* William Shakespeare: The undisputed king of the Renaissance, Shakespeare's plays and sonnets are still performed and studied worldwide. His genius lies in his profound understanding of human nature, his mastery of language, and his ability to create timeless characters and stories.
* Christopher Marlowe: Shakespeare's contemporary, Marlowe is known for his groundbreaking plays like "Doctor Faustus" and "The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus", which explored themes of ambition, morality, and the power of the human will.
* Sir Philip Sidney: A renowned poet and writer, Sidney's "Arcadia" was a highly influential pastoral romance. He also wrote influential works on poetry and literary theory, contributing significantly to the development of English Renaissance literature.
* Edmund Spenser: Best known for his epic poem "The Faerie Queen," Spenser masterfully combined allegory, mythology, and morality to create a complex and captivating narrative.
* John Milton: While Milton is technically considered a writer of the 17th century, his work is heavily influenced by Renaissance ideals and his epic poem "Paradise Lost" is considered one of the greatest works of English literature.
Ultimately, the "greatest" English author of the Renaissance is a matter of personal preference. Each of these writers made significant contributions to the development of English literature and left a lasting impact on culture and thought.