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Lists about novelists, poets, short story authors, journalists, essayists, and playwrights, from simple rankings to fun facts about the men and women behind the pens.

Books

It&#39;s the start of summer break. You&#39;re 15. Nothing ahead of you except endless hours of sunbathing, a part-time job watching some lawyers&#39; kids, sultry evening walks,&nbsp;and bonfires with friends. Well, you also have a summer reading list for your sophomore English class. The authors you read in high school represent a slice of some of the most important works of literature in the English language. And what you read in high school tends to stay with you. Who can forget dear, tragic Piggy from William Golding&#39;s&nbsp;Lord of the Flies, or the strange coming of age of one Philip Pirrip, AKA &quot;Pip,&quot; in Charles Dickens&#39;s Great Expectations?

But did you ever stop to picture the people behind the words? Did you wonder: what do those famous authors look like? Or were you too busy trying to complete the supplemental questions sheet to think about what the authors looked like? Regardless, here&#39;s your chance to not only see the famous authors&#39; photos who are&nbsp;behind most <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-required-reading-books/tamar-altebarmakian?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">high school reading</a> lists, but also to vote up the ones who match what you pictured.

Controversial

As writing can be a provocative practice that often requires challenging social norms and common convention, it&#39;s no surprise history has given us so many controversial novelists. Love them or hate them, no one can argue the infamous authors below were sources of great public scrutiny and debate. These scribes penned some of the most commonly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-books-that-have-been-banned/ranker-books" target="_blank">banned books</a>&nbsp;and took a lot of heat from the public, their contemporaries, literary critics, and the occasional frantic&nbsp;parent high on <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/moral-panic-examples/mike-rothschild" target="_blank">moral panic</a>.&nbsp;

What makes an author controversial? Sometimes, the ideas they present spark outrage. Ayn Rand has a long history of provoking anger amongst&nbsp;those who do not take kindly to her impassioned libertarian ideals and Christopher Hitchens&nbsp;certainly did not make many friends of the religiously inclined. Sometimes, however, it&#39;s less the content and more the execution that makes an author debate-worthy. Some of the most controversial writers of the 21st&nbsp;century, like Stephenie Meyer and E.L. James,&nbsp;have been panned for their subpar prose. There are also children and young adult authors whose work is thought to be a little&nbsp;too&nbsp;raunchy for impressionable minds. There&#39;s a reason Judy Blume&#39;s work frequently shows up on banned books lists.&nbsp;

Which of the below authors do you think is the most controversial? From recent writers to historic scribes, cast your vote below to decide on the most controversial writer of all time! Then explore a different method of shocking the bourgeoisie with <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/counterculture-scene-from-every-decade/megan-summers" target="_blank">our photo survey of every decade&#39;s counterculture since 1900</a>.

Larry Niven

The best science-fiction writers are among some of the most creative writers ever. Instead of only making up a story, they make up entire universes, time dimensions, alien technologies - it's really incredible. Truth be told, some are more successful than others - it is really easy to write bad scifi. But those who can actually pull the genre off are right here on this list of the top science-fiction authors. These are the best science-fiction authors of all time, ranked by readers and fans. This list include some highly recognizable and classic names, like Isaac Asimov and George Orwell, along with some contemporary science-fiction writers who are just beginning to make their mark on the genre. This list of the best sci-fi authors includes some of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-horror-novelists">best horror writers</a> and the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-fantasy-authors">best fantasy authors</a>, but since the genres elements all go together nicely, it's to be expected. Fans of science-fiction know that there is always some overlap. All of the famous sci fi authors on this list have one thing in common: they've written fantastic, horrifying, mystical works of science-fiction for fans to enjoy for years to come. Vote for your favorite sci-fi authors here and add your own personal faves if you don't see them listed!Listed among the best science-fiction authors are some of the most well-known, popular sci-di authors ever, including a few that may not always show up on a 'best of' list. Disagree with a choice? Vote it down. The aforementioned (brilliant) writers are responsible for some of the best science-fiction novels and series of all time - but other sci-fi writers like Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451), Mary Shelley (Frankenstein), Robert Louis Stevenson (The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), and Aldous Huxley (Brave New World) are excellent sci-fi writers as well. All of these authors, in my opinion, deserve a place of honor on this list.Hopefully, this list will grow and become totally comprehensive. Readers who are new to sci-fi can use it as a great guide to find new science fiction authors and books.

