time Machine, we would not have seen either the film Back to the Future or the cult TV series Doctor Who.

They say that all life is a dream, and a bad, pitiful, short dream at that, although you won’t have another dream anyway.

Why you need to read

To look at the origins of many science fiction ideas that have become popular in modern culture.

Truly admirable. It is based on the works of a whole galaxy of outstanding masters. No country in the world has given birth to as many outstanding wordsmiths as Britain. There are numerous English classics, the list goes on for a long time: William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, William Thackeray, Daphne Du Maurier, George Orwell, John Tolkien. Are you familiar with their works?

Already in the 16th century, the British William Shakespeare earned the reputation of the world's best playwright. It is curious that to this day the plays of the “shaking spear” Englishman (as his last name is literally translated) are staged in theaters more often than the works of other authors. His tragedies “Hamlet”, “Othello”, “King Lear”, “Macbeth” are universal values. Getting acquainted with his creative heritage, we recommend that you MUST read philosophical tragedy"Hamlet" is about the meaning of life and moral principles. For four hundred years now she has headed the repertoires of the most famous theaters. There is an opinion that English classic writers began with Shakespeare.

She became famous thanks to the classic love story"Pride and Prejudice", which introduces us to the daughter of an impoverished nobleman, Elizabeth, who has a rich inner world, pride and an ironic look at the environment. She finds her happiness in love with the aristocrat Darcy. It’s paradoxical, but this book with a fairly simple plot and a happy ending is one of the most beloved in Britain. It traditionally outstrips the works of many serious novelists in popularity. At least for that reason it is worth reading. Like this writer, many English classics came to literature precisely in early XVIII century.

He glorified himself with his works as a deep and genuine expert on the life of ordinary British people in the 18th century. His heroes are invariably heartfelt and convincing. The novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles shows tragic fate a simple decent woman. She commits the murder of a scoundrel nobleman who is ruining her life in order to free herself from his persecution and find happiness. Using the example of Thomas Hardy, the reader can see that the English classics had a deep mind and a systematic view of the society around them, saw its flaws more clearly than others, and, despite having ill-wishers, still courageously presented their creations for the assessment of the entire society.

She showed in her largely autobiographical novel “Jane Eyre” the emerging new morality - the principles of an educated, active, decent person who wants to serve society. The writer creates a surprisingly holistic, deep image of the governess Jane Eyre, who goes towards her love for Mr. Rochester even at the cost of sacrificial service. Bronte, inspired by her example, was followed by other English classics, not from the noble class, calling on society for social justice and an end to all human discrimination.

Possessed, according to the Russian classic F.M. Dostoevsky, who considered himself his student, “instinct of universal humanity.” The writer’s enormous talent accomplished the seemingly impossible: he became famous in his early youth thanks to his first novel “ Posthumous notes Pickwick Club", followed by the following - "Oliver Twist", "David Copperfield" and others, which earned the writer unprecedented fame, putting him on a par with Shakespeare.

William Thackeray is an innovator in the style of writing a novel. None of the classics before him had turned into central images his work of bright, textured depictions negative characters. Moreover, as in life, often something individually positive was inherent in their characters. His outstanding work, “Vanity Fair,” was written in a unique spirit of intellectual pessimism mixed with subtle humor.

With her “Rebecca” in 1938, she did the impossible: she wrote the novel at a key moment, when it seemed that English literature had run out of steam, that everything possible had already been written, that the English classics had “run out.” Having not received worthy works for a long time, the English reading audience was interested and delighted by the unique, unpredictable plot of her novel. The opening phrase of this book has become a catchphrase. Be sure to read this book by one of the world's best masters of creating psychological images!

George Orwell will amaze you with the merciless truth. He wrote his famous novel“1984” as a powerful universal denouncing weapon against all dictatorships: present and future. His creative method was borrowed from another great Englishman - Swift.

The novel “1984” is a parody of a dictatorship society that has completely trampled on universal human values. He exposed and called to account for the inhumanity of the ugly model of socialism, which was actually becoming a dictatorship of leaders. An extremely sincere and uncompromising man, he endured poverty and hardship, passing away early - at the age of 46.

