English writers The 17th and 20th centuries are less popular today, and the subject of foreign literature is no longer taught at school. It is strange, but not so long ago, during the stagnation, the Iron Curtain and the Cold War, schoolchildren knew and loved the English classics. And their parents spent a whole year collecting waste paper in order to get the opportunity to purchase the cherished volume of Jerome K. Jerome or Wilkie Collins for 20 kilograms. Today, however, when asking who Charles Dickens or Thomas Hardy is, most often you only see a puzzled look in response. And the truth is, how can modern adolescents find out about this, if the school does not pass ???!
Well, to those who did glance at this page with the heading "English writers", I want to offer the most interesting books and no less interesting biographies of these same English writers. So, I invite you to read, listen and watch purely English stories, both in Russian and in English. Below is a list of their most interesting works, as well as their adaptations. And for English learners, we offer films and cartoons in English with subtitles, video interviews and free online English lessons.
Below list of 17th-20th century English writers whose books are presented on the site:
You will be able to get acquainted with the biographies of English writers, whose eventful lives are reflected in exciting works. No matter what book you take, it is simply impossible to tear yourself away! And for those who want to know more, a review article about English literature. Read on!
English writers and their works (classics)
Robert Stevenson (1850-1894
Psychological novels from the creator of Mr. Hyde and the owner of Ballantrae. Look into your soul ...
Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
The most humane writer, mercilessly fought against the injustice and vices of the Victorian society.
The Brontë sisters: Charlotte (1816-1855), Emily (1818-1848), Anne (1820-1849)
Three stars that sparkled in the sky of English literature, incredible women, each of whom was amazingly talented and unimaginably unhappy.
- Charlotte Brontë "Jane Eyre"
- Wuthering Heights (film adaptation of the novel by Emily Brontë)
- Anne Bronte "Agnes Gray"
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
A witty genius, a philosopher, a master of words, famous for his quotes, the "father" of Dorian Gray.
Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927)
- film adaptations of works -> in development
Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)
Nick Hornby is known not only as the author of such popular novels as "Hi-Fi", "My Boy", but also as a screenwriter. The writer's cinematic style makes him very popular in adapting books by various authors for film adaptation: "Brooklyn", "Education of the Senses", "Wild".
In the past, an ardent football fan, he even threw out his obsession in his autobiographical novel Football Fever.
Culture often becomes a key theme of Hornby's books, in particular, the writer does not like it when pop culture is underestimated, considering it a limitation. Also, the key themes of the works are often the hero's relationship with himself and others, overcoming and finding himself.
Nick Hornby now lives in the Highbury area of North London, close to the stadium of his favorite football team, Arsenal.
Doris Lessing (1919 - 2013)
After the second divorce in 1949, she moved with her son to London, where for the first time she rented an apartment for a couple with a woman of easy virtue.
The themes that worried Lessing, as often happens, changed during her life, and if in 1949-1956 she was primarily concerned with social issues and communist themes, then from 1956 to 1969 the works began to bear a psychological character. In later works, the author was close to the postulates of the esoteric movement in Islam - Sufism. In particular, this was expressed in many of her science fiction works from the Canopus series.
In 2007, the writer was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Worldwide success and love of millions of women to the writer brought the novel "Diary of Bridget Jones", which was born from a column that Helen wrote in the Independent newspaper.
The plot of the "Diary" repeats in detail the plot of the novel by Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice", right down to the name of the main male character - Mark Darcy.
They say that the book was inspired by the 1995 series, and especially by Colin Firth, since he migrated to the film adaptation of The Diary without any changes.
In the UK, Stephen is known as an esthete and great original, driving his own cab. Stephen Fry is an incomparable combination of two abilities: to be the standard of British style and to shock the public on a regular basis. His bold statements about God put many into a stupor, which, however, does not affect his popularity in any way. He is openly gay - Fry, 57, married the 27-year-old comedian last year.
Fry does not hide that he used drugs and suffers from bipolar disorder, about which he even made a documentary.
Defining all areas of Fry's activities is not easy, he himself jokingly calls himself "a British actor, writer, king of dance, prince of swimming trunks and blogger." All of his books invariably become bestsellers, and interviews are sorted into quotes.
Stephen is considered a rare owner of a unique classic English accent, a whole book has been written about the art of “speaking like Stephen Fry”.
Julian Barnes has been called the "chameleon" of British literature. He is perfectly able, without losing individuality, to create works that are unlike each other: eleven novels, four of which are detective stories written under the pseudonym Dan Kavanagh, a collection of stories, a collection of essays, a collection of articles and reviews.
