The selection includes the most famous works of English writers. These are British novels, detective stories and stories popular with readers around the world. We didn't stop at one genre or time. There is science fiction, fantasy, humorous stories, dystopias, children's adventures and other masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present. The books are different, but they have something in common. All of them made a tangible contribution to the development of world literature and art, reflected national characteristics UK residents.
Famous English writers
The phrase “English literature” brings to mind a number of names. William Shakespeare, Somerset Maugham, John Galsworthy, Daniel Defoe, Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Charles Dickens - the list goes on for a long time. These writers are the luminaries of English classics. They have gone down in history forever, and more than one generation of book lovers will admire the subtlety and relevance of their works.Let's not forget about Iris Murdoch, John le Carre, JK Rowling, Ian McEwan, Joanne Harris, Julian Barnes and other talented contemporary English writers. Another shining example gifted author - Kazuo Ishiguro. In 2017, this famous British writer of Japanese origin received Nobel Prize according to literature. The selection includes his novel about touching love and sense of duty “The Remains of the Day.” Add and read. And then be sure to watch the excellent film adaptation - starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson - “At the End of the Day” (dir. James Ivory, 1993).
Literary awards and film adaptations
Almost all books from this selection have been awarded world awards. literary prizes: Pulitzer, Booker, Nobel and others. The novels “1984” by George Orwell, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, and the comedies and tragedies of Shakespeare cannot be included in any book list from the series “Books Everyone Should Read” or “ Best books of all times."These works are a treasure trove of inspiration for directors, producers, and screenwriters. It’s hard to imagine that if Bernard Shaw had not written the play “Pygmalion,” we would not have seen the stunning transformation of Audrey Hepburn from an illiterate flower girl into a sophisticated aristocrat. It's about about the film “My Fair Lady” (dir. George Cukor, 1964).
Among modern books and their successful film adaptations, pay attention to The Long Fall. Nick Hornby wrote an ironic novel about the relationship between good human communication and the desire to live. The film of the same name with Pierce Brosnan and Toni Collette (dir. Pascal Chomel, 2013) turned out to be soulful and life-affirming.
Geographical information
Geographical confusion often arises when compiling such lists. Let's figure it out. England is an independent country that is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland along with three other countries: Scotland, Ireland and Wales. However, the term "English literature" includes the masterpieces of writers native to the entire United Kingdom. Therefore, you will find here the works of the Irishman Oscar Wilde, the Welshman Iain Banks, and the Scotsman Ken Follett.The selection of English writers and their works was impressive - more than 70 books. This is a real book challenge! Add the books you like and immerse yourself in a slightly prim, but so elegant world!
English writers 17th-20th centuries are less popular today, and the subject foreign literature no longer taught in school. It’s strange, but just recently, during the times of stagnation, the Iron Curtain and cold war, schoolchildren knew and loved English classics. And their parents collected waste paper for a whole year in order to be able to purchase the treasured volume of Jerome K. Jerome or Wilkie Collins for 20 kilograms. Today, however, when you ask who Charles Dickens or Thomas Hardy is, most often you only get a puzzled look in response. And really, how can modern teenagers learn about this if they don’t learn it at school???!
Well, for those who did look at this page with the title “ English writers", I want to offer the most interesting books and no less interesting biographies these same English writers. So, I invite you to read, listen and watch purely English stories, both in Russian and in English. Below is a list of them interesting works, as well as their film adaptations. And for those learning English, we offer films and cartoons in English with subtitles, video interviews and free English lessons online.
Below list of English writers of the 17th-20th centuries, whose books are presented on the website:
- Geoffrey Chaucer (1343 – 1400)
- William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
- Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
- Brontë sisters: Charlotte (1816-1855), Emily (1818-1848), Anne (1820-1849)
- Robert Stevenson (1850-1894)
- Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
- Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)
- Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927)
- Conan Doyle (1859-1930)
- Agatha Christie (1890-1976)
You will be able to get acquainted with the biography of English writers, whose eventful lives are reflected in exciting works. No matter what book you pick up, it’s simply impossible to put it down! And for those who want to know more, review article about English literature. Read!
English writers and their works (classics)
Robert Stevenson / Robert Stevenson (1850-1894
Psychological novels from the creator of Mr. Hyde and the owner of Ballantrae. Look into your soul...