Is it possible not to love “The Lord of the Rings” by Professor This is a real miraculous and surprisingly harmonious temple of the epic of England? The work conveys deep humanistic messages to its readers and it is no coincidence that Frodo destroys the ring on March 25 - the day of the Ascension. The creative and competent writer showed insight: all his life he was indifferent to politics and parties, passionately loved “good old England”, and was a classic British bourgeois.

This list goes on and on. I apologize to dear readers who had the courage to read this article that, due to limited space, it did not include the worthy Walter Scott, Ethel Lilian Voynich, Daniel Defoe, Lewis Carroll, James Aldridge, Bernard Shaw and, believe me, many, many others. English classical literature is a huge, interesting layer of achievements human culture and spirit. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of meeting her.

English literature in the world is represented by writers who created books in different genres and directions. Many of them are considered classics and are included in the canon of world literature.

English writers and their works

Geoffrey Chaucer (1343 – 1400)

Geoffrey Chaucer- a writer who is called the father of English literature. He was the first English poet to write civic lyrics and was recognized as a national poet. Chaucer wrote exclusively in English, he introduced new themes, ideas and motifs into English poetry, improved many medieval artistic methods of writing and created new poetry.

Geoffrey was the son of an ordinary London wine merchant. He managed to build a career in the royal court - he began as a page in the retinue of the Duchess of Olser. Later, the future English writer served in the army, took part in the war against France and was captured by enemies. The English king ransomed him from captivity.

Information about creative path Little of Chaucer has survived. It is still difficult for literary scholars to establish the dates of writing of some poems and establish their authorship.

At the time when Chaucer wrote, English literature was in a difficult state: there was no single literary language, systems of versification, unified poetic theory. Chaucer as a writer significantly influenced the development of the English language, its dominance over Latin and French.

Chaucer's main works written in English are the following:

• "The Book of the Duchess" Considered the poet's first great poem, it was written in honor of the memory of Duchess Blanche of Lancaster. In this text the author tries to imitate French style, but innovative poetic solutions can already be traced in it;
• "House of Glory"- a poem with realistic motives;
• "The Legend of Glorious Women" ;
• "Troilus and Chryseis".

Chaucer modified English poetry, gave it a new direction, which was followed by future poets of England.

Brief biography of Geoffrey Chaucer in English:

Creation English playwright Shakespeare is called the most great achievement Renaissance culture. His texts in English had a great influence on subsequent poets, artists and novelists, and the images from his plays became timeless and symbolic.

Little is known about Shakespeare's life. He was born into the family of a craftsman and merchant, studied at a grammar school, when teaching was carried out using a single textbook - the Bible. At the age of 18, the writer married Anne Hathaway, who was 8 years older than William.

It is believed that his first dramatic texts in English were written in 1594. Some biographers believe that at this time the writer was a member of a traveling troupe, and the experiences of these years influenced his passion for the theater. Since 1599, his life became closely connected with the Globe Theater, where he was both a playwright and an actor.

The writer's literary canon in English includes 37 dramas and 154 sonnets.

His most famous texts in English are:

• "Romeo and Juliet";
• "Venus and Adonis";
• "Julius Caesar";
• "Othello";
• "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

In literary circles over the past 2-3 centuries, the theory has been actively promoted that William Shakespeare could not have been the author of these texts due to insufficient education and some discrepancies in biographical data. in 2002, a version was put forward that the educated and intelligent Earl of Rutland, an aristocrat and a talented playwright and writer, was actually hiding behind the name of Shakespeare. The date of his death coincides with the date of death of Shakespeare, who stopped writing at this time.

This theory has not been proven and in the classical understanding of literature, William Shakespeare is still considered the one who created these texts in English, which became the property of English culture.

Robert Stevenson / Robert Stevenson (1850-1894)

He was a versatile person - he was engaged in literary criticism, poetry in English, he is considered the founder of neo-romanticism and the one who theorized information about this artistic method.

The writer was born in the capital of Scotland and belonged to the ancient Belfur family. He was raised by numerous nannies due to his mother's illness. One of the nannies, Cammy, was talented and, thanks to her, Robert became familiar with poetry. Later, the writer admitted that it was thanks to the nanny that he became a writer.

Robert Stevenson traveled a lot and during his trips he wrote notes about his impressions and emotions. In 1866 it was published The first book in English is The Pentland Rebellion. But world fame came to him after the novel “Treasure Island”. Stevenson's work is characterized by descriptions of nature, the use of legends, mythology, and some moralizing.

