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 the Cold War, schoolchildren knew and loved the 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 studying English language We offer films and cartoons in English with subtitles, video interviews and free online English lessons.
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 b (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 that shone on the horizon of 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)
Truly admirable. It is based on the works of a whole galaxy 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 “spear-shaking” 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” - universal human values. Getting acquainted with his creative heritage, we recommend that you MUST read the philosophical tragedy “Hamlet” - about the meaning of life and moral principles. For four hundred years now she has been heading 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 at the beginning of the 18th 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.
Showed in many ways autobiographical novel"Jane Eyre" 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 back in 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 presenting a novel. None of the classics before him 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 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- a huge, interesting layer of achievements human culture and spirit. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of meeting her.
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 whole series names William Shakespeare, Somerset Maugham, John Galsworthy, Daniel Defoe, Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Charles Dickens - the list could go on for a long time. These writers are luminaries 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 “Books Everyone Should Read” or “Best Books of All Time” series.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. We are talking about the film "My lovely lady"(dir. George Cukor, 1964).
From modern books and their successful film adaptations, pay attention to The Long Fall. Nick Hornby wrote an ironic novel about the interconnection of 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!
If you ask any average person to name any English writers, he will probably be confused and will be able to remember in best case scenario 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 - this is 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 may prefer the short fairy tale “Farmer Giles of Ham” - in addition to dragons and heroes, it contains a fair amount of humor.
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.
We can talk a lot about the role of personality in history, but where should we more interesting topic about the role of personality in the development of the English language. After all, there is no doubt that a number of people whose names we know for sure have made an invaluable contribution to English with their literary works. Of course, we're talking about famous writers UK.
William Shakespeare often called the greatest British writer and one of the world's brightest playwrights. The writer was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon in England. During his career, Shakespeare created about two hundred works, which were translated into many languages and constantly staged. In addition, Shakespeare himself performed in theaters for a long time. Among the author’s most famous works are the famous tragedies “Romeo and Juliet”, “Hamlet”, “Othello”, “Macbeth”, “King Lear”.
Oscar Wilde- another famous and interesting representative of British literature. He was born in 1856 into an Irish family. Oscar Wilde's talent and sense of humor are recognized throughout the world, as is his most famous novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. The writer always said that aesthetic feelings There is driving force human development, and this topic was repeatedly touched upon in his works. Oscar Wilde left large number magnificent fairy tales, plays and novels, which are often staged in our time.
Charles Dickens- a British writer who gained popularity during his lifetime and is a recognized classic of world literature. Dickens was born in 1812 in Porsmouth, England, and grew up in big family. From childhood, the writer was forced to earn a living, and his hardships were later reflected in such famous works, like “Oliver Twist”, “Great Expectations”, the heroes of which were poor orphan boys. No less famous works are Dombey and Son, A Tale of Two Cities and The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, which brought him great fame.
Agatha Christie often called the queen of detective stories. The writer, who was born in 1890, is one of the most frequently published writers. Agatha Christie gave the world about a hundred works, including detective and psychological novels, stories and plays. Christie's most famous creations are the play "The Mousetrap", the detective novel "Ten Little Indians", "Murder on the Orient Express" and many others.
Another great detective master is considered Arthur Conan Doyle, which gave the world the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and many other colorful characters.
Among modern authors, the one that stands out is British writer JK Rowling, famous for the series of books about the wizard Harry Potter and the magical world. These books not only brought her worldwide fame, but also turned her from a single mother living on welfare into a multimillionaire. Following the release of all the Harry Potter books, Rowling published several books for adult readers, including under the pseudonym "Robert Gilbraith."
This list can be continued for a long time, but we have listed the real “giants”. Without them, the English language, which you can study in courses at, would be completely different. That's why it's so important to remember them and know their names.