8 Best Authors of All Time Reviewed in 2024

Discover the best authors of all time with timeless classics from Shakespeare, Austen, and Hemingway that you can't miss.
Pride and Prejudice cover1984 coverMoby-Dick cover

Searching for the best authors of all time can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, but we’ve got your back. We’ve chosen books that are not only classics but also page-turners that keep you hooked. These masterpieces reflect the brilliance and flair of their authors, offering timeless stories and unforgettable characters. From mind-bending dystopias to heart-wrenching tales of love and loss, our picks highlight what makes these best authors of all time truly stand out. Ready to fill your bookshelf with greatness? Let’s get started!

On this list:

8 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

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This classic is a must-read for anyone who loves witty humor and social commentary. Austen’s sharp insights into human nature make her one of the best authors of all time.

7 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

  • Genre: Dystopian
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1949
  • Pages: 328

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With its chilling portrayal of a dystopian future, Orwell’s masterpiece remains relevant today. His genius makes him one of the best authors of all time.

6 Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Moby-Dick cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1851
  • Pages: 378

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Melville’s tale of obsession and revenge showcases his epic storytelling skills. It’s no wonder he’s considered one of the best authors of all time.

5 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

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This book tackles serious issues with grace and warmth. Lee’s only novel was enough to cement her status as one of the best authors of all time.

4 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1925
  • Pages: 180

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Fitzgerald’s exploration of the American Dream and its pitfalls places him among the best authors of all time.

3 War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

War and Peace cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1869
  • Pages: 1225

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Tolstoy’s epic novel covers a broad range of human emotions and historical events, solidifying his place as one of the best authors of all time.

2 One Hundred Years Of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

One Hundred Years Of Solitude cover

  • Genre: Magical Realism
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1967
  • Pages: 417

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Marquez’s magical realism captures the imagination and heart. His unique style makes him one of the best authors of all time.

1 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare cover

  • Genre: Various
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: Various (Original publications start from 1590s)
  • Pages: 1456

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This comprehensive collection of Shakespeare’s plays and poems is the best choice for those wanting to experience his total genius. He is, without a doubt, one of the best authors of all time. Be it tragedy, comedy, or history, Shakespeare’s mastery over language, storytelling, and character development is unparalleled. This collection includes popular plays like ‘Hamlet’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, and ‘Macbeth’, making it a treasure trove for literature lovers. His works are incredibly influential, studied, and performed even today, reflecting timeless themes and complex characters that resonate across ages.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!