1. Early Vernacular Literature & Regional Writers:
* Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343 - 1400): Although often cited as the "father of English literature", Chaucer primarily wrote in Middle English, a form of vernacular English. He's known for "The Canterbury Tales", which is considered a foundational text of English literature.
* Dante Alighieri (1265 - 1321): This Italian writer is famed for his "Divine Comedy", written in the Tuscan dialect, which eventually became the standard literary language of Italian.
* Miguel de Cervantes (1547 - 1616): He wrote "Don Quixote", one of the most influential works of literature ever, in Castilian Spanish, the vernacular language of Spain.
2. Modern Vernacular & Regional Literature:
* Mark Twain (1835 - 1910): While Twain's writing is considered American English, he utilized Southern American vernacular and dialect in works like "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", capturing the essence of the American South.
* Toni Morrison (1931 - 2019): She won the Nobel Prize in Literature for her work, which often explored the African-American experience in the US. Her novels, like "Beloved", are written in a distinctive vernacular, drawing on the speech patterns of African Americans.
* Maya Angelou (1928 - 2014): Known for her poetry and autobiographical works, Angelou masterfully captured the rhythm and dialect of African-American speech, making her work relatable and impactful.
Choosing Three:
To select three, consider your specific criteria:
* Historical Importance: Chaucer, Dante, and Cervantes are all important for establishing vernacular languages as literary mediums.
* Literary Impact: Twain, Morrison, and Angelou all had significant influence on American literature and beyond.
* Focus on Regional Vernacular: If you want examples of specific regional dialects, consider Twain, Morrison, and Angelou.
Ultimately, the "best" three depend on your specific definition of "famous" and "vernacular."