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- 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 development 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, a topic he 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 as “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 " Posthumous notes 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 contemporary authors, the British writer stands out especially 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. After 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.
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, and 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 mass 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 get acquainted with 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 science fiction, as well as to experience complex issues that are often lost in film adaptations.
Difficult to select 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 theme of English literature of the early 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 Bernard Shaw's most famous play. 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 it comes to mind soviet cartoon. 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, but 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 nasty, pathetic one at that, short nap, although you still won’t dream of another one.
Why you need to read
To look at the origins of many science fiction ideas that have become popular in modern culture.
Today, many schools no longer study such a subject as foreign literature. The younger generation, as a rule, learns about some famous English writers and their fascinating works from textbooks in English classes and thanks to modern cinema. However, everyone who studies English needs to know which English writers are classics foreign literature. Thanks to this knowledge, you can expand your general horizons and replenish vocabulary, reading works in the original.
About the most famous
Even those who are not particularly keen on reading literature have heard the names of English writers who have gained worldwide fame. We are talking about Shakespeare, Kipling, Byron, Conan Doyle and others. Let's talk briefly about the authors whose works are worthy of everyone's attention.
Rudyard Kipling (Sir Joseph Rudyard Kipling)- English poet, writer and short story writer who lived from 1865 to 1936. In the history of world literature he is known as the creator of stories and fairy tales for children, many of which were filmed. Rudyard Kipling became not only the youngest laureate Nobel Prize in literature, but also the first Englishman to receive this award. The most famous works: “The Jungle Book”, “Riki-Tiki-Tavi”, “Kim”, “Kaa’s Hunt”, etc. Children’s stories: “Baby Elephant”, “How the first letter was written”, “The cat that walked by itself”, “Why does the rhinoceros skin have folds”, etc.
Oscar Wilde (Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde)- an outstanding Irish poet, playwright, novelist and essayist. One of the most famous playwrights of the late Victorian period and a key figure in the development of Aestheticism and European modernism. The most famous work is considered to be the novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” (1890). Years of the writer’s life: 1854−1900.
George Gordon Byron- English romantic poet, who from 1788 to 1824 was a symbol of romanticism and political liberalism in Europe of the 19th century. During his lifetime he was usually called "Lord Byron". Thanks to him, such terms as “Byronic” hero and “Byronicism” appeared in literature. The creative legacy left by the poet is represented by the poem “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” (1812), the novel “Don Juan”, the poems “The Giaour” and “The Corsair”, etc.
Arthur Conan Doyle (Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle)- English writer (although a doctor by training). He is the author of countless novels and short stories that are of an adventure, historical, journalistic, fantastic and humorous nature. The most popular are detective stories about Sherlock Holmes, science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, as well as a number of historical novels. Conan Doyle also wrote plays and poems. The creative heritage is represented by such works as “White Squad”, “ The Lost World", "The Hound of the Baskervilles" and others. Years of the writer’s life - 1859−1930.
Daniel Defoe- English writer and publicist who has written about 500 books, magazines and pamphlets on various topics. He is one of the founders of the European realistic novel. In 1719, Daniel Defoe saw the light of the first and best novel for the whole creative life writer called "Robinson Crusoe". TO famous works also include “Captain Singleton”, “The History of Colonel Jack”, “Mole Flanders”, “Roxana” (1724), etc.
William Somerset Maugham(William Somerset Maugham)- British novelist, playwright, screenwriter and literary critic. One of the most successful prose writers of the twentieth century. For achievements in art and literature he was awarded the Order of the Knights of Honor. Maugham has 78 works to his credit, including short stories, essays and travel notes. Main works: “The Burden of Human Passions”, “The Moon and a Penny”, “Pies and Wine”, “The Razor’s Edge”.
Who wrote for children
Not all famous English writers were passionate about exclusively serious life topics. Some great authors dedicated part of their work to the younger generation, writing fairy tales and stories for children. Who hasn't heard about Alice, who visited Wonderland, or Mowgli, the boy who grew up in the jungle?
Biography of the writer Lewis Carroll ( Lewis Carroll), whose real name is Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, is no less interesting than his book “Alice in Wonderland”. He grew up in a large family with 11 children. The boy loved to draw and always dreamed of becoming an artist. This writer told us a story about the restless heroine Alice and her endless travels to a wonderful magical world, where she meets many interesting characters: Cheshire cat, and the mad hatter, and the queen of cards.
Roald Dahl originally from Wales. The author spent most of his childhood in boarding houses. One of these boarding houses was located near the famous Cadbury chocolate factory. It is assumed that the idea of writing your best children's story entitled “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” came to him during this period. The hero of the story is a boy named Charlie, who receives one of five tickets that allows him to enter a closed chocolate factory. Charlie, along with 4 other participants, completes all the tasks in the factory, and remains the winner.
Rudyard Kipling famous for his "The Jungle Book", which tells the story of the boy Mowgli, who grows up among animals in the wild forests. Most likely this story was written under the impression of my own childhood. The fact is, after birth, the writer lived in India for the first 5 years of his life.
Joanne Rowling- the most famous writer and “storyteller” of our time. It was she who gave us such a character as Harry Potter. Joan wrote the story about the boy wizard Harry, who goes to Hogwarts school, for her children. This allowed them to plunge into the world of magic and magic and forget for a while about the poverty in which the family lived at that time. The book is full of interesting adventures.
Joan Delano Aiken became a writer because everyone in her family wrote: from her father to her sister. However, Joan was involved in children's literature. Her most famous work was the story “A Piece of Heaven in a Pie.”
Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson invented the pirate Captain Flint in his famous story"Treasure Island" Hundreds of boys followed the adventures of this hero. Robert himself comes from cold Scotland, an engineer and lawyer by training. The first book was published when the author was only 16 years old; he borrowed money for publication from his father. The story about treasure island was invented by him much later during games with his son, during which they together drew a treasure map and came up with stories.
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien- author of fantastic and breathtaking stories "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings". John is a teacher by training. As a child, the writer learned to read early, and did this often throughout his life. As John himself admits, he fiercely hated the story “Treasure Island,” but was crazy about “Alice in Wonderland.” The writer himself, after his stories, became the founder of the fantasy genre; it is no coincidence that he was nicknamed the “father of fantasy.”
