English writers of world renown. Famous English writers

English writers 17th-20th centuries are less popular today, and the subject foreign literature no longer taught in school. It’s strange, but just recently, during the times of stagnation, the Iron Curtain and the Cold War, schoolchildren knew and loved English classics. And their parents collected waste paper for a whole year in order to be able to purchase the treasured volume of Jerome K. Jerome or Wilkie Collins for 20 kilograms. Today, however, when you ask who Charles Dickens or Thomas Hardy is, most often you only get a puzzled look in response. And really, how can modern teenagers learn about this if they don’t learn it at school???!

Well, for those who did look at this page with the title “ English writers", I want to offer the most interesting books and no less interesting biographies these same English writers. So, I invite you to read, listen and watch purely english stories, both in Russian and in English. Below is a list of them interesting works, as well as their film adaptations. And for those learning English, we offer films and cartoons in English with subtitles, video interviews and free lessons English online.

Below list of English writers of the 17th-20th centuries, whose books are presented on the website:

1. Geoffrey Chaucer (1343 – 1400)
2. William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
3. Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
4. Brontë sisters: Charlotte (1816-1855), Emily (1818-1848), Anne (1820-1849)
5. Robert Stevenson (1850-1894)
6. Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
7. Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)
8. Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927)
9. Conan Doyle (1859-1930)
10. Agatha Christie (1890-1976)

You will be able to get acquainted with the biography of English writers, whose eventful lives are reflected in exciting works. No matter what book you pick up, it’s simply impossible to put it down! And for those who want to know more, review article about English literature. Read!

English writers and their works (classics)

Robert Stevenson / Robert Stevenson (1850-1894

Psychological novels from the creator of Mr. Hyde and the owner of Ballantrae. Look into your soul...

Charles Dickens / Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

The most philanthropic writer who mercilessly fought against the injustice and vices of Victorian society.

Brontë sisters: Charlotte (1816-1855), Emily (1818-1848), Anne (1820-1849)

Three stars sparkling in the sky English literature, incredible women, each of whom was amazingly talented and unimaginably unhappy.

1. Charlotte Bronte "Jane Eyre"
2. "Wuthering Heights" (film adaptation of the novel by Emily Brontë)
3. Anne Bronte "Agnes Gray"

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

A witty genius, philosopher, master of eloquence, famous for his quotes, the “father” of Dorian Gray.

Jerome K. Jerome / Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927)

1. film adaptations of works -> in development

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

The greatest writer of England, William Shakespeare, is the world's most famous playwright. He is the author of a dozen plays and hundreds of sonnets, and also owns the most famous poems and epitaphs.

Shakespeare's works have been translated into virtually all languages ​​of the world, and William became truly famous only in the 19th century.

It is he who owns such works as “King Lear”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Macbeth”, “Othello” and “Hamlet”. Today there is no person who would not know famous expression: “To be or not to be? - that is the question!”

Arthur Conan Doyle

The well-known and beloved writer Arthur Conan Doyle was actually a doctor by training.

It is thanks to him that we know today about the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and the popular Professor Challenger, as well as the brave officer Gerard. Sir Arthur wrote a huge number of adventure, historical and humorous stories. He was passionate about cricket, politics and medicine all his life.

In 2004, documents and personal letters from politicians and the US President were found, valued at more than £2 million.

Agatha Christie

Her real name is Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller. She is the second most popular author in the world after William Shakespeare.

Her work has been translated into almost all languages ​​of the world and today the reader enjoys such masterpieces as “The Curious Incident at Styles”, “The Mysterious Assailant”, “Murder on the Golf Course”, “Poirot Investigates” and much more.

Charles Dickens

Even during his lifetime this great writer achieved popularity and became world famous. Charles John Huffam Dickens is a classic of world fiction. Dickens was born in 1812, lived for almost 60 years, but managed to write as many famous works as, perhaps, almost no one else could.

Charles received great reward Member of the Royal Society of Arts. They say about him that he became the darling of fate and everyone’s favorite, especially among women. He is the author of such works as “Oliver Twist”, “Our Mutual Friend”, “Great Expectations”, “Bleak House”, “Copperfield” and much more.