Charles Dickens / Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
The most philanthropic writer who mercilessly fought against the injustice and vices of Victorian society.
Brontë sisters: Charlotte (1816-1855), Emily (1818-1848), Anne (1820-1849)
Three stars sparkling in the sky English literature, incredible women, each of whom was amazingly talented and unimaginably unhappy.
- Charlotte Bronte "Jane Eyre"
- « Wuthering Heights"(film adaptation of the novel by Emily Brontë)
- Anne Bronte "Agnes Gray"
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
A witty genius, philosopher, master of eloquence, famous for his quotes, the “father” of Dorian Gray.
Jerome K. Jerome / Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927)
- film adaptations of works -> in development
Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)
The greatest writer of England, William Shakespeare, is the world's most famous playwright. He is the author of a dozen plays and hundreds of sonnets, and also owns the most famous poems and epitaphs.
Shakespeare's works have been translated into virtually all languages of the world, and William became truly famous only in the 19th century.
It is he who owns such works as “King Lear”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Macbeth”, “Othello” and “Hamlet”. Today there is no person who does not know the famous expression: “To be or not to be? - that is the question!”
Arthur Conan Doyle
The well-known and beloved writer Arthur Conan Doyle was actually a doctor by training.
It is thanks to him that we know today about the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and the popular Professor Challenger, as well as the brave officer Gerard. Sir Arthur wrote a huge number of adventure, historical and humorous stories. He was passionate about cricket, politics and medicine all his life.
In 2004, documents and personal letters from politicians and the US President were found, valued at more than £2 million.
Agatha Christie
Her real name is Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller. She is the second most popular author in the world after William Shakespeare.
Her work has been translated into almost all languages of the world and today the reader enjoys such masterpieces as “The Curious Incident at Styles”, “The Mysterious Assailant”, “Murder on the Golf Course”, “Poirot Investigates” and much more.
Charles Dickens
Even during his lifetime this great writer achieved popularity and became world famous. Charles John Huffam Dickens - world classic fiction. Dickens was born in 1812, lived for almost 60 years, but managed to write as many famous works as, perhaps, almost no one else could.
Charles received the great honor of Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. They say about him that he became the darling of fate and everyone’s favorite, especially among women. He is the author of such works as “Oliver Twist”, “Our mutual friend", "Great Expectations", "Bleak House", "Copperfield" and much more.
Dickens came from a poor family, but thanks to his decent fees, he was able to provide himself and his loved ones with a comfortable life.
Rudyard Kipling
In 1865, the famous short story writer, poet and writer Joseph Rudyard Kipling was born in India. When the boy was 5 years old, his family safely moved to England.
He became the author of numerous poems, prose and poems, for which he received the Nobel Prize in 1907, and also received awards from the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh. Kipling owns such famous works, like "Kim", "The Jungle Book", "Brave Captains", "Ganga Din".
Rudyard was fond of journalism, thanks to which he perfectly understands the life of the country. And the travels that he regularly made as a writer helped him convey all the flavor of Asia and the USA.
Oscar Wilde
The great and talented Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854. The writer's father was good doctor, for which he was knighted. The family was proud of the breadwinner, but Oscar decided to go his own way and began writing books about archeology and folklore.
Oscar studied at the Royal School and spoke French and German languages. At an older age, the guy began to become interested in antiquity and showed interest in ancient languages. Oscar Wilde traveled a lot and strived for knowledge all his life. He dedicated his works to his family and friends, as well as to the events that left a mark on his life.
The most popular works are “Sonnet to Liberty”, “Milton”, “Phaedra”, “Shelley’s Tomb” and much more.
JK Rowling
JK Rowling is considered one of the most famous modern writers. Due to the family's frequent moves, the girl had no permanent friends, except that she was inseparable from her sister.
One day a girl meets interesting personality with the surname Potter, after which Joan gets an idea a work of genius. So, after some time, his studies at Hogwarts were born. Of course, the world did not see the book right away, however, it is thanks to it that today every schoolchild and student knows this brilliant English writer.
In the 90s, Joan moved to Portugal, where she taught English and continued working on the Potter books. There she meets her soulmate and gets married.
John Tolkien
There is probably no person today who has not watched or read “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit, or There and Back Again.” But the author of these famous works is Oxford University professor John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. In 2008, the writer was in the top five best UK authors.