As a child, he was sick a lot and in his memoirs in English, the writer wrote that the “doors of death” were always open to him. This influenced his consciousness and understanding of the world. This led him to found neo-romanticism, which conveys the sharp contradictions between dreams and reality. In his understanding, travel, danger and emotions are needed so that life is filled with colors, so that people can see the beauty of the world.

The writer's main works in English:

• "Treasure Island";
• "Heather honey";
• "Proprietor of Ballantrae";
• "Children's flower gardener of poems."

Stevenson was called a "legendary man" because of his love of stories and mythology, which he embodied in his works in English.

Charles Dickens / Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

- great prose writer of world literature. Born into the family of an official, his father discovered artistic talent in him very early - he forced the boy to take part in theatrical productions, read poetry, improvise. The writer grew up in love, comfort and confidence in the future.

When he was 12 years old, his family went bankrupt, and the boy went to work in a factory, where he first encountered cruelty and injustice. This period influenced the consciousness of the future writer.

Working at this factory haunted Charles all his life - he always considered it the biggest blow in his life. That is why his English texts contain so much sympathy for the poor and downtrodden. He had to work as a paper clerk, a broker and a stenographer in Parliament.

On last job he had to do several creative tasks. After this, he comes to the understanding that he must work in English literature.

In 1836 they came out first essays "Sketches of Boz" in English, but they were not popular at the time. A few years later, he created the first chapters of the novel “The Pickwick Papers” and these texts marked the beginning of his writing career.

Two years after this novel, a novel is published in English "Adventures Oliver Twist», in which, for the first time in world literature, a child comes to life on the pages of a book. From this time on, fruitful writing work begins.

Dickens's major novels in English:

• "Dombey and Son";
• "Great Expectations";
• "David Copperfield";
• "Little Dorrit"
• "A Tale of Two Cities."

The writer in his novels in English realistically describes the England of his era, describes in detail all the characters and issues. His texts are very deep, realistic and lively, the message of each novel is the search for justice in a cruel world.

Brontë sisters: Charlotte (1816-1855), Emily (1818-1848), Anne (1820-1849)

Bronte sisters- a unique phenomenon in world literature. Three girls, each talented in their own way, were able to take pride of place in the canon classical literature not only England, but the world.

The most popular novels are Charlotte Bronte's Jair Eyre and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. Anne Brontë wrote the books Agnes Gray and The Stranger of Wylfedale Hall. In these novels, the romantic is masterfully intertwined with the realistic. The writers were able to convey the spirit of their era, creating sensitive and relevant novels that are still relevant today.

The sisters grew up in a priest's family in the quiet town of Thornton. They became interested in writing early childhood, they published their first timid attempts in English in a local magazine at their own expense. They appeared in literature under male pseudonyms.

At that time, male writers had a better chance of recognition. But their first book did not attract attention - it was a collection of poems. After this, the girls turned away from poetry and took up prose. A year later, each of them wrote a novel in English - "Jane Eyre", "Agnes Gray" and " Wuthering Heights» . The first book was considered the most successful. After the death of the sisters, recognition came to the novel Wuthering Heights.

The sisters lived short life– died at the age of about 30 years. And the final recognition of their work occurred after their death.

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Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

Oscar Wilde- playwright and poet, literary critic and writer who embodied the principles of English aestheticism in his novels. Oscar was born in Dublin, where the writer received a classical education - he studied at Trinity College and St. Magdalene College (Oxford).

Beautiful things were always appreciated in his house - furniture, books, paintings. This influenced the aesthetic tastes of the future writer. His development as a word artist was greatly influenced by university teachers - the writer John Ruskin and Walter Pater.

After receiving his education, the writer moved to London, where he joined the aesthetic movement.

Aestheticism is a movement that combined the ideas of impressionism and neo-romanticism. The main requirement for creativity within this direction is not to imitate nature, but to recreate it according to the laws of beauty, which is inaccessible to ordinary life.

The writer believed that it is not art that reflects reality, but reality that imitates art. In 1881, the first book of his poems was published in English, and in 1888 his first fairy tales saw the world.

The writer's main works in English:

• "The Picture of Dorian Gray";
• "Pomegranate House";
• "The Happy Prince"
• “The importance of being serious”;
• "The Ideal Man"

In the work of the writer Wilde, reality and fiction are mixed, a mix of the unreal and the real dominates in his fairy tales, he managed to create harmony between aesthetic theory and artistic truth. Most clearly, the principles of his art were embodied in fairy tales through their plot and style.