Dickens came from a poor family, but thanks to his decent fees, he was able to provide himself and his loved ones with a comfortable life.

Rudyard Kipling

In 1865, the famous short story writer, poet and writer Joseph Rudyard Kipling was born in India. When the boy was 5 years old, his family safely moved to England.

He became the author of numerous poems, prose and poems, for which he received the Nobel Prize in 1907, and also received awards from the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh. Kipling owns such famous works, like "Kim", "The Jungle Book", "Brave Captains", "Ganga Din".

Rudyard was fond of journalism, thanks to which he perfectly understands the life of the country. And the travels that he regularly made as a writer helped him convey all the flavor of Asia and the USA.

Oscar Wilde

The great and talented Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854. The writer's father was a good doctor, for which he was knighted. The family was proud of the breadwinner, but Oscar decided to go his own way and began writing books about archeology and folklore.

Oscar studied at the Royal School and spoke French and German languages. At an older age, the guy began to become interested in antiquity and showed interest in ancient languages. Oscar Wilde traveled a lot and strived for knowledge all his life. He dedicated his works to his family and friends, as well as to the events that left a mark on his life.

The most popular works are “Sonnet to Liberty”, “Milton”, “Phaedra”, “Shelley’s Grave” and much more.

Joanne Rowling

One of the most famous modern women writers considered JK Rowling. Due to the family's frequent moves, the girl had no permanent friends, except that she was inseparable from her sister.

One day, a girl meets an interesting person with the last name Potter, after which Joan gets an idea. a work of genius. So after some time, his studies at Hogwarts were born. Of course, the world did not see the book right away, however, it is thanks to it that today every schoolchild and student knows this brilliant English writer.

In the 90s, Joan moved to Portugal, where she taught English and continued working on the Potter books. There she meets her soulmate and gets married.

John Tolkien

There is probably no person today who has not watched or read “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit, or There and Back Again.” But the author of these most famous creations is Oxford University professor John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. In 2008, the writer was in the top five best UK authors.

The family moved several times when the boy was still a child and then he lost his father. Nevertheless, the guy was very smart, well-read thanks to the efforts of his mother.

As a young man, he was inquisitive and read a lot, he already liked girls, and at the age of 21, Tolkien wrote a letter to his beloved proposing marriage. Their union turned out to be strong: they lived a long and happy life.

H.G. Wells

His family was poor, his father tried to trade, however, the business did not bring any income. The writer's family lived due to the fact that the father often played cricket. However, the boy was able to get an education and become a doctor of biology.

George taught and was actively involved in political life. After his death, many memorials were erected, and it is also said that George Wells brought light to many lives as he selflessly committed himself to the education of the poor.

Robert Lewis Stevenson

Stevenson Robert Lewis is a famous Scottish writer and author of many adventure stories and short stories. The boy was born into a wealthy family, graduated from Edinburgh Academy and entered university.

The child suffered several serious illnesses, in his youth, under family pressure, he got married. Stevenson's first edition was issued with his father's money, and it was then that the guy developed an interest in the history of his native Scotland. His stories were published in local newspapers and magazines.

The writer traveled a lot, but did not stop creating his masterpieces until last day. The great author died in Samoa from a stroke.

Daniel Defoe

In 1660, the great writer Daniel Defoe was born in London. The beloved work “The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe” made the author famous throughout the world and was translated into many languages.

By the way, it was Defoe who was recognized as the founder of the English novel. Throughout his life, Daniel published about 500 books, based on the plot of which films were made.

Defoe's family hoped that their son would become a shepherd, but the boy made a choice in favor of art and his first works were written in religious themes. Defoe received a good education, met influential people and even went to prison. Daniel Defoe met his death far from his family in 1731 in London.

Jonathan Swift

In 1667 the poet was born and public figure Jonathan Swift. The Anglican priest dreamed of making the world a better place, changing people, so he came up with the idea of ​​writing about human vices. This is how the work “Gulliver's Travels” appeared.

The writer was born into a poor Protestant family, his father died very early, so the child grew up in the family of a wealthy relative. I hardly saw my mother.

