J.R.R. Tolkien:
* Middle-earth: This vast and detailed world is the setting for Tolkien's epic fantasy works, including *The Hobbit* and *The Lord of the Rings*. It's a land of elves, dwarves, hobbits, orcs, and a variety of other mythical creatures, all connected by a rich history and mythology.
C.S. Lewis:
* Narnia: This magical land, accessible through a wardrobe, is the setting for Lewis's beloved children's fantasy series, *The Chronicles of Narnia*. It features talking animals, mythical beings, and a constant struggle between good and evil.
J.K. Rowling:
* The Wizarding World: This hidden world, coexisting alongside the mundane world, is the setting for the *Harry Potter* series. It's full of magic, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and a complex system of spells, potions, and creatures.
Philip Pullman:
* The World of Dust: This sprawling and intricate world is the setting for Pullman's *His Dark Materials* trilogy. It features parallel universes, talking animals called daemons, and a complex philosophical exploration of religion and morality.
Neil Gaiman:
* The Sandman Universe: This multidimensional world, spanning various realms and planes of existence, is the setting for Gaiman's *The Sandman* comic book series. It features characters like Dream, Death, and Desire, and explores themes of mythology, fantasy, and the nature of dreams.
Terry Pratchett:
* Discworld: This flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants standing on the back of a giant turtle, is the setting for Pratchett's satirical fantasy novels. It's a humorous and insightful commentary on society and human nature.
Diana Wynne Jones:
* Chrestomanci Universe: This series of interconnected worlds is the setting for Jones's fantasy novels. It features magic, time travel, and a complex family of magic users, including the Chrestomanci, a powerful wizard.
Susan Cooper:
* The Dark is Rising Sequence: This fantasy series features a secret world of "Old Ones" and their struggle against the forces of darkness. It explores themes of good versus evil, fate, and the power of choice.
Ursula K. Le Guin:
* Earthsea: This world of islands and magic is the setting for Le Guin's *Earthsea Cycle*. It explores themes of self-discovery, responsibility, and the nature of power.
These are just a few examples of the many imaginary worlds created by English authors. Each author brings their own unique perspective and style to their creations, making them both familiar and captivating.