Photography

Hanging out in bars where writers hung out has become a popular trend over the years. People (especially aspiring&nbsp;writers) want to sit where Kerouac sat, drink what Lord Byron drank, <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/writers-who-died-of-alcoholism/sirsinister">and then pass out like Dylan Thomas</a>. There are even organized literary pub crawls in some areas for those who want to make <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/times-ernest-hemingway-was-a-jerk/katia-kleyman">a whole Hemingway-style night of it</a>.Famous writers' favorite drinks range from straight whiskey to frozen daiquiris, and it’s no secret that some of the greatest writers have been inspired while socializing or people watching in a pub. Many have even penned their best works while completely (or mostly intoxicated), hunkered down at a table in one of the many famous literary pubs across the world. This&nbsp;list contains some of the most popular bars, pubs, and cafes where famous writers were known to frequent. &nbsp;

It’s probably an understatement to say that most artists have taken drugs at least once in their lives. Even though some authors maintain a stuffy air of collegiate lawns and tweed jackets, many can party as hard as anyone else. In fact, there are so many writers who used drugs that it was kind of a hassle to narrow down this list. Every beat author could have taken up a spot, but we figured that we should shine a light on those special famous writers who wrote high and gave audiences something to really digest. So put on your groovy fringe vest and dig on this of famous authors who used drugs and did their best work while high. The interesting thing about the authors on this list of famous drug addicts is that they don’t all just write in one genre, or exist in one time period. There are <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-science-fiction-authors-v1?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">science fiction authors</a>, poets, and mystic leaders who were all baked out of their minds on their drug of choice while they sat with their quills in hand and set their words to paper. You’ll see a few drugs of choice on this list - most of them are chemicals that were designed to keep someone up and working long past their bedtime, and a good number of those pills, liquids, etc. don’t even exist anymore. Even if you’re living your life drug free, take some time to get to know these famous writers who used drugs, because their work is astounding no matter how it came to be.

Poetry

There are already several good biography movies about writers. Truman Capote has had a couple films made about his life, including the Academy Award winning Capote, based on the author&rsquo;s journey writing the true crime novel In Cold Blood. William Shakespeare&rsquo;s life has also hit the big screen several times, most notably with 1998&rsquo;s Oscar winning comedy romance Shakespeare In Love. What other biopics about writers would you like to see?

The best biography movies about writers, also known as the literary biopic, show the amazing tale of the author&rsquo;s life, not the stories of their work. For example, Stephen King has had dozens of his novels and short stories <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-stephen-king-tv-shows/ranker-film" target="_blank">adapted for television</a> and film. However, the prolific horror author&rsquo;s actual life story has never been told. King has certainly led an interesting life filled with a battle against&nbsp;addiction and also&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/stephen-king-car-accident-details/erin-mccann" target="_blank">horrific car accident </a>that nearly took his life in 1999.

Think about all the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-movies-about-writers/ranker-film" target="_blank">best movies about famous writers</a>. What other acclaimed writers deserve their own biopic? Vote up which authors you think should have their own literary biography.

Female Professionals

Toni Morrison

<a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-female-voice-ever?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">The best female</a> novelists are arguably the top and most talented women who penned some of the most popular and most influential novels of all time. These women, from around the globe over the last few centuries, changed the landscape of fiction writing with their work. These ladies are not just the best female novelists ever, but easily among the <a href="“/list/best-writers-of-all-time/ranker-books”" target="“_blank”">best writers of all time</a>. These female novelists represent many genres of literature such as romance, science fiction, fantasy, adventure and mystery, to name a few. Their works have inspired countless others and spurred numerous movie adaptations. Quite simply, these women are some of the <a href="“/list/best-female-authors/ranker-books”" target="“_blank”">best female authors</a> to have ever lifted the pen. From the classics from Agatha Christie and Jane Austen to the modern favorites from Stephenie Meyer and J.K. Rowling, it’s hard to find a book from a female novelist on this list that isn’t a favorite of millions of readers around the world. Which of these female novelists is the best? Share your picks by voting for your favorites, adding any not listed or re-ranking this list of the best female novelists below!

Horror

Graham Masterton

Midnight in Paris

Writers are some of the most fascinating subjects for biopics. Some of the best writers are solitary, alcoholic, disturbed, and gifted, and the writers on this list definitely run the full spectrum. Although their stories have the power to grip readers and not let go, sometimes the story behind the author is the most fascinating part. The best writer biopics tell the stories of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into writing a novel, journalistic piece, academic journal, or poem.