Nevertheless, the boy was able to get a good education, found a decent job, and wrote an “Autobiographical Fragment” in memory of his childhood and family history. He is the author of such works as “The Battle of the Books”, “Diary for Stella”, “A Butterfly’s Tale” and many poems and poems.

George Byron

George Gordon Byron, more commonly known as Lord Byron, is a writer who captured the imagination of not only Europe, but the whole world. A boy was born into a poor family: his father lost his fortune, and his mother returned from Europe with the little that was left.

The boy studied at a private school, then at a gymnasium, however, according to him, his nannies taught him more than all the teachers at school. In addition, his mother did not feel great love for her son and often threw things at him that didn’t hit him.

He received the title of lord from his late grandfather, along with the family estate. In his youth, the writer loved to read and travel, which he was very proud of later. Byron wrote throughout his life.

He owns such famous works as “The Bride of Abydos”, “Jewish Melodies”, “Parisina”, “Tasso’s Complaint”, “Darkness”, “The Christian and His Comrades”. A city in Greece was named in memory of the great writer, and his portrait is also depicted on postage stamps.

Lewis Carroll

One of the most versatile personalities in England is Lewis Carroll. He was a writer and was interested in photography, mathematics and philosophy. His most famous works were “Alice in Wonderland”, “Alice Through the Looking Glass”, and “The Hunting of the Snark”.

The boy was born into a large family. There wasn’t much money, so his father took care of his education. Lewis was a smart and quick-witted child, he was left-handed, which his relatives were very unhappy with.

After some time, the boy went to school, and then in college he began his career as a writer. He sent his work to local newspapers and magazines. In 1867, Lewis went on his first and only trip, visiting Moscow and other European cities.

Somerset Maugham

William Somerset Maugham- one of the successful English writers of the 20th century. The future author was born into a successful French family. The parents hoped that the child would choose a career as a lawyer in the future, but the boy was not attracted to law. Until the age of 10, the child spoke only French, so his father sent him to live with relatives in England.

There he became interested in medicine, studied at the hospital's school and wrote his first work, Lisa of Lambeth, about this experience. During the war, William even worked as a scout and was sent to Russia for a specific purpose.

After the war, the writer traveled a lot around Asia, which he talked about in his work. He also wrote "The Hero", "The Creation of the Saint", "The Conqueror of Africa", "Carousel" and many other novels.

English literature of the 19th century is represented by such famous writers as Charles Dickens, William Thackeray, John Ruskin, Oscar Wilde, Bernard Shaw, Rudyard Kipling and many others. The end of the century was rich in wordsmiths. Main literary trends there was realism, decadence, naturalism, aestheticism, urbanism.

Dickens, one of the most famous writers of the 19th century, in his works touched on the theme of capitalist relations, he tried to depict the realities of England of that time without embellishment. His famous works “Pickwick Club”, “Dombey and Son”, “Great Expectations”, “Oliver Twist”, “The Curiosity Shop” present a picture of the dryness, cruelty, greed, and selfishness of capitalist society.

But Dickens's criticism was not aimed at inciting the lower classes to revolt, his goal was to touch the hearts of readers, to evoke in them feelings of understanding, compassion for the humiliated, and not hatred of bourgeois-capitalist society.

Unlike Dickens, no less famous writers 19th century - Thackeray is more critical of noble-bourgeois society. His criticism is merciless, his worldview is pessimistic, he sees no way out. For him, life is a “masquerade of existence.” Works such as “Vanity Fair”, “Notes of Yellowplush”, “Pendennis”, “Newcomes”.

English writers of the 19th century worked in an era of dramatic changes, growth of enterprises, new inventions, scientific and technological progress and the abandonment of the interests of individuality, the feelings and needs of one person are less and less taken into account. Naturally, all these trends were reflected in the works of Western European and American poets and writers.

For England, in particular, all these processes were completely typical. Towards the end of the 19th century, realistic and social areas begin to give way to aestheticism and individualism.

At the center of the works are those representatives of the bourgeoisie who did not earn their capital through their strength, energy and perseverance, did not pave the way for themselves in the cruel world of capitalist relations, did not build enterprises, but received everything by inheritance. They lead an idle, easy lifestyle. They devote their lives to social events, they are aesthetes, dandies, rich collectors, art connoisseurs, libertines, they prefer the artificial to the natural.