The family moved several times when the boy was still a child and then he lost his father. Nevertheless, the guy was very smart, well-read thanks to the efforts of his mother.
As a young man, he was inquisitive and read a lot, he already liked girls, and at the age of 21, Tolkien wrote a letter to his beloved proposing marriage. Their union turned out to be strong: they lived a long and happy life.
H.G. Wells
His family was poor, his father tried to trade, however, the business did not bring any income. The writer's family lived due to the fact that the father often played cricket. However, the boy was able to get an education and become a doctor of biology.
George taught and was actively involved in political life. After his death, many memorials were erected, and it is also said that George Wells brought light to many lives as he selflessly committed himself to the education of the poor.
Robert Lewis Stevenson
Stevenson Robert Lewis is a famous Scottish writer and author of many adventure stories and short stories. The boy was born into a wealthy family, graduated from Edinburgh Academy and entered university.
The child suffered several serious illnesses in childhood, and in his youth, under family pressure, he got married. Stevenson's first edition was issued with his father's money, and it was then that the guy developed an interest in the history of his native Scotland. His stories were published in local newspapers and magazines.
The writer traveled a lot, but did not stop creating his masterpieces until last day. The great author died in Samoa from a stroke.
Daniel Defoe
In 1660, the great writer Daniel Defoe was born in London. The beloved work “The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe” made the author famous throughout the world and was translated into many languages.
By the way, it was Defoe who was recognized as the founder of the English novel. Throughout his life, Daniel published about 500 books, based on the plot of which films were made.
Defoe's family hoped that their son would become a shepherd, but the boy chose art and his first works were written on religious themes. Defoe received a good education, met influential people and even went to prison. Daniel Defoe met his death far from his family in 1731 in London.
Jonathan Swift
In 1667 the poet was born and public figure Jonathan Swift. The Anglican priest dreamed of making the world a better place, changing people, so he came up with the idea of writing about human vices. This is how the work “Gulliver's Travels” appeared.
The writer was born into a poor Protestant family, his father died very early, so the child grew up in the family of a wealthy relative. I hardly saw my mother.
Nevertheless, the boy was able to get a good education, found a decent job, and wrote an “Autobiographical Fragment” in memory of his childhood and family history. He is the author of such works as “The Battle of the Books”, “Diary for Stella”, “A Butterfly’s Tale” and many poems and poems.
George Byron
George Gordon Byron, more commonly known as Lord Byron, is a writer who captured the imagination of not only Europe, but the whole world. A boy was born into a poor family: his father lost his fortune, and his mother returned from Europe with the little that was left.
The boy studied at a private school, then at a gymnasium, however, according to him, his nannies taught him more than all the teachers at school. In addition, his mother did not feel great love for her son and often threw things at him that didn’t hit him.
He received the title of lord from his late grandfather, along with the family estate. In his youth, the writer loved to read and travel, which he was very proud of later. Byron wrote throughout his life.
He owns such famous works as “The Bride of Abydos”, “Jewish Melodies”, “Parisina”, “Tasso’s Complaint”, “Darkness”, “The Christian and His Comrades”. A city in Greece was named in memory of the great writer, and his portrait is also depicted on postage stamps.
Lewis Carroll
One of the most versatile personalities in England is Lewis Carroll. He was a writer and was interested in photography, mathematics and philosophy. His most famous works were “Alice in Wonderland”, “Alice Through the Looking Glass”, and “The Hunting of the Snark”.
The boy was born into a large family. There wasn’t much money, so his father took care of his education. Lewis was a smart and quick-witted child, he was left-handed, which his relatives were very unhappy with.
After some time, the boy went to school, and then in college he began his career as a writer. He sent his work to local newspapers and magazines. In 1867, Lewis went on his first and only trip, visiting Moscow and other European cities.
Somerset Maugham
William Somerset Maugham is one of the most successful English writers of the 20th century. The future author was born into a successful French family. The parents hoped that the child would choose a career as a lawyer in the future, but the boy was not attracted to law. Until the age of 10, the child spoke only French, therefore, his father sent him to live with relatives in England.
There he became interested in medicine, studied at the hospital's school and wrote his first work, Lisa of Lambeth, about this experience. During the war, William even worked as a scout and was sent to Russia for a specific purpose.
