2025’s Best Authors of All Time: Top 8 List

Discover books on the best authors of all time, from Shakespeare's plays to Austen's timeless romance and Twain's adventures.

To Kill a Mockingbird cover1984 coverPride and Prejudice cover

Discovering the best authors of all time is like uncovering hidden treasures. We aim for gripping tales, memorable characters, and works that spark eternal conversations. From tales of dystopia to timeless romantic entanglements, these books offer a window into the minds of literary giants. Our selection focuses on storytelling prowess, emotional impact, and the ability to stay relevant across generations. Let’s embark on this literary adventure together.

On this list:

8 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 336

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Harper Lee, an American gem, tugs your heartstrings with her poignant tale of justice and morality. Did you know this was her only book for decades? A classic!

7 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

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Orwell’s vision of a dystopian future is chilling and thought-provoking. When Big Brother starts watching you, reading gets intense! Seriously, can you imagine your TV spying on you?

6 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

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

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Jane Austen’s wit and romance have made her one of the best authors of all time. This book’s charm and humor are as fresh as ever. Didn’t we all secretly want to be Elizabeth Bennet?

5 Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Moby Dick cover

  • Genre: Adventure, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1851
  • Pages: 585

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Melville’s tale of revenge against the great white whale is epic. There’s something fishy about Ahab’s obsession, but hey, it makes for one whale of a tale!

4 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 massive tome is more than just a book; it’s a Russian epic. Intrigue, war, romance–it’s got it all. But seriously, why so many characters, Leo?

3 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 277

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Salinger’s coming-of-age novel resonates with young rebels everywhere. Feeling misunderstood? Holden Caulfield’s your guy. And who knew red hunting hats could be iconic?

2 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 Jazz Age classic is dripping with glamour, greed, and heartache. Nick Carraway and Gatsby will grab you faster than you can say ‘old sport.’

1 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare cover

  • Genre: Drama, Poetry
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1623 (First Folio)
  • Pages: 1240

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Shakespeare, the maestro of words, remains the best author of all time for his influence, versatility, and timelessness. Comedy, tragedy, romance? He’s got it all wrapped in brilliant dialogue. The Bard gave us words we still use today, like ‘swagger,’ which I try to live by. His works are a treasure trove of human emotion and wit. From Hamlet to Macbeth, his plays explore the gamut of human experiences. Did you know, almost every English literature course has a spot for him? If you want drama and intrigue, no one does it better than good ol’ Will. So, grab a copy, and let Shakespeare sweep you into his universe. He might even teach you how to woo like a pro.

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!