19th Century:
* Charles Dickens: Known for his social commentary and vivid depictions of poverty, crime, and social injustices in London. Key works: *Oliver Twist*, *A Tale of Two Cities*, *Great Expectations*.
* Elizabeth Gaskell: Explored the lives of women and the working class in Manchester. Key works: *Mary Barton*, *North and South*.
* George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans): Focused on complex characters and moral dilemmas, often set in provincial towns. Key works: *Middlemarch*, *Silas Marner*.
* Thomas Hardy: Depicted the lives of rural and working-class people, often with a sense of tragedy and the struggle against social forces. Key works: *Jude the Obscure*, *The Mayor of Casterbridge*.
20th Century:
* D.H. Lawrence: Explored the dark underbelly of industrial society and the complexities of human relationships. Key works: *Sons and Lovers*, *Lady Chatterley's Lover*.
* Evelyn Waugh: Satirized British society and upper-class life in London and other cities. Key works: *Brideshead Revisited*, *Decline and Fall*.
* George Orwell: A social commentator who explored the themes of poverty, inequality, and totalitarianism in London. Key works: *Down and Out in Paris and London*, *Nineteen Eighty-Four*.
* Graham Greene: Master of the thriller and psychological realism, often set in London and other European cities. Key works: *The Third Man*, *Brighton Rock*.
* J.B. Priestley: Wrote about social issues and the changing nature of British society. Key works: *An Inspector Calls*, *The Good Companions*.
* Arthur Koestler: Focused on political and social issues, often set in London. Key works: *Darkness at Noon*, *Arrival and Departure*.
21st Century:
* Zadie Smith: Modern London, multiculturalism, and the lives of young people. Key works: *White Teeth*, *Swing Time*.
* Iain Banks: Glasgow and Scotland, often with a focus on social issues. Key works: *The Wasp Factory*, *The Crow Road*.
* Monica Ali: Multicultural London, immigration, and the experiences of minorities. Key works: *Brick Lane*, *In the Skin of a Lion*.
* Rachel Joyce: Focuses on everyday lives and the power of human connection. Key works: *The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry*, *The Music Shop*.
* Elif Shafak: London as a melting pot of cultures. Key works: *The Bastard of Istanbul*, *Three Daughters of Eve*.
Beyond these authors, many others have explored life in British cities in their work. This list is just a starting point, and you can find specific authors and works based on your interests and the time period you are interested in. Remember to consider the specific city, social group, and the period you are interested in to find the most relevant authors for your research.
Additionally, consider these resources:
* Literary encyclopedias: They often have entries on specific cities and can provide a starting point for your search.
* University library databases: They can help you find specific authors and works based on keywords and time period.
* Online resources: Websites like Goodreads and BookBub can offer reviews and recommendations based on your interests.