Jerome K. Jerome / Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927)

English humorist and playwright Jerome Klapka Jerome was the most famous published writer during his lifetime. Distinctive feature his creativity is the ability to see humor in any life situation.

As a child, Jerome dreamed of becoming a writer, writer or politician. But at the age of 12 he had to start working - collecting coal. After some time, the future writer’s sister convinced him to try his hand at theater stage. He joined a group of actors that had a small budget. They even paid for their own props and costumes.

Three years later, the future writer realized that this did not suit him and decided to try his hand at journalism. He began to write a lot in English, but most of the texts were never published. The writer also worked as a paralegal, packer and teacher. In 1885, his essay about his work in the theater was published, which made it possible to publish his other works. From then on, writing became his priority.

In 1888, the writer married and went to honeymoon. Literary scholars believe that this influenced his style and manner of writing in English. In 1889, a book was published that immediately became very popular - “Three in the boat, not counting the dog.”

Main texts:

• “Three in the boat, not counting the dog”;
• “Why we don’t like strangers”;
• "Civilization and Unemployment";
• "Philosophy and the Demon";
• "The man who wanted to rule."

During his lifetime, Jerome's works in English were translated into many languages ​​of the world and published in many countries. He became an iconic writer in England.

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

- poet and prose writer, writer, the last representative of the era of Queen Victoria. Thomas's childhood was spent in the patriarchal atmosphere of rural England. He witnessed the existence of many traditions - fairs, folk traditions, holidays, songs.

Once in 1856, the future writer became a student of an architect in Dorchester; in subsequent years he was actively engaged in self-education: he read books on literature and history, studied philosophy, German and French.

In 1867 he wrote his first novel in English, The Pauper and the Lady, which was not published. He destroyed the manuscript. The publishers were alarmed by the novel's radical depiction of all populations and religions. He was advised to write something “more artistic.”

In 1871, the writer anonymously published a novel in English. "Desperate Ways", which has already witnessed Hardy's unique style: detective genre, sensational motives.

Throughout his life, Thomas Hardy wrote 14 novels in English, which the author combined into three cycles:

• “Inventive and experimental novels”;
• "Romantic stories and fantasies";
• “Novels of Characters and Environment.”

In his texts, the writer depicts life in the village, social injustice, studies human behavior and the factors that influence it.

The writer's main novels in English:

• "Three Strangers";
• "Barbara of the Greb Family";
• “A woman with a fantasy”;
• Alicia's Diary.

The presence of rural motifs in the writer’s work is explained by his childhood experience: the first years of his life he lived in an atmosphere of folk traditions and could observe life in those conditions. Later, these observations were transformed in his work.

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930)

The publicist and writer grew up in the family of an architect and an artist. Arthur's stepmother had a passion for books and passed this passion on to the boy. He later recalled that she greatly influenced Arthur's career.

At the age of ten, the future writer was sent to a boarding school, where children were cruelly treated. During this period, the boy realized that he had a natural gift for inventing stories. He was often surrounded by students who listened to his inventions.

In college, Arthur was actively involved in creativity. In my last year I published a magazine and poetry in English. In 1881, Arthur was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Master of Surgery.

In 1885, he married a girl named Louise Hawkins and became interested in literature. Then he had a dream of becoming a professional writer. The Cornhill magazine published his works from time to time. In 1886, he began work on a world-famous novel in English, which would bring him popularity - "Study in Scarlet."

In 1892, Strand magazine made an offer to the young writer to write a series of stories about Sherlock Holmes. Later, the author became tired of the hero of the works and the constant inventing of stories about him. But the series was popular, both publishers and readers expected new stories.

Conan Doyle also wrote plays, other novels and essays in English.

The main texts of the writer:

• “Sketch in Scarlet”;
• "The Hound of the Baskervilles";
• "Brigadier Gerard";
• "Letters from Old Monroe";
• "Angel of Darkness"

Arthur Conan Doyle is famous primarily as the author and creator of Sherlock Holmes, whose image remains interesting and open to interpretation today.

Agatha Christie / Agatha Christie (1890-1976)

Famous writer, author of popular detective stories in English, was born into a family of immigrants from America. As a child, the girl was educated at home. Agatha's mother raised her children alone and devoted a lot of time to music.

