1. William Shakespeare: The undisputed giant of English literature, known for his plays like Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth, as well as his sonnets.
2. Jane Austen: A master of social commentary and wit, known for novels like Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma.
3. Charles Dickens: A prolific Victorian novelist, famous for his social realism and memorable characters in works like Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations.
4. J.R.R. Tolkien: The creator of the fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings, which sparked a global phenomenon and redefined fantasy literature.
5. J.K. Rowling: The author of the Harry Potter series, which has captured the imaginations of millions worldwide and created a cultural phenomenon.