What are the best writer biopics? Capote might top your list.&nbsp;Starring the late Philip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote, this biopic tells the story of the mysterious author who was so obsessed with the gruesome murder of the Cutter family in rural Kansas. The film chronicles Capote&rsquo;s life as he composes his magnum opus,&nbsp;In Cold Blood.&nbsp;It won Hoffman an Academy Award for his performance. On this list, you&rsquo;ll also find <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/fear-and-loathing-in-las-vegas-true-story/zach-seemayer?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Fear and Loathing in Las</a> Vegas, a drug fueled romp based on the life and work of Hunter S. Thompson, the gonzo New Journalism hero portrayed by Johnny Depp. This list also includes writers from bygone eras, including William Shakespeare, as seen in Shakespeare in Love:&nbsp;a moving tale of theatre, love, and betrayal set in Elizabethan England.

We also included Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen&rsquo;s delightful time-traveling tale set in Roaring &#39;20s Paris. Although the story is mostly about Owen Wilson&rsquo;s character figuring out who he is, the film features hilarious and delightful portrayals of many legendary authors including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein.

Vote up the best writer biopics below.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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William Shakespeare

Who are the best poets of all time? It includes poets such as Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, William Shakespeare, and Sylvia Plath. Poetry has captivated readers for thousands of years. Regardless of the time period during which they wrote, the great poets on this list have used their talents and ways with language to connect with readers of all ages.Written works have the ability to make us feel. They make us want to believe, be inspired, and live vicariously through the stories on the page. Whether short or long form, poetry is often illusory, and full of rich imagery or hidden meaning. It is these elements which provoke readers to dig deeper. The best poems and poets are read throughout the ages. They are passed from generation to generation and taught throughout school to young students. Poets and their poetry have the ability to take readers places and into worlds they've never imagined. Poets can often be tortured souls or great thinkers who allow readers a new view on the world which they never would have imagined. These greatest poets provide the kind of emotional connection to the written word that few can. Vote up the all time best poets on the list below or add the poets you think are the greatest if they aren't already on the list.

Names

Think you really know your favorite author? It may be surprising to you to learn that a number of famous authors are actually using a pen name, pseudonym, or nom de plume. In fact, the use of a pen name in place of an author's real name has been quite popular throughout history of writing for a variety of reasons, from avoiding a political danger due to a controversial literary work, avoiding a previous failed attempt at literary success, or utilizing a false name in order to completely distance and author from his or her public identity to write a different genre. Who are some famous authors who used pen names? You might be surprised. Some of the authors featured here are regarded as the most beloved in the industry and many are even Nobel Peace Prize or Pulitzer Prize winners.You’ll find authors such as Mark Twain, Benjamin Franklin, J.K. Rowling, Nora Roberts, Anne Rice, Stephen King, Louisa May Alcott, the Bronte Sisters, and many other authors who used pen names that might surprise you.Think you know your favorite writers? Read on to find out which authors have used pen names.

Aspiring writers are highly analytical by nature. When any writer sits down to watch a movie, they inevitably&nbsp;pick it apart and consider the dialogue, story structure, and underlying themes. While any compelling story is great material for a writer, movies for novelists, poets, or other scribes often tackle the topic of writing itself. Such movies ask compelling questions about what it means to be an artist&nbsp;and watching a fictional character create on screen can often prove inspiring for those in need of a creative boost.&nbsp;Good movies for writers can be <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-writer-biopics/ranker-film" target="_blank">biopics about writers</a>&nbsp;or fictional films&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-movies-about-writers/ranker-film" target="_blank">about writers</a>. The best writerly&nbsp;films should also feature interesting dialogue and strong character development,&nbsp;which can help guide&nbsp;prospective authors with their own projects. Good narration is also a bonus, as you get to see&nbsp;how a writer frames their personal experience. This list compiles the films all writers should sit down and watch at least once in their lives. Whether you're a veteran of the craft or completely new to writing, browse this list for suggestions.&nbsp;

Authors

A list of the most popular best selling fiction authors of all time ranked by how well their books have sold. Obviously, many of those books have gone on to become classics. With the introduction of the Nook, Kindle, and iPad with iBooks, reading is hot again. The writers on this list wrote everything from pulp fiction novels to literature still revered to this day. This list is intended to help long-time readers, and newcomers alike with discovering (and rediscovering) some of the best selling novelists the world has ever seen.Also, please note that this list only includes fiction writers with sales figures that could at least be estimated.