With the outbreak of the First World War, Agatha worked as a nurse in a military hospital. She loved work and considered it the most noble. While working as a nurse, she wrote her first stories in English. Agata's older sister at that time already had several published texts, and she also wanted to achieve success in this field.

In 1920, the society was presented first novel in English, The Mysterious Incident at Styles. Agatha spent a long time looking for a publisher and worked hard on the text. Only the seventh publishing house that the girl approached agreed to publish the book.

Agatha wanted to write under a male pseudonym, but the publisher told her that her name was bright, readers would be able to immediately remember her. Since then, novels have been published under his real name.

She began to write a lot in English. I invented stories while working around the house, knitting, and communicating with my family.

Famous novels:

• "Three Stories";
• "Five Little Pigs";
• "Inspector Poirot and others";
• "4.50 train from Paddington";
• "Thirteen Mysterious Cases."

Agatha Christie considered her best text to be her book in English, “Ten Little Indians.” A special feature of her detectives is complete absence violence - she did not describe violent scenes, blood and murder, and there are no sexual crimes in her novels. The writer tried to weave morality into each of her texts.

The best English writers and their works for children

There are many writers in English literature who have created works for children. They remain relevant and interesting even for modern children.

Lewis Carroll

English writer (real name: Charles Lutwidge), who became famous thanks to his works for children. He grew up in a priest's family with seven children. Everyone received home education - the father gave the children knowledge of theology, different languages And natural sciences. Children have always been encouraged to enjoy games and inventions.

As a child, the future writer came up with different stories in English and read them to my family. His humor, ability to parody and burlesque motifs are felt in his early texts. He copied poems by Shakespeare, Milton, and Gray. Already in these parodies he showed his sharp mind and erudition.

As Charles grew up, he discovered his love for children. With adults he felt lonely, always embarrassed and silent. But with children he was open and cheerful. He walked with them, took them to the theater, told them stories, invited them to visit.

His best texts were originally created as improvisations. In his work, he turned to theatricality and fabulousness; in his texts, ancient images that are embodied in folk tales come to life.

List of major works in English:

• "Alice in Wonderland";
• “Useful and edifying poetry”;
• "Bruno's Revenge"
• "Alice for children."

Lewis's works have been filmed many times and have been translated into other languages ​​in many countries around the world. The work “Alice in Wonderland” is an inexhaustible source of quotes for many people.

Roald Dahl is known to the world for his book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". The writer grew up in an English-speaking environment, raised by his father. He graduated from a boarding school for boys and at the age of 12 went to Tanzania. When did the second one begin? world war, he went into the service and took up aviation - he served as a pilot in Kenya.

It was published during the war years the first story in English "Gremlins", and after the war he realized that literary creativity was what he wanted to do. The writer became famous as the creator of paradoxical stories.

His main works:

• "James and the Giant Peach"
• "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory";
• "Matilda";
• "Gremlins"

His texts in English are characterized by exaggeration of reality, characters, sometimes to the point of absurdity, humor and fabulousness. Children love his stories for their humor, instructiveness and closeness to life. Dahl could create worlds in which children recognize themselves.

Laureate Nobel Prize born in India in the family of a teacher. When Kipling was 6, he was sent to study in England. The living conditions of the relative who was involved in his education were terrible: the child did not receive love and affection, he was beaten and frightened. The boy was almost blind from the resulting stress. When the mother came to visit her son, she saw his condition and took him home.

But over time, the writer returned to England and began studying at college. There he began to write poetry and his first essays in English. Some texts were published in local publishing houses.

Kipling wrote in English about ordinary people, interpreted ordinary stories. He placed a person in circumstances in which his character was best revealed. In the 90s, the writer worked very fruitfully, at which time a large number of his novels were published in English.

The main works of the writer:

• "The Jungle Book";
• "Three Soldiers";
• "Kim";
• "The Second Jungle Book."

Kipling became famous for his texts for children, but he also wrote ballads and poems in English that touched on social problems of his era.

The writer who created legendary world Harry Potter, went through many rejections before her book was finally published.

She was born in England. She began writing her first texts in English as a child. At age 9, she wrote Jessica Mitford's autobiography. At school, Joanna read a lot and studied well. She tried to enter Oxford, but failed her exams and received her bachelor's degree from the University of Exeter.

