In the selection of the most famous works English writers. These are British novels, detective stories and short stories popular with readers around the world. We did not stop at one genre or time. There are science fiction, fantasy, humorous stories, dystopias, children's adventures and other masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present. The books are different, but they have something in common. All of them made a tangible contribution to the development of world literature and art, reflected national characteristics residents of the UK.
famous english writers
The phrase "English literature" brings to mind a number of names. William Shakespeare, Somerset Maugham, John Galsworthy, Daniel Defoe, Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Charles Dickens - you can list for a long time. These writers are the luminaries of the English classics. They have gone down in history forever and more than one generation of book lovers will admire the subtlety and relevance of their work.Let's not forget about Iris Murdoch, John Le Carr, JK Rowling, Ian McEwan, Joanne Harris, Julian Barnes and other talented contemporary English writers. Another a prime example gifted author - Kazuo Ishiguro. In 2017 this famous British writer of Japanese descent Nobel Prize on literature. In the selection of his novel about touching love and a sense of duty "The rest of the day." Add and read. And then be sure to watch the wonderful film adaptation - with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson in the lead roles - "At the end of the day" (dir. James Ivory, 1993).
Literary awards and film adaptations
Almost all books from this selection have been awarded worldwide literary prizes: Pulitzer, Booker, Nobel and others. Without the novels "1984" by George Orwell, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, the comedies and tragedies of Shakespeare, no book list from the "Books Everyone Should Read" or "The Best Books of All Time" series is complete.These works are a storehouse of inspiration for directors, stage directors, screenwriters. It is hard to imagine that if Bernard Shaw had not written the play "Pygmalion", we would not have seen the stunning transformation of Audrey Hepburn from an illiterate flower girl into a sophisticated aristocrat. It's about about the film "My wonderful lady(dir. George Cukor, 1964).
From modern books and their successful film adaptations, check out The Long Fall. Nick Hornby wrote an ironic novel about the relationship of good human communication and desire to live. The film of the same name with Pierce Brosnan and Toni Collette (dir. Pascal Chaumel, 2013) turned out to be sincere and life-affirming.
Geographic reference
Often there is geographic confusion in compiling such lists. Let's figure it out. England is an independent country that is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland along with three other countries: Scotland, Ireland and Wales. However, the term "English Literature" includes the masterpieces of native writers throughout the United Kingdom. Therefore, you will find here the works of the Irishman Oscar Wilde, the Welshman Ian Banks, the Scotsman Ken Follett.The selection of English writers and their works turned out to be impressive - more than 70 books. This is a real book challenge! Add your favorite books and immerse yourself in a slightly prim, but such an elegant world!
Truly admirable. It is based on the works of a whole galaxy outstanding masters. No country in the world has given birth to so many outstanding masters of the word as Britain. Numerous English classics, the list goes on and on: William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, William Thackeray, Daphne du Maurier, George Orwell, John Tolkien. Are you familiar with their works?
Already in the 16th century, the Briton William Shakespeare earned the fame of the best playwright in the world. It is curious that until now the plays of the “spear-shaking” Englishman (this is how his surname is literally translated) are staged in theaters more often than the works of other authors. His tragedies "Hamlet", "Othello", "King Lear", "Macbeth" are universal values. Getting to know him creative heritage We recommend a MUST READ philosophical tragedy"Hamlet" is about the meaning of life and moral foundations. For four hundred years she has led the repertoires of the most famous theaters. There is an opinion that English classic writers started with Shakespeare.
Became famous thanks to the classic love story"Pride and Prejudice", which introduces us to the daughter of an impoverished nobleman, Elizabeth, who has a wealthy inner world, pride and an ironic look at the environment. She finds her happiness in love for the aristocrat Darcy. Paradoxically, this book with a fairly simple plot and a happy ending is one of the most beloved in Britain. It traditionally outstrips the works of many serious novelists in popularity. For that alone, it's worth reading. Like this writer, many English classics came to literature precisely in early XVIII century.
He glorified himself with his works as a deep and genuine connoisseur of the life of ordinary Britons in the 18th century. His characters are invariably penetrating and convincing. The novel "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" shows tragic fate simple decent woman. She commits the murder of a scoundrel nobleman who breaks her life in order to free herself from his persecution and find happiness. Using the example of Thomas Hardy, the reader can see that the English classics had a deep mind and a systematic view of the society around them, saw its flaws more clearly than others, and, having ill-wishers, nevertheless courageously presented their creations for the assessment of the whole society.