Children's Books

List of Celebrities Who Have Written Childrens Books ranked by fame and popularity. Many celebrities have taken pen to paper to write <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/popular-children_s-books-with-movie-adaptations/walter-graves?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">popular kids books</a>. Some celebs make their stories autobiographical, while others have wild imaginations. Either way, kids books written by famous people can be enjoyable for the entire family.Who is the most famous person who has written childrens books? Madonna tops our list. The Material Girl has written five books for kids. Each book is wonderfully illustrated and tells stories that teach kids how to deal with various situations that they will experience at school or on the playground. Other musicians who have written kids books include Will Smith, Bob Dylan and Sting.Several comedians have also written childrens books. Jerry Seinfeld wrote the book “Halloween” which covers all of the fun of the holiday, from picking out a costume to going trick-or-treating. Ricky Gervais penned the popular “Flanimals” series and Jeff Foxworthy has written several books for kids and adults. “The Jerk” star Steve Martin and “When <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/when-harry-met-sally-mansplaining/rebecca-shortall?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Harry Met Sally</a>” actor Billy Crystal have also written childrens books.Why do you think so many famous people decide to write kids books? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Dead Poets Society

List of movies about writers, as ranked by film critics and fans. Movies about writers are always interesting and filled with depth because the screenwriters truly understand what goes on in the mind of the scribe. These films follow writer characters through some real life issues like writer’s block, intense jealousy between writers, and being driven mad by genius. Other films take a more fantastical take on the plight of the writer with serial killers, stalkers, and characters that come to life. No matter the genre, these films follow the same overarching themes that real life writer’s actual experience.Many of the movies on this list think of storytelling as therapy, where the writer is spinning a yarn in order to battle their own struggles. A few of the films follow real life novelists and screenwriters during the experiences that caused them to write their greatest works.If you’ve been wondering, “What are the best movies about writers?” this list has every film you need, from thrillers where writer’s go crazy, like Secret Window, to horror movies where fans go too far, like Misery,to simple contemplative movies like American Splendor. The movies on this list feature the most memorable fictional writer’s in film history.

Miguel de Cervantes

List of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-writers-of-all-time/ranker-books?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best authors of all time</a> as voted on by normal, book-loving people. For this list, we will consider writers who are mainly novelists.&nbsp;Many of the people included on this list are famous authors who wrote popular books; others may not be as well-known, but are masters of their craft.&nbsp; The <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-living-writers/ranker-books?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most popular authors</a> are ones that have somehow enriched our lives. J.D. Salinger gave us Holden Caulfield and the term &quot;phony,&quot; James Joyce introduced us to stream-of-consciousness prose and Carson McCullers immortalized the misfits and outcasts of the U.S. South in the first half of the 20th century.The best writers are ones that changed the literary landscape in some way, introduced an iconic character, experimented with form and style and captured our imagination with their language.While lists of &quot;best novelists&quot; are often attempted by individuals, they can be easily disputed because they often amount to no more than one person's opinion. Since this Ranker list is crowdsourced and open to voting, it benefits from the collective wisdom of many rather than the whims of a few.&nbsp;Feel free to vote on this list of top authors, add some that may have been left off, or ReRank this list entirely.&nbsp;

Writers

The pen is truly mightier than the sword, and if you&rsquo;re a book enthusiast you know that to be true. Some of history&rsquo;s <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-most-influential-people-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">most influential people</a> were authors, writing the most important literature and political works of all time. Writers have shaped human history, capturing some of the most important historical events and reflecting the culture of a changing world around us in a profound way. Who are the best writers of all time? Vote up the authors you think are the best and see how they rank!&nbsp;

The famous writers on this list are the best in history, writing books, plays, essays, and poetry that has stood the test of time and make up the world&#39;s canon of literature and written work. No matter what type of writing you like to read, you can&#39;t go wrong with a book by one of these best writers of all time. Simply put, they&#39;re easily some of the most famous authors of all time.

This list of authors features the best writers ever, including, William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, Geoffrey Chaucer, Homer, Joseph Conrad, Charles Dickens, Herman Melleville, William Faulkner, and Edgar Allan Poe. Vote up the best authors of all time below or add the writer you think is the best who isn&#39;t already on the list.