The writer was repeatedly accused of Francophonie, especially after the publication of the book "Flaubert's Parrot", a mixture of the writer's biography and a scientific treatise on the role of the author as a whole. The writer’s craving for everything French is partly due to the fact that he grew up in the family of a French teacher.
His novel "A History of the World in 10 ½ Chapters" became a real event in literature. Written in the dystopian genre, the novel seeks answers to a number of philosophical questions about the essence of man, his past, present and future.
A favorite of children and adults all over the world, the restless bear Paddington was "born" in 1958, when Michael Bond realized at the last moment before Christmas that he had forgotten to buy a present for his wife. Out of hopelessness, the author, who had already written many plays and stories by that time, bought his wife a toy bear in a blue raincoat.
In 2014, based on his books, a film was shot, where London became one of the characters in the story. He appears before us like the eyes of a little guest from dense Peru: first rainy and inhospitable, and then sunny and beautiful. The painting includes Notting Hill, Portobello Road, streets near Maida Vale Station, Paddington Station and the Museum of Natural History.
Interestingly, the writer now lives in London just near Paddington Station.
In just five years, Rowling went from welfare to the author of the best-selling book series in history, which became the basis for films, which, in turn, are recognized as the second highest grossing franchise.
As Rowling herself said, the idea for the book came to her during a train ride from Manchester to London in 1990. ...
Neil Gaiman is called one of the main modern storytellers. Hollywood producers are lining up for the rights to film adaptations of his books.
He also wrote scripts himself more than once. His famous novel Neverwhere was born out of just such a script for the 1996 BBC miniseries. Although, of course, it is often the other way around.
Neal's scary tales are also loved because they blur the lines between intellectual and entertainment literature.
The writer is a laureate of prestigious awards, many of Ian's works have been filmed.
The first works of the writer were notable for their cruelty and great attention to the topic of violence, for which the author was nicknamed Ian Macabre. He was also called the black wizard of modern British prose and a world-class expert on all forms of violence.
In further work, all these themes remained, but seemed to have faded into the background, passing like a red thread through the fate of the heroes, while they themselves did not linger in the frame.
The writer's childhood was on the run: he was born in Czechoslovakia into an intelligent Jewish family. Due to her nationality, his mother moved to Singapore and then to India. Almost all of the writer's relatives died during the Second World War, and his mother, having married a British soldier for the second time, raised her children as real Englishmen.
Stoppard became famous for the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, a reimagined Shakespearean tragedy Hamlet, which, under Tom's pen, turned into a comedy.
The playwright has a lot to do with Russia. He visited here in 1977, working on a report on dissidents who were being held in psychiatric hospitals. "It was cold. Moscow seemed gloomy to me, ”the author shares his memories.
The writer also visited Moscow during the staging of a play based on his play at the RAMT theater in 2007. The theme of the 8-hour performance is the development of Russian political thought of the 19th century with its main characters: Herzen, Chaadaev, Turgenev, Belinsky, Bakunin.
McEwan masterfully combines a laconic style of storytelling with an unpredictable ending. At the center of his story are two friends, the editor of a popular newspaper and the composer of the Millennium Symphony. True, there was practically nothing left of their friendship, only hidden anger and resentment. It is worth reading to find out how the confrontation of old comrades ended.
In this selection, we have included the most English novel of the writer, in which he tries to explain what good old England is. Events unfold on the White Island attraction, where all sorts of stereotypes about the country are collected: monarchy, Robin Hood, The Beatles, beer ... Indeed, why do tourists need modern England if there is a miniature copy that combines all the most interesting?
A novel about the love of 19th century Victorian poets intertwined with the history of modern scholars. A book for the intellectual reader who will enjoy the rich language, classic plots and numerous allusions to cultural and historical phenomena.
Coe wrote jazz music for a long time, which was reflected in his literary work. "What a swindle!" akin to improvisation, this is a bold and unexpected romance.
Michael, a middle-class writer, is given the opportunity to tell the story of the wealthy and highly influential Winshaw family. The problem is that these greedy relatives, who have taken possession of all spheres of public life, poison the lives of other people and do not cause sympathy.
If you've watched the Cloud Atlas, then know this incredibly tangled story was invented by David Mitchell. But today we recommend taking up reading another, no less interesting novel.
Dream # 9 is often compared to the best works. A young boy Eiji comes to Tokyo in search of his father, whom he has never met. For eight weeks in the metropolis, he managed to find love, fall into the clutches of the yakuza, make peace with his alcoholic mother, find friends ... You have to figure out for yourself what happened in reality and what happened in a dream.
"Tennis Balls of Heaven" is a modern version of the "Count of Monte Cristo", supplemented with new details and meanings. Although we know the plot, it is simply impossible to stop reading.