She began working on the first Harry Potter book in 1995. She submitted the manuscript to 12 publishing houses and all of them rejected her. Bloomsbury publishing house agreed. The first book had a circulation of 1000, after 5 months it received its first prize.

Success came to the writer, and publishing houses began to compete for the right to publish her next books. “Harry Potter” became a brand, it was filmed, and after watching the film, millions of children around the world began to dream of being at Hogwarts.

The Harry Potter series of books includes the following:

• "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone";
• "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets";
• "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire";
• "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
• "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix";
• "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince";
• "Harry Potter and the Deadly Relics"

Rowling also wrote other books in English that are popular among children and related to the saga:

• "The Tales of Beedle the Bard";
• "Fantastic creatures and where to find them."

English classics - popular books

Some works are considered canonical in English literature. Summary and the key ideas of some of them are presented below.

Hound of the Baskervilles

"The Hound of the Baskervilles" is a work by Arthur Conan Doyle in English, which has become one of the most famous in the Sherlock Holmes series. The main characters of the novel are detective Sherlock Holmes and his assistant and friend Dr. Watson.

During one of his travels, the writer heard from a fellow traveler mysterious story about a dog that was called the “black devil.” This inspired Arthur to create a story that would center on a sinister dog. At the beginning of the novel, the name of Robinson Fletcher is remembered, who gave him the idea for creating this story.

The plot is typical for stories about a detective: Doctor Mortimer turns to him for help, whose friend dies under mysterious conditions. Everyone was frightened by the expression on the dead man's face, which expressed fear. There is a legend in his friend’s family that is passed down from generation to generation. It's about a dog that chases all members of its family at night. Sherlock Holmes begins an investigation into this case.

The trowel's book holds the suspense and only reveals the mystery at the end of the story. This novel has been filmed many times and is considered the best in creative biography writer.

The Invisible Man

"The Invisible Man" is a novel by English science fiction writer H.G. Wells, written in 1897. He describes the life of an English scientist who invented a device that makes a person invisible. The scientist worked on his creation for a long time and postponed its presentation, but at some point he began to experience financial difficulties and decided to become invisible forever in order to start a new life.

The book describes the difficulties this scientist faces: how the initial euphoria of his condition gives way to complete disappointment. Main image books - Griffin - became one of the first “villains” in literature.

Study in crimson tones

"Study in Scarlet" is a work by Arthur Conan Doyle, which was published in 1887. This book allows the reader to plunge into the world of a detective, think with him and try to understand the logic of his thoughts. In this work, Sherlock Holmes appears for the first time, and readers are introduced to his manner of doing business.

This story was written in just three weeks, but it brought success to the author, and readers became acquainted with the witty detective and began to wait for the next stories.

Citadel

"Citadel"- one of the best and most profound works English writer Archibald Cronin. This is a parable novel that reveals the history of human development in the reality of that time.

The novel tells the story of a doctor who dreams of becoming the best in his field, but he faces various difficulties that await the young doctor in the hospital. Through building a career, he reveals himself as a person and a professional.

This novel is well deserved considered Cronin's strongest: it clearly depicts the psychological formation of personality and its decomposition, its formation under the influence of various factors of reality.

The Lost World

« The Lost World» - a novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, which is written in an adventure style. It has not become as popular as the stories about Sherlock Holmes, but its style, plot and ideas deserve the attention of readers.

The book tells about an exciting adventure, a journey to an unknown land where different animals live. In this novel, the writer tries to show his familiarity with the latest ideas of science. This novel not only has an exciting fantasy element, it is full of sketches of animals, humor that is difficult to convey in Russian and scenes from real life.

This part of Arthur Conan Doyle’s work is often left aside, but the novel “The Lost World” is an example of how several original styles can be combined in one writer.

Othello

"Othello" is a play by William Shakespeare, the plot of which is based on the text “The Moor of Venice” by Giraldi Cinta. The plot of the play revolves around the depiction of the conflict between the individual and society. She talks about love, hate, jealousy, reveals important problem humanity.

The images of tragedy are lively, bright, they have both positive and negative features, each of them is a mix of reason and emotions. Othello has become the most popular tragedy due to the fact that it depicts acute conflicts between eternal human feelings– love, jealousy, trust.