Showed in her in many ways autobiographical novel"Jen Eyre" emerging new morality- the principles of an educated, active, decent person who wants to serve society. The writer creates an amazingly holistic, deep image of the governess Jane Eyre, who goes towards her love for Mr. Rochester even at the cost of sacrificial service. Bronte, inspired by her example, was followed by other English classics, not from the nobility, calling on society for social justice, for an end to all discrimination against a person.
Possessed, according to the Russian classic F.M. Dostoevsky, who considered himself his student, "the instinct of universal humanity." Huge Talent The writer created the seemingly impossible: he became famous in his early youth thanks to his very first novel “ Posthumous notes Pickwick Club, followed by the following - Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and others, who won the writer unprecedented fame, putting him on a par with Shakespeare.
William Thackeray is an innovator in the style of writing the novel. None of the classics before him turned into central images of his work bright, textured depicted negative characters. Moreover, as in life, often something individually positive was inherent in their characters. His outstanding work- "Vanity Fair" - written in a unique spirit of intellectual pessimism, mixed with subtle humor.
With her “Rebecca” in 1938, she did the impossible: she wrote the novel at a key moment when it seemed that English literature was running out of steam, that everything that was possible had already been written, that the English classics were “ended”. Having not received worthy works for a long time, the English reading audience was interested, delighted with the unique, unpredictable plot of her novel. The introductory phrase of this book has become winged. Be sure to read this book by one of the world's best masters of creating psychological images!
George Orwell will amaze you with the merciless truth. He wrote his famous novel"1984" as a powerful universal denunciatory tool against all dictatorships: present and future. His creative method borrowed from another great Englishman - Swift.
The novel "1984" is a parody of a dictatorship society that has finally trampled on universal human values. He denounced and called to account for the inhumanity of the ugly model of socialism, which in fact becomes the dictatorship of the leaders. An extremely sincere and uncompromising person, he endured poverty and deprivation, having passed away early - at 46 years old.
Is it possible not to love Professor's "Lord of the Rings"? This real miraculous and surprisingly harmonious temple of the epic of England? The work brings its readers deep humanistic and it is no accident that Frodo destroys the ring on March 25 - the day of the Ascension. The creative and competent writer showed insight: all his life he was indifferent to politics and parties, passionately loved "good old England", was a classic British tradesman.
This list goes on and on. I beg your pardon, dear readers who mustered up the courage to read this article, that it did not include, due to limited volume, the worthy Walter Scott, Ethel Lilian Voynich, Daniel Defoe, Lewis Carroll, James Aldridge, Bernard Shaw and, believe me, many, many others. English classic literature- a huge and interesting layer of achievements human culture and spirit. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of getting to know her.
Everyone knows the plot of Daniel Defoe's novel. However, the book contains many other interesting details about the organization of Robinson's life on the island, his biography, and inner experiences. If you ask a person who has not read the book to describe the character of Robinson, he is unlikely to cope with this task.
In the mass consciousness, Crusoe is an intelligent character without character, feelings and history. In the novel, the image of the protagonist is revealed, which allows you to look at the plot from a different angle.
Why you need to read
To get acquainted with one of the most famous adventure novels and find out who Robinson Crusoe really was.
Swift does not openly challenge society. Like a true Englishman, he does it correctly and witty. His satire is so subtle that Gulliver's Travels can be read like a normal fairy tale.
Why you need to read
For children, Swift's novel is a fun and unusual adventure story. Adults need to read it to get acquainted with one of the most famous artistic satires.
This novel, let artistically and not the most outstanding, definitely iconic in the history of literature. After all, in many respects he predetermined the development of the scientific genre.
But it's not just an entertaining read. It raises the problems of relations between the creator and creation, God and man. Who is responsible for creating a being that is destined to suffer?
Why you need to read
To get acquainted with one of the main works science fiction, as well as to feel the difficult problems that are often lost in film adaptations.
Difficult to single out best play Shakespeare. There are at least five of them: Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. The unique style and deep understanding of life's contradictions made Shakespeare's works an immortal classic, relevant at all times.
