The Most Famous American Author, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the author you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 19, 2024 07:04
Choosing the most influential American author can be a daunting task, given the breadth of talent and the depth of literary contributions spanning centuries. Such rankings help individuals new to American literature to identify key writers who have shaped cultural and intellectual landscapes. This assists in educational contexts, guiding reading lists and discussions, and offers literary enthusiasts a starting point for deep dives into influential works.
By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a dynamic evaluation of literary greatness, reflecting diverse opinions and shifting perspectives. Each vote helps in honing a clearer picture of how these authors resonate with contemporary audiences, ensuring the ranking remains reflective of current preferences and insights. This active engagement fosters a community of readers and thinkers united by their appreciation and critical examination of American literature.
Who Is the Most Famous American Author?
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157votes
Lloyd Arnold · Public domainHemingway is considered one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century, known for his concise and powerful prose. His works include "The Old Man and the Sea," "A Farewell to Arms," and "The Sun Also Rises."Ernest Hemingway in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous alcoholic
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Floridian
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous short story writer
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Prisoner of War
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous hunter
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous author of all time
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230votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainTwain is one of the most famous American authors of all time, known for his wit and humor in works such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."Mark Twain in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous cigar smoker
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous misanthrope
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person from Nevada
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous satirist in English literature
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous ENFP
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Freemason
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312votesFitzgerald is known for his exploration of the "Jazz Age" in his novels, including "The Great Gatsby" and "Tender is the Night."F. Scott Fitzgerald in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous alcoholic
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful handwriting
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous person from Minnesota
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421votes
Carl Van Vechten · Public domainFaulkner is known for his complex and challenging works, including "The Sound and the Fury" and "As I Lay Dying." He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949.William Faulkner in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Mississippian
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous William
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous alcoholic
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous moonshiner
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous William
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57votes
Eric Draper · Public domainLee is known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," which explores themes of racial injustice in the American South.Harper Lee in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Alabama
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Recluse
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular author in America
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69votes
Toni Morrison
Toni MorrisonMorrison is known for her powerful exploration of African American experience in works such as "Beloved" and "The Bluest Eye." She won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.Toni Morrison is a novel- Year of publication: 1970
- Genre: Fiction
- Narrative style: Multi-perspective
- Themes: Race, identity, memory
- Awards: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Nobel Prize in Literature
Toni Morrison in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous alumnus of Howard University
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Cornell alumni
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous African-American female artist
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous author of all time
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718votes
McFadden Publications, Inc.; no photographer credited · Public domainSteinbeck is known for his portrayals of working-class Americans in works such as "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men." He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962.John Steinbeck in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous John
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810votes
Joseph Oriel Eaton · Public domainMelville is known for his masterpiece "Moby-Dick," as well as other works such as "Bartleby the Scrivener" and "Billy Budd." -
911votes
Mathew Benjamin Brady · Public domainHawthorne is known for his exploration of Puritanism and guilt in works such as "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of the Seven Gables." -
103votesPoe is known for his contributions to the horror genre, including "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Fall of the House of Usher."Edgar Allan Poe in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous short story writer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous author of Gothic literature
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous grave-digger
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous alcoholic
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person in Virginia
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous American author. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or writer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2071 views
- 178 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each writer once every 24 hours. The rank of each writer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous american author
Background Information: Who is the most famous American author?
American literature has produced some of the most iconic literary works in history, thanks in part to the immense talent of its writers. From the early days of American literature to the present, writers have been shaping the literary world with their powerful words and unforgettable characters. It's no wonder why the question of who is the most famous American author is so intriguing.
When it comes to the most famous American authors, names like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Mark Twain instantly come to mind. These writers were pioneers in their craft and their works have endured the test of time, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike.
However, there are many other notable American authors who have made significant contributions to the literary world. From Harper Lee and Toni Morrison to Stephen King and John Steinbeck, the list of famous American authors is as diverse as it is impressive.
Whether you prefer classic literature or contemporary works, there is no denying the impact that American authors have had on the literary world. So, who is the most famous American author? It's a question that is open to interpretation, but one thing is certain - American literature will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
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