Describes greed and the desire to get rich at any cost - problems that societies face during any era.

Essay in English “Favorite writer”

Conclusion

English writers are a popular topic for writing and conversation. Knowledge of the great classics of English literature always speaks of a person’s good taste and education. Most works have film adaptations and can be watched online.

English literature– this is a centuries-old history, magnificent writers, unique works that reflect the characteristics of national character. We grow up with the books of these great authors, we develop with their help. It is impossible to convey the importance of English writers and the contribution they made to world literature. We offer you 10 worldwide recognized masterpieces English literature.

1. William Shakespeare - “King Lear”

The story of King Lear is the story of a man blinded by his own despotism, who in his declining years is confronted for the first time with the bitter truth of life. Endowed with unlimited power, Lear decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters Cordelia, Goneril and Regan. On the day of his abdication, he expects flattering speeches and assurances of tender love from them. He knows in advance what his daughters will say, but he longs to once again listen to the praises addressed to him in the presence of the court and foreigners. Lear invites the youngest of them and the most beloved Cordelia to talk about his love in such a way that her words will prompt him to give her a “more extensive share than his sisters.” But proud Cordelia refuses to perform this ritual with dignity. A fog of rage obscures Lear’s eyes and, considering her refusal an attack on his power and dignity, he curses his daughter. Having deprived her of her inheritance, King Lear abdicates the throne in favor of his eldest daughters Goneril and Regan, not realizing the dire consequences of his action...

2. George Gordon Byron - “Don Juan”

“I’m looking for a hero!..” Thus begins the poem “Don Juan”, written by the great English poet George Gordon Byron. And his attention was attracted by a hero well known in world literature. But the image of the young Spanish nobleman Don Juan, who became a symbol of the seducer and womanizer, takes on new depth in Byron. He is unable to resist his passions. But often he himself becomes the object of harassment from women...

3. John Galsworthy - “The Forsyte Saga”

“The Forsyte Saga” is life itself, in all its tragedy, in joys and losses, a life that is not very happy, but accomplished and unique.
The first volume of “The Forsyte Saga” includes a trilogy consisting of novels: “The Owner,” “In the Loop,” “For Rent,” which presents the history of the Forsyte family over many years.

4. David Lawrence - “Women in Love”

David Herbert Lawrence shocked the consciousness of his contemporaries with the freedom with which he wrote about the relationship of the sexes. In the famous novels about the Brenguin family - “The Rainbow” (which was banned immediately after publication) and “Women in Love” (published in a limited edition, and in 1922 a censorship trial of its author took place) Lawrence describes the story of several married couples. Women in Love was filmed by Ken Russell in 1969 and won an Oscar.
"My great religion lies in the belief in blood and flesh, that they are wiser than the intellect. Our minds may make mistakes, but what our blood feels, believes, and says is always true.”

5. Somerset Maugham - “The Moon and a Penny”

One of best works Maugham. The novel about which literary critics have been arguing for many decades, but still cannot come to a consensus on whether history should be considered tragic life and death English artist Strickland as a kind of “free biography” of Paul Gauguin?
Whether this is true or not, “The Moon and a Penny” still remains the true pinnacle of English literature of the 20th century.

6. Oscar Wilde - “The Picture of Dorian Gray”

Oscar Wilde is a great English writer who gained fame as a brilliant stylist, inimitable wit, extraordinary personality of his time, a man whose name, through the efforts of enemies and a gossip-hungry mob, became a symbol of depravity. This edition includes the famous novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” - the most successful and most scandalous of all the books created by Wilde.

7. Charles Dickens - “David Copperfield”

The famous novel “David Copperfield” by the great English writer Charles Dickens has gained the love and recognition of readers all over the world. Largely autobiographical, this novel tells the story of a boy forced to fight alone against a cruel, bleak world inhabited by evil teachers, selfish factory owners and soulless servants of the law. In this unequal war, David can only be saved by moral firmness, purity of heart and extraordinary talent, capable of turning a dirty ragamuffin into greatest writer England.

