Best 12 Top Writers of All Time Books 2024

Discover books by the top writers of all time. Perfect for new readers seeking timeless tales and masterful writing.
The Great Gatsby coverPride and Prejudice coverTo Kill a Mockingbird cover

We know picking a book from the ‘top writers of all time’ is like choosing the best dessert at a buffet—overwhelming but deliciously rewarding. When we crafted our list of the 12 best books from top writers of all time, we focused on iconic tales that not only shaped literature but also stood the test of time. Each book had to capture our imaginations, provoke thought, and sometimes, just make us laugh. We figured out that a good mix of classic narratives, unforgettable characters, and profound themes create your perfect literary journey. Curious yet? Let’s get started!

On this list:

12 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1925
  • Pages: 218

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

We chose this classic because Fitzgerald crafts a vivid portrait of the roaring twenties, and his writing is both elegant and accessible.

11 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Austen’s satirical take on society and her wit make this book timeless. Plus, she knows how to handle a good marriage plot.

10 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

It’s a gripping story with themes of justice and morality that are still relevant today. Plus, Atticus Finch is our hero.

9 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Orwell’s dystopian novel is a chilling warning about totalitarianism. It’s both thought-provoking and terrifyingly real.

8 Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Moby Dick cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

A classic for its epic tale and depth. Also, who knew a whale could be so interesting?

7 Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment cover

  • Genre: Psychological Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1866
  • Pages: 430

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Dostoevsky’s exploration of guilt and redemption is profound. This book is like a deep dive into the human psyche.

6 War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

War and Peace cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Epic in every sense, War and Peace covers so much ground and has characters you won’t forget.

5 The Odyssey by Homer

The Odyssey cover

  • Genre: Epic Poetry
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: Around the 8th century BC
  • Pages: 541

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This ancient epic is the grandfather of all adventure tales. Full of gods, monsters, and heroes.

4 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: 214

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Salinger captures teenage angst like no one else. Holden Caulfield is iconic in his rebellion.

3 The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Brothers Karamazov cover

  • Genre: Philosophical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1880
  • Pages: 824

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This novel delves into spirituality, morality, and family dynamics. It’s heavy, but worth the effort.

2 One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

One Hundred Years of Solitude cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Magical realism at its best. Marquez spins a tale that feels both mythical and deeply human.

1 Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1877
  • Pages: 864

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Anna Karenina tops our list because Tolstoy masterfully combines a love story with deep reflections on society, family, and personal ambition. It’s rare to find a book where each character is so fleshed out that they seem real. The novel’s exploration of love and betrayal is timeless, and Tolstoy’s prose is both engaging and thought-provoking. While some might find it a tad lengthy, dedicating time to its pages is rewarding. Every time we read it, we find new layers and nuances. It’s this depth and skillful storytelling that earns it the title of the best book related to ‘top writers of all time’.

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!