America

Ernest Hemingway

Who are <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/greatest-americans-ever/jacariah?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">the greatest American</a> authors of all time? In just two short centuries, the great U.S. of A. has produced an incredible number of writers that have influenced literature and art the world over. This list includes great American novelists, poets, the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-playwrights-ever/ranker-books" target="_blank">best playwrights</a>, and writers in the all genres of fiction and nonfiction alike. What American writers did you read in school and actually like? While most kids in this country are assigned works by top novelists like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway, many don't truly love to read until their teen years, when they first find less traditional writers like J.D. Salinger or Kurt Vonnegut. Others are swept away by authors as varied as Stephen King, Harper Lee, or good ol' Dr. Seuss.Who are the greatest American authors? This list include writers in all mediums, both living and deceased. Maybe your all-time favorites include poets like Emily Dickinson or Robert Frost. If your tastes are more for the pictures, you may consider Mel Brooks, Quentin Tarantino, or even Wes Anderson among the top American screenwriters. Other authors on this list have created some of the most beloved and widely read series in history, including Louisa May Alcott and George R. R. Martin.The greatest American writers are some of the tops in their fields, producing some of the best novels, essays, films, short stories, stage plays, and poems of all time. While many have stood the test of time and are firmly represented in the literary canon, it remains to be seen whether more contemporary&nbsp;American authors of the 21st Century will be remembered in decades to come. Vote up your the absolute best, and please add any famous American authors that are missing.

The best fantasy authors of all time, ranked by readers and fans. This list include some highly recognizable names, like J.R.R. Tolkein and George R.R. Martin, along with some contemporary fantasy writers who are just beginning to make their mark on the genre. This list of the best fantasy authors includes some <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-science-fiction-authors-v1?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">science fiction writers</a>, horror writers and <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-young-adult-authors/book-keeper">young adult fiction authors.</a> Fans of fantasy know that there is always some overlap. All of the authors on this list have one thing in common: They've written fantastic, magical, mystical works of fantasy for fans to enjoy for years to come. Vote for your favorite fantasy authors here and add your own personal faves if you don't see them listed!I've listed what I believe are some of the most well-known, popular fantasy authors ever, and I've added a few that may not always show up on a 'best of' list. Disagree with a choice? Vote it down. I'll be interested to see who wins the Tolkein vs. Martin battle for votes, too! The aforementioned (brilliant) writers are responsible for some of the best fantasy novel series' of all time - but I'd be remiss if I didn't also include authors like Robert Jordan ('The Wheel of Time' series), Ursula K. Le Guin ('Earthsea'), Tad Williams ('Memory, Sorrow and Thorn') and yes, J.K. Rowling ('Harry Potter') as well. All of these authors, in my opinion, deserve a place of honor on this list.Hopefully, this list will grow and become totally comprehensive. Readers who are new to fantasy can use it as a great guide to find new favorite fantasy authors and books.

Isabel Allende

These are the best living authors and novelists currently, according to Rankers and bibliophiles. If you’re looking for a book to read for a rainy day, you can’t go wrong by choosing a novel or short story written by someone on this list. After all, the greatest novelists alive consistently get onto bestseller lists and book club recommendation lists. But amongst all these writers currently alive, who are the best?If you love reading, then vote for your favorite living authors and novelists below. They hail for a wide range of genres and literary styles, from playwrights to novelists. You’ll find your favorite <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-science-fiction-authors-v1?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">science fiction writers</a> as well as great dramatic novelists. Everyone on the list and everyone that you vote for must currently be alive. We all know that there are plenty of great writers that have left us, but this list is about the ones we still get to cherish.Don’t see a great living author listed? Then add him or her so that others may vote and discover some excellent novels. If you’re curious where your favorite novelist currently alive is ranked, use the search box at the top of the list. Otherwise, get your votes on, book worms. Vote for who you think is the best living author (or <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-living-writers/ranker-books?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best living authors</a>) right now!

People Who Write

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Literature

The art of letter writing has diminished in recent years with email, texting, video calls, and the like, but as the primary form of long-distance communication for most of human history, it stands to reason some great letters have been written by some great people. The Instagram account <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lettersofnote/" target="_blank">@LettersOfNote</a> collects the best. Check out a sample below.

27 Of The Best Letters Ever Written By Famous People

27 Of The Best Letters Ever Written By Famous People Throughout History

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United States

Anthony Barstow

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West Coast US

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Give Women The Vote

The art of letter writing has diminished in recent years with email, texting, video calls, and the like, but as the primary form of long-distance ...