After the war, the writer traveled a lot around Asia, which he talked about in his work. He also wrote "The Hero", "The Creation of the Saint", "The Conqueror of Africa", "Carousel" and many other novels.
Warm greetings to my readers!
Both small and big. Although today's lesson will focus more on the former. We are waiting for English writers for children and their works. We will also touch on the “oldies” from the 19th century. And consider the “youth” of the 20th century. And I will also give you a list of where they are famous books and the famous ones are arranged in order of my sincere love :).
Well, shall we begin?
- Lewis Carroll
Many people know this writer from his restless heroine Alice and her endless travels to Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. The writer's biography itself is no less interesting than his books. He grew up in a large family - with 3 brothers and 7 sisters. He loved to draw and dreamed of becoming an artist.
The story itself tells us about a girl who finds herself in a wonderful magical world. Where the multitude meets interesting characters: And Cheshire cat, and the mad hatter, and the queen of cards.
- Roald Dahl
Roald was born in Wales into a Norwegian family. Most of spent his childhood in boarding houses. One of the latter was located next to the famous Cadbury chocolate factory. It is believed that it was then that the idea came to him to write his best children's story- “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
This story is about a boy, Charlie, who receives one of five tickets. This ticket will take him into the closed chocolate factory. Together with 4 other participants, he completes all the tasks in the factory and remains the winner.
- Rudyard Kipling
This author is known to us for his story "The Jungle Book", which tells about a boy named Mowgli who grew up among wild forests along with a variety of animals. Most likely, this story was inspired by his own childhood. The fact is that Rudyard was born and lived for the first 5 years of his life in India.
- JK Rowling
The most famous “storyteller” of our time gave us that same one. Joan wrote this story for her children. And at that time their family lived very poorly.
And the books themselves give us the opportunity to plunge into the world of magic and magic. The boy Harry finds out that he is a wizard and goes to Hogwarts school. Interesting adventures await him there.
It's cheaper to buy books here!
- Joan Aiken
This woman simply had to become a writer, because everyone in her family wrote: from her father to her sister. But Joan was engaged specifically in children's literature. So its the most famous work became the story “A Piece of Heaven in a Pie.” And it was this film that was filmed by our domestic TV channels. True, this story is known to the Russian people under the name “Apple Pie”.
- Robert Louis Stevenson
Not a man - a pirate! You just want to shout “Hey-hey!”, because this man invented the pirate Captain Flint in his story “Treasure Island”. Hundreds of boys stayed up at night to follow the adventures of this hero.
The author himself was born in cold Scotland. He studied to be an engineer and lawyer. Moreover, his first book was published when Robert was only 16 years old, using money borrowed from his father. But he came up with the story about treasure island much later. And what’s interesting is while playing with my son. Together they drew a treasure map and came up with stories.
- John Tolkien
The creator of modern from another world - "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" - stories so fantastic and exciting that they take your breath away.
The author of the books, John, worked as a teacher. As a child, he learned to read early, so he did it often. He admitted that he hated the story “Treasure Island” with a fierce hatred, but madly loved “Alice in Wonderland.” The author himself wrote stories for which he was nicknamed “the father of fantasy.”
- Pamela Travers
This woman's real name is Helen. She was born in far, far away Australia. But at the age of 8 she moved with her mother to Wales. As a child, Pamela loved animals very much. She was fiddling around in the yard and imagining herself as a bird. As she grew up, she traveled a lot, but eventually returned to England.
One day she was asked to babysit two small and restless children. So, while playing, she began to invent a story about a nanny who carried things with her in a suitcase and who had an umbrella with a parrot-shaped handle. Then the plot develops on paper and this is how the world got the famous nanny Mary Poppins. The first book was followed by others - continuations of the story about the nanny.
I think we'll end here. Read interesting books, learn a language and develop yourself. And don’t miss the opportunity to receive new blog articles instantly by email - subscribe to the newsletter.
See you again!
Check out the video below for some more great writers and their works that are worth reading!
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07.05.14 12:34
Brilliant classic detective stories and love stories full of tragedy, lengthy biographies and incomparable subtle humor, a world of bewitching fantasy and adventurous adventures. British literature is rich in masterpieces!