Why you need to read
To begin to understand poetry, literature and life. And also to find the answer to the question, what is still better: to be or not to be?
main theme English Literature early 19th century was social criticism. Thackeray in his novel denounces his contemporary society with the ideals of success and material enrichment. To be in society means to be sinful - this is approximately Thackeray's conclusion regarding his social environment.
After all, the successes and joys of yesterday lose their meaning when a well-known (albeit unknown) tomorrow dawns ahead, which we all will have to think about sooner or later.
Why you need to read
To learn to relate more easily to the life and opinions of others. After all, everyone in society is infected with "fair ambitions" that have no real value.
The language of the novel is beautiful, and the dialogues are the epitome of English wit. Oscar Wilde is a subtle psychologist, which is why his characters turned out to be so complex and multifaceted.
This book is about human vice, cynicism, the difference between the beauty of the soul and the body. If you think about it, to some extent each of us is Dorian Gray. Only we do not have a mirror on which sins would be imprinted.
Why you need to read
To enjoy the amazing language of Britain's wittiest writer, to see how powerful moral character may not match the external, and also become a little better. Wilde's work is a spiritual portrait not only of his era, but of all mankind.
The ancient Greek myth about a sculptor who fell in love with his creation acquires a new, socially significant sound in the play by Bernard Shaw. What should a work feel for its author if this work is a person? How can it refer to the creator - the one who made it in accordance with his ideals?
Why you need to read
This is the most famous play Bernard Shaw. It is often staged in theaters. According to many critics, "Pygmalion" - landmark work English dramaturgy.
A universally recognized masterpiece of English literature, familiar to many from cartoons. Who, at the mention of Mowgli, does not hear Kaa's long hissing in his head: "Man-cub ..."?
Why you need to read
In adulthood, hardly anyone will take up The Jungle Book. A person has only one childhood to enjoy the creation of Kipling and appreciate it. So be sure to introduce your children to the classics! They will be grateful to you.
And again comes to mind soviet cartoon. It's really good, and the dialogue in it is almost entirely taken from the book. However, the characters and general mood narratives in the original source are different.
Stevenson's novel is realistic and rather harsh in places. But this is a good adventure work that every child and adult will read with pleasure. Boarding, sea wolves, wooden legs - marine theme beckons and attracts.
Why you need to read
Because it's fun and exciting. In addition, the novel is disassembled into quotes, which everyone must know.
Interest in the deductive abilities of the great detective is still great today thanks to the huge number of screen adaptations. A lot of people are only from films and are familiar with the classic detective story. But there are many screen adaptations, and there is only one collection of stories, but what a one!
Why you need to read
H. G. Wells in many ways was a pioneer in the science fiction genre. Before him, people were not at enmity with, he was the first to write about time travel. Without The Time Machine, we would not have seen either the movie Back to the Future or the cult TV series Doctor Who.
They say that all life is a dream, and also a nasty, pitiful one, nap, although the other still does not dream.
Why you need to read
To look at the origins of many of the sci-fi ideas that have become popular in modern culture.
McEwan masterfully combines a laconic narrative style with an unpredictable ending. At the center of his story are two friends, the editor of a popular newspaper and the composer who composes the Millennium Symphony. True, almost nothing remained of their friendship, only hidden anger and resentment. It is worth reading to find out how the confrontation of the old comrades ended.
In this collection we have included the most English novel a writer in which he tries to explain what good old England is like. The events unfold on the attraction island of Wight, where all sorts of stereotypes about the country are collected: the monarchy, Robin Hood, The Beatles, beer ... Indeed, why do tourists need modern England, if there is a miniature copy that combines all the most interesting?
Victorian love story poets of the 19th century, which is intertwined with the history of modern scientists. A book for the intelligent reader who will enjoy rich language, classic stories and numerous allusions to cultural and historical phenomena.
Coe for a long time composed jazz music which affected his literary creativity. "What a swindle!" akin to improvisation, this is a bold and unexpected novel.
Michael, a mediocre writer, is given the opportunity to tell the story of the wealthy and highly influential Winshaw family. The problem is that these greedy relatives who have taken possession of all spheres public life, poison the lives of other people and do not cause sympathy.
If you were watching Cloud Atlas”, then know: this incredible tangled story invented by David Mitchell. But today we recommend that you start reading another, no less interesting novel.