English writers such as Oscar Wilde, M. Barres, O. Swinburne, J. C. Huysmans (French writer) chose precisely such representatives of the era of decadence as the main characters of their works. The famous Dorian Gray, Floresse des Esseintes. Bernard Show acted as a satirist and critic of capitalist society.

In his novel "Pygmalion" he wittily exposed all the vices of society, focused attention on the humiliated and deprived, depicting in contrast the omnipotent capitalists and the defenseless and powerless poor. Rudyard Kipling- an original nationalist writer, portrayed the English colonialist exploiters who carried out a great civilizing mission and, in contrast to them, the oppressed peoples of the colonial countries.

English writers of the 19th century were representatives of different and even opposing creative movements in art. They all saw the picture of the world and their country differently. But they all have one thing in common - they Mother country England.

17 Sep

Topic in English: Russian writers of the 19th century

Topic by English language: Russian writers of the 19th century. This text can be used as a presentation, project, story, essay, essay or message on a topic.

Golden Age of Russian Literature

The 19th century was the Golden Age of Russian literature. Russian literature acquired its own traditions, history and individual language. This period is called the “age of the classics.”

Environment for discussion

Russian literature of the 19th century provided a favorable environment for discussions on political and social topics, the direct expression of which was censored. Prose writers of this period shared important qualities: attention to realistic, detailed descriptions Everyday life and a satirical attitude towards mediocrity and routine.

The Age of Realism

The era of realism, considered the culmination of the literary synthesis of previous generations, began in 1850. The best prose writers of that time were Ivan Turgenev, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy. They managed to combine genuine literature with eternal philosophical questions. Dostoevsky's novels "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov", as well as Tolstoy's novels "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina" and Turgenev's "Fathers and Sons" are classics of world literature.

Other prominent writers

Other prominent writers of the era of realism were playwright Alexander Ostrovsky, novelist Ivan Goncharov, and prose innovator Nikolai Leskov. The most famous poets of the mid-century were Afanasy Fet and Fyodor Tyutchev. The most important figure in the last decade of the 19th century was Anton Chekhov, who wrote in two genres: short stories and drama. His plays The Cherry Orchard, The Seagull and Three Sisters are still performed in theaters around the world.

Revival of poetry

In the 1890s, Russian poetry was revived and thoroughly reshaped new group, Symbolists, whose most prominent representative was Alexander Blok.

Download Topic in English: Russian writers of the 19th century

Russian literature and Russian writers of the 19th century

The Golden Age for the national literature

The 19th century was the Golden Age for the national literature. Russian literature obtained its tradition, history and distinct language. This period is called “the century of classics”.

A congenial medium for the discussion

Russian literature of the nineteenth century provided a congenial medium for the discussion of political and social issues whose direct presentation was censored. The prose writers of this period shared important qualities: attention to realistic, detailed descriptions of everyday Russian life and a satirical attitude toward mediocrity and routine.

The Age of Realism

The Age of Realism, which was considered as the culmination of the literary synthesis of earlier generations, began around 1850. The best prose writers of that time were Ivan Turgenev, Fedor Dostoyevskiy, and Lev Tolstoy. They managed to combine pure literature with eternal philosophical questions. Dostoyevskiy's novels Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov, like Tolstoy's novels War and Peace and AnnaKarenina, and Turgenev’s Sons and Fathers are classics of world literature.

Other outstanding writers

Other outstanding writers of the Age of Realism were the playwright Aleksandr Ostrovskiy, the novelist Ivan Goncharov, and the prose innovator Nikolay Leskov. The most notable poets of mid-century were Afanasiy Fet and Fedor Tyutchev. The major literary figure in the last decade of the nineteenth century was Anton Chekhov, who wrote in two genres: the short story and drama. His plays The Cherry Orchard , The Seagull, and The Three Sisters continue to be performed worldwide.

The revival of poetry

In the 1890s, Russian poetry was revived and thoroughly reshaped by a new group, the symbolists, whose most prominent representative was Aleksandr Blok.