8. Bernard Shaw - “Pygmalimon”

The play begins on a summer evening in Covent Garden in London. A sudden torrential downpour, taking pedestrians by surprise, forced them to take shelter under the portal of St. Paul's Cathedral. Among those gathered were professor of phonetics Henry Higgins and researcher of Indian dialects Colonel Pickering, who specially came from India to see the professor. The unexpected meeting delights both. The men begin a lively conversation, in which an incredibly dirty flower girl intervenes. While begging the gentlemen to buy a bouquet of violets from her, she makes such unimaginable inarticulate sounds that it horrifies Professor Higgins, who is discussing the advantages of his method of teaching phonetics. The annoyed professor swears to the colonel that thanks to his lessons, this dirty woman can easily become a saleswoman in a flower shop, where now she will not even be allowed to enter the door. Moreover, he swears that in three months he will be able to pass her off as the duchess at the envoy's reception.
Higgins gets down to business with great enthusiasm. Obsessed with the idea of ​​turning a simple street girl into a a real lady, he is absolutely confident of success, and does not think at all about the consequences of his experiment, which will radically change not only the fate of Eliza (that’s the girl’s name), but also his own life.

9. William Thackeray - “Vanity Fair”

The pinnacle of creativity of the English writer, journalist and graphic artist William Makepeace Thackeray was the novel “Vanity Fair”. All the characters in the novel - positive and negative - are involved, according to the author, in an “eternal circle of grief and suffering.” Rich in events, rich in subtle observations of the life of its time, imbued with irony and sarcasm, the novel “Vanity Fair” took pride of place in the list of masterpieces of world literature.

10. Jane Austen - “Sense and Sensibility”

“Sense and Sensibility” is one of best novels the wonderful English writer Jane Austen, who is rightly called the “first lady” of British literature. Among her most famous works are such masterpieces as “Pride and Prejudice”, “Emma”, “Northanger Abbey” and others. “Sense and Sensibility” is a so-called novel of morals, representing love stories two sisters: one of them is restrained and reasonable, the other with all passion gives herself over to emotional experiences. Heart dramas against the background of the conventions of society and ideas about duty and honor become a real “education of feelings” and are crowned with well-deserved happiness. The life of a large family, the characters and the twists and turns of the plot are described by Jane Austen easily, ironically and heartfeltly, with inimitable humor and purely English restraint.

If you ask any average person to name some English writers, he will probably be confused and will be able to remember, at best, one or two names. Although in fact he knows at least ten, he simply does not realize that the birthplace of many popular authors is Famous English writers - Daniel Defoe, H.G. Wells, Robert Louis Stevenson and many others. Familiar names? We know and remember the books of these authors from childhood.

Modern English writers are also represented by a whole galaxy famous names: JK Rowling, Joe Acrombury, Stephen Fry, Jasper FForde - it is simply impossible to list all the authors. And if you also remember the classics, such as William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, etc., then you begin to understand that the inhabitants of our country read mainly the works of Russian and English wordsmiths.

1. John R. R. Tolkien is a famous English writer whose books are recommended for all categories of readers. Moreover, you should not limit yourself exclusively to “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”. You might like it better a little fairy tale“Farmer Giles of Ham” - in addition to dragons and heroes, there is a fair amount of humor in it.

2. Arthur Conan Doyle is an English writer who created the most popular detective of all time. It is interesting that the author himself did not like his main character, but readers fully appreciated the talent and intelligence of Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street and his permanent partner, Dr. Watson. Conan Doyle wrote a lot of books about Sherlock, there were even more different imitators and all kinds of sequels, but it’s still better to read the original source.

3. Lewis Carroll - English writer who created the most an unusual fairy tale. Many people believe that Alice in Wonderland is a book exclusively for children. In fact, both a child and an adult will be able to appreciate and love this very original work in their own way, which found its calling a decade after its publication.

4. Agatha Christie is the queen of the detective novel, and is also the most popular and best-selling writer in all the years of the existence of the printed word. The works of Agatha Christie are considered classics, and they are certainly worth reading for all lovers of detective stories, as well as simply connoisseurs of good books.

5. George Orwell is an English writer who gave the world the best dystopia. “Animal Farm” and the novel “1984” are books that can make a person rethink the entire world around him. One quote is “all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others,” and the reader already looks at the people around him differently.

6. Jane Austen, who gave the world the most wonderful “women's” novel. Despite criticism immediately after the book's release, where the work was called boring and mediocre, Pride and Prejudice is considered best book millions of readers.

These six writers were chosen randomly, and the numbers do not reflect any ranking or top - the proposed authors are very different and cannot be compared with each other.