Dream #9 is often compared to the best works. Eiji, a young boy, comes to Tokyo in search of his father, whom he has never seen. For eight weeks in the metropolis, he managed to find love, fall into the clutches of the yakuza, make peace with his alcoholic mother, find friends ... You have to figure out for yourself what happened in reality and what happened in a dream.
"Tennis Balls of Heaven" is a modern version of "The Count of Monte Cristo", supplemented with new details and meanings. Although the plot is known to us, it is simply impossible to stop reading.
Main character- student Ned Maddstone, whose life is going nowhere better. He is handsome, smart, rich, educated, from a good family. But because of the stupid joke of envious comrades, his whole life changes dramatically. Ned finds himself locked in a psychiatric hospital, where he lives with only one goal - to get out in order to take revenge.
A novel about the life of 30-year-old Bridget Jones is popular all over the world. Thanks in part to a Hollywood film adaptation starring Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth. But on by and large because of the eccentric and so charming Bridget. She counts calories, tries to quit smoking and drink less, experiences setbacks in her personal life, but still looks to the future with optimism and believes in love.
There are books to which you forgive the simplicity of the plot, and the banality of the scenes, and stupid coincidences, simply because they have soulfulness. "Bridget Jones's Diary" is that rare case.
The story of the boy with the scar is real cultural phenomenon. The first book "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was rejected by 12 publishers, and only a small Bloomsbury decided to publish it at its own peril and risk. And it didn't fail. " " was waiting resounding success, and Rowling herself is the love of readers around the world.
Against the backdrop of magic and sorcery, we are talking about familiar and important things - friendship, honesty, courage, readiness to help and resist evil. Therefore, the fictional world of Rowling captivates readers of any age.
The Collector is John Fowles' most frightening yet gripping novel. The protagonist Frederick Clegg loves to collect butterflies, but at some point he decides to add the cute girl Miranda to his collection. We learn this story from the words of the kidnapper and from the diary of his victim.
If you ask any average person to name some English writers, he will certainly be confused and will be able to remember at best one or two names. Although in fact he knows at least ten, he simply does not realize that the birthplace of many popular authors is Famous English writers - Daniel Defoe, HG Wells, Robert Louis Stevenson and many others. Familiar names? We know and remember the books of these authors since childhood.
Modern English writers are also represented by a whole galaxy famous families: JK Rowling, Joe Acromberi, Stephen Fry, Jasper FForde - it is simply impossible to list all the authors. And if you also remember the classics, such as William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, etc., then you begin to understand that the inhabitants of our country read mainly the works of Russian and English masters of the word.
1. John R. R. Tolkien is a famous English writer whose books are recommended for all categories of readers. And you should not be limited solely to "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit". You might like it better little fairy tale"Farmer Giles of Ham" - in addition to dragons and heroes, there is a fair amount of humor in it.
2. Arthur Conan Doyle is an English writer who created the most popular detective of all time. Interestingly, the author himself did not like his main character, but readers fully appreciated the talent and intelligence of Sherlock Holmes from Baker Street and his permanent partner, Dr. Watson. Conan Doyle wrote many books about Sherlock, there were even more imitators and all sorts of sequels, but it's still better to read the original source.
3. Lewis Carroll is an English writer who created the most unusual fairy tale. Many people think that Alice in Wonderland is a book exclusively for children. In fact, both a child and an adult will be able to appreciate and love it very much in their own way. original work, which found a calling a decade after publication.
4. Agatha Christie is the queen of the detective novel, and is also the most popular and best-selling writer in all the years of the existence of the printed word. The works of Agatha Christie are considered classics, and they are certainly worth reading for all lovers of detective stories, as well as just connoisseurs of good books.
5. George Orwell is an English writer who gave the world the best dystopia. "Animal Farm" and the novel "1984" are books that can make a person rethink the whole the world. One quote is "all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others" and the reader already has a different view of the people around him.
6. Jane Austen, who gave the world the most wonderful "female" novel. Despite criticism immediately after the release of the book, where the work was called boring and mediocre, Pride and Prejudice is considered best book millions of readers.
These six authors were randomly selected and the numbers do not reflect any ranking or top - the proposed authors are very different and cannot be compared with each other.