Famous British writers and their best works
Pioneer geniuses
In order to tell about all the most worthy representatives of Great Britain who created wonderful works (from plays and poems to stories and novels), you will need a voluminous volume. But let’s get acquainted (more or less adhering to the chronology) at least with some of them!
Geoffrey Chaucer is considered to be the pioneer of English literature. It was he (this was in the 14th century) who first began to write his works in native language(not in Latin). Among his “software” creations, we note the ironic “ Canterbury Tales"and the voluminous heroic-romantic poem "Troilus and Chryseis". In Chaucer, the earthly is intertwined with the sublime, vulgarity is adjacent to moralizing, and everyday pictures are replaced by passionate scenes.
IN lately Here and there, disputes arose about another recognized classic - William Shakespeare. They doubted his authorship and attributed his works to other personalities (up to Queen Elizabeth the First). We will adhere to the traditional point of view. The immortal lines of sonnets, the colorful characters of tragedies, the life-affirming optimism of the Great Bard's comedies are still contemporary today. His plays are leaders in theater repertoires (in terms of the number of productions), and they are endlessly filmed. More than fifty “Romeo and Juliet” films alone have been filmed (counting from the silent film era). But Shakespeare worked in the distant 16th-17th centuries!
Novels for ladies, and not only
“Women’s” prose in British classics is vividly represented by Jane Austen (who hasn’t read the book “Pride and Prejudice”, which was transferred more than once to the silver screen!). And also the Bronte sisters. Emily's emotional and tragic "Wuthering Heights" and Charlotte's very popular (again, thanks to film adaptations) "Jane Eyre" are the best examples of the literature of the first half of the 19th century centuries. But both sisters died very early, and many of their plans remained unrealized.
Powerful prose writer Charles Dickens is the pride of Britain. In his works one can find realism and sentimentalism, fairy-tale beginnings and riddles. He did not have time to finish “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” and readers are still scratching their heads over it. But this novel could have become the best detective work of that era.
Mysteries and adventures
In general, the founder of this genre is Dickens's friend, Wilkie Collins. His "The Moonstone" is considered the first detective story written in English. Very interesting and full of mysticism and the mystery novel “The Woman in White.”
Two Scots - Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson - made their contribution to British literature. These were consummate masters historical adventure novels. “Ivanhoe” by the first and “Treasure Island” by the second are masterpieces.
Two more personalities stand out: the dark romantic John Gordon Byron and the ironic Oscar Wilde. Read their lines! It's magic. Life did not spoil both of them, but the emotions in the works were even stronger.
Elegant prose, humor and detective masters
Wilde was persecuted for his homosexuality. Another of his compatriots, Somerset Maugham, also suffered from it. An English intelligence officer, he is the author of the most elegant prose. If you have Bad mood, re-read “Theater” or watch the film - even with Via Artmane, even the American one, with Annette Benning, a wonderful medicine!
Other authors who do a great job of bringing back the spirit are Jerock K. Jerome and Palham G. Wodehouse. Didn’t you chuckle when reading about the adventures of “three men in a boat” or the misadventures of the stupid aristocrat Bertie Wooster, under the care of the prim valet Jeeves?
Even those who do not like detective stories will sooner or later turn to the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. After all, his hero Sherlock is the favorite subject of modern filmmakers.
What can we say about Lady Agatha! Christie is perhaps the most famous detective (may she forgive us such a dissonant word!) of all times. And words are unnecessary here. Poirot and Marple glorified the British woman for centuries.
In the arms of fantasy
Huge amazing world- with its own language, geography, funny (courageous, terrifying, cute, and not very different!) inhabitants - was invented by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, honor and praise to him. For fantasy fans, The Lord of the Rings is what the Bible is for believers.
Among contemporary British writers greatest glory and JK Rowling achieved success. Having once seen some images while half asleep and decided to write down a story about an orphan boy that came to mind, a poor housewife became one of the revered prose writers of our days. The film adaptation of Potter was seen by millions, and the author herself became a multimillionaire.
The erotic escapades of David Lawrence's characters, the throwing of John Fowles' heroes, the other worlds of H.G. Wells, the tragic plots of Thomas Hardy, the evil satire of Jonathan Swift and Bernard Shaw, the ballads of Robert Burns, the realism of Galsworthy and Iris Murdoch. This, too, is the wealth of British literature. Read and enjoy!
