Classics & Historical Figures:
* William Shakespeare: His plays (like *Hamlet*, *Romeo and Juliet*, *Macbeth*) and sonnets are cornerstones of English literature and continue to be studied and performed worldwide.
* Jane Austen: Known for her witty social commentary in novels like *Pride and Prejudice*, *Sense and Sensibility*, and *Emma*.
* Charles Dickens: His works, including *Oliver Twist*, *A Tale of Two Cities*, and *Great Expectations*, explored social injustices and the lives of the working class.
* Leo Tolstoy: Author of epic novels like *War and Peace* and *Anna Karenina*, which explore themes of love, war, and the human condition.
* Fyodor Dostoevsky: Known for his psychological depth in novels like *Crime and Punishment*, *The Brothers Karamazov*, and *Notes from Underground*.
* Homer: The ancient Greek author of *The Iliad* and *The Odyssey*, foundational works of Western literature.
Modern & Contemporary Writers:
* J.K. Rowling: The author of the Harry Potter series, which has captivated readers of all ages and became a global phenomenon.
* Stephen King: A master of horror, suspense, and fantasy, with popular novels like *Carrie*, *The Shining*, and *It*.
* J.R.R. Tolkien: Creator of the fantasy world of Middle-earth in *The Hobbit* and *The Lord of the Rings*.
* Suzanne Collins: Author of the Hunger Games trilogy, a dystopian young adult series that explores themes of rebellion and survival.
* Haruki Murakami: A Japanese novelist known for his surreal and introspective stories, like *Norwegian Wood*, *Kafka on the Shore*, and *1Q84*.
* Margaret Atwood: A feminist writer known for novels like *The Handmaid's Tale*, *Alias Grace*, and *Oryx and Crake*.
This list is not exhaustive, and popularity is also influenced by:
* Genre: Some genres have larger audiences than others.
* Time period: Popularity fluctuates with cultural trends and historical events.
* Location: Authors popular in one country might be less known in others.
If you're looking for more specific recommendations, let me know what kind of books you enjoy. I can help you discover some new favorites!