Best 2025 Top 6 Best Authors of All Time

Discover the best authors of all time with classics like Jane Austen's wit and Tolstoy's epic storytelling. A must-read list!

Pride and Prejudice cover1984 coverThe Great Gatsby cover

Finding the best books written by the best authors of all time is like searching for treasures in a bookstore. We carefully select novels that have not only shaped literature but also left lasting impressions on readers. Our focus lies on narrative impact, timeless themes, and memorable characters. We’ve chosen six books that showcase what makes an author one of the best of all time, ensuring both classic and contemporary voices are heard. Get ready for a literary adventure as we explore some of these remarkable stories.

On this list:

6 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

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

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Jane Austen’s wit in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ has stood the test of time. Her nuanced characters and social commentary make her one of the best authors of all time. Just like that time when Aunt Edna couldn’t stop talking about Mr. Darcy at family dinner! This book clearly still resonates.

5 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

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Orwell’s ‘1984’ is chilling and brilliantly written, landing Orwell a spot among the best authors of all time. Big Brother is always watching, which makes me grateful that my mom can’t check my browser history!

4 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

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

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Fitzgerald paints a vibrant picture of the 1920s. ‘The Great Gatsby’ shows why he’s often considered among the best authors of all time. Plus, doesn’t everyone love a good party, even if the ending gets a bit Gatsby? No spoilers, but wow!

3 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

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

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Harper Lee makes you reflect deeply on society with ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ Lee’s storytelling finesse earns her a spot among the best authors of all time. Atticus Finch gives parenting tips too. Just don’t let Scout hear you say the word ‘ewww.’

2 Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Moby Dick cover

  • Genre: Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1851
  • Pages: 635

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Melville’s adventures in ‘Moby Dick’ are epic. You’ll feel you’re right on the Pequod. His work got him acknowledged among the best authors of all time. I can’t even manage a fishing trip without drama, so kudos to Melville!

1 War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

War and Peace cover

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

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Of all the literary giants, Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace’ tops the list. Though hefty, Tolstoy’s masterpiece blends a rich history with personal stories, showing why he’s among the best authors of all time. Family dynamics, love, and, of course, war lead you through Russian aristocracy and beyond. It’s like our family Thanksgiving gatherings but with fewer turkey legs and more Russian princes. Reading it is a commitment, but it’s incredibly rewarding. If you get through this book, you can tackle anything!

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!