The protagonist is a student Ned Muddstone, whose life goes nowhere better. He is handsome, smart, rich, well-mannered, from a good family. But because of the stupid joke of his envious comrades, his whole life changes dramatically. Ned is locked up in a psychiatric hospital, where he lives with only one purpose - to get out in order to get revenge.
The novel about the life of 30-year-old Bridget Jones is popular all over the world. Thanks in part to the Hollywood adaptation starring Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth. But by and large because of the eccentric and so charming Bridget. She counts calories, tries to quit smoking and drink less, experiences setbacks in her personal life, but still looks to the future with optimism and believes in love.
There are books that you forgive for the simplicity of the plot, and the banality of scenes, and stupid coincidences simply because there is soulfulness in them. “Bridget Jones's Diary” is the very rare case.
The story of the boy with the scar is a cultural phenomenon. The first book "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was rejected by 12 publishers, and only a small Bloomsbury decided to publish it at its own risk. And it did not fail. "" Was a resounding success, and Rowling herself - the love of readers around the world.
Against the background of magic and magic, we are talking about things familiar and important - friendship, honesty, courage, willingness to help and resist evil. Therefore, Rowling's fictional world captivates readers of all ages.
The Collector is John Fowles' most terrifying yet gripping novel. The main character Frederick Clegg loves to collect butterflies, but at some point he decides to add a cute girl Miranda to his collection. We learn this story from the words of the kidnapper and from the diary of his victim.
English literature is rooted in the distant past, in a poetic tradition, the founder of which was Chaucer. But even today, despite the frantic rhythm of modern life, the British still find time to read a good book.
The current Book Club catalog contains 10 magnificent contemporary novels by English writers. These are world famous authors - Ian Asher, James Bowen, Paula Hawkins, Burleigh Dougherty, Penny Hancock, as well as new names in the horizon of English literature: Karen Perry, Saira Shah and others. The best detective stories, autobiographical stories, psychological novels and touching stories about animals are presented to your attention.
Enjoy reading!
Ian Asher decided to sell his failed life on eBay. As a result, he only had a passport - and the proceeds from the deal were $ 305,000. He set 100 goals and gave himself 100 weeks to achieve them ... After 4 years, 50-year-old Ian has already traveled all over the world and found love and found happiness.
Jess and Jason. These names were given by Rachel to the "impeccable" spouses, whom she watches from the train window every day. They seem to have everything that Rachel herself recently lost - love, happiness, prosperity ... But one day she sees something shocking happening in the courtyard of their cottage. Just a minute - and the train starts to move, but this is enough for the perfect picture to crumble. And then Jess disappears. Rachel realizes that perhaps only she knows the secret of her disappearance. Will the police accept her testimony? And is it worth even interfering in someone else's life?
A spinal fracture changed Cassandra's life: her lover left her, and friends stopped communicating. Her previously wonderful life became hell. But the hope of happiness and willpower help the girl to cope with difficulties. Will she be able to feel the sweet scent of life again? ..
Anna and Tobias dreamed of a child, but fate was merciless. The baby turned out to be terminally ill. In a secluded house with a sick child, Anna feels trapped and decides to run away, leaving her daughter to her husband, however ...
Just five minutes - and the life of Harry and Robin, a happy married couple, changes forever: during an earthquake in Tangier, their little son Dillon disappears without a trace. Five years pass - and Harry and Robin, expecting their second child, seem to be ready to come to terms with the loss, but ... in the seething crowd of people in Dublin, Harry suddenly notices a boy who is very similar to the missing Dillon. Is this really their son? And if so, where was he all this time? .. This is how an amazing story of love and betrayal, loss and finding hope begins. A story that touches to the core ...
The death of his mother was a crushing blow for little Jim. A defenseless boy fell into slavery to the owner of a coal barge, who treated him worse than a dog. On the inhospitable London streets, Jim will meet friends and enemies, learn to survive and help others, avoid the traps of the big city and hope no matter what. He is not a lost angel at all, he is a desperate street child. When you finally find someone ready to help Jim, your heart will be filled with joy, and your eyes - with tears ...
The publication also includes the novel "Sisters of the Homeless Child".
Here is a story about how an inexperienced teenager learned the inside of this world; as a passionate woman, wishing to deceive Time itself, took an illness for love. A story that repeats itself forever. Love ... is it always good? And adoration - is it always good?
The doors of the animal shelter in London's Battersea neighborhood never close, not even at Christmas. Early morning ... Our heroes begin to wag their tails, prick up their ears, stretch, wake up and shake off half-asleep. Soon the daily hustle and bustle of the orphanage begins. Employees and volunteers scurry along the corridors and get to work: washing floors, cleaning cages, serving breakfast ... Many dogs and cats had a hard time before they got here. Having survived the loss of the owner, faced with the cruelty and irresponsibility of the previous owners, they almost lost faith in man, but now they have regained hope. And those who are ready to give warmth and care to a new friend have a chance to know that miracles happen! Sometimes they are just around the corner ... 14 amazing and touching stories about the inhabitants of the most famous animal shelter in the UK.
World bestseller! A film adaptation is being prepared! He was a lonely homeless musician, but one day he saw this homeless kitty ... The cat managed to become a friend, a partner, and a doctor. This is the story of the survival of two creatures in the stone jungle of a big city. The story is filled with small miracles and human warmth.
The amazing gift of this dog brought salvation to many people, and her love and devotion helped to survive when there was no hope ...
A tiny puppy was born on the eve of the war. English sailors saved him from a bitter fate. Soon, little fluffy Judy became the mascot of their ship. She sensed the approach of danger and warned the sailors.
When the ship's crew was captured, the enemies wanted to kill the dog. But Judy survived and sneaked into the prisoner camp - to her own! Together with people, she lived in the camp hell and gave joy to the sailors ...
This story is not fiction. The novel is based on real facts about a unique dog who served on a warship along with people during World War II. After the war, he received awards for loyalty and courage.
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Brilliant classic detective stories and full of tragedy love stories, lengthy biographies and incomparable subtle humor, a world of mesmerizing fantasy and adventurous adventures. British literature is rich in masterpieces!
Famous British writers and their best works
Genius pioneers
In order to tell about all the most worthy representatives of Great Britain who have created wonderful works (from plays and poems to stories and novels), you will need a voluminous volume. But let's get to know (more or less chronologically) at least some of them!
Jeffrey Chaucer is considered to be the pioneer of English literature. It was he (this was in the XIV century) who first began to write his works in his native language (and not in Latin). Among his "programmatic" creations, we note the ironic "Canterbury Tales" and the voluminous heroic-romantic poem "Troilus and Chriseis". Chaucer's earthly is intertwined with the sublime, vulgarity coexists with moralizing, and everyday pictures are replaced by passionate scenes.
Recently, here and there disputes have arisen over another recognized classic - William Shakespeare. Doubted the authorship, attributed his works to other personalities (up to Queen Elizabeth the First). We will stick to the traditional point of view. The immortal lines of sonnets, the colorful characters of tragedies, the life-affirming optimism of the Great Bard's comedies are modern to this day. His plays are leading in the repertoire of theaters (in terms of the number of performances), they are endlessly filmed. Only "Romeo and Juliet" has been filmed for more than fifty (counting from the era of silent films). But Shakespeare worked in the distant XVI-XVII centuries!
Novels for ladies, and not only
Jane Austen (who has not read the book “Pride and Prejudice” that has been transferred to the movie screen more than once!) Is vividly represented in British classics. And also - the Brontë sisters. Emotional and tragic "Wuthering Heights" by Emily and still very popular (again, thanks to film adaptations) "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte are the best examples of literature of the first half of the 19th century. But both sisters died very early, and many of their plans remained unfulfilled.
Powerful prose writer Charles Dickens is the pride of Britain. In his works you can find realism and sentimentalism, a fabulous beginning and riddles. He did not have time to finish "The Mystery of Edwin Drood", and readers are still puzzling over it. But this novel could have become the best detective story of that era.
Secrets and Adventures
In general, the founder of this genre is Dickens' friend, Wilkie Collins. His "Moonstone" is considered the first detective story written in English. The novel "The Woman in White" is very interesting and full of mysticism and secrets.
Two Scots - Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson - have contributed to British literature. They were unsurpassed masters of historical adventure novels. Ivanhoe of the first and Treasure Island of the second are masterpieces.
Two more personalities stand apart: the gloomy romantic John Gordon Byron and the ironic Oscar Wilde. Read their lines! It `s Magic. Life did not spoil both of them, but the stronger the emotions in the works.
Fine prose, humor and detective masters
Wilde was persecuted for his homosexuality. His other compatriot, Somerset Maugham, also suffered from it. An English intelligence officer, he is the author of the finest prose. If you are in a bad mood, re-read Theater or watch the film - even with Vija Artmane, even American, with Annette Benning, a wonderful medicine!
Other writers who have great pep are Jerrok K. Jerome and Palm G. Woodhouse. Didn't you chuckle when you read about the adventures of the "three in the boat" or the misadventures of the half-hearted aristocrat Bertie Wooster, guarded by the prim valet Jeeves?
Even those who do not like detective stories will sooner or later turn to the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. After all, his character Sherlock is the favorite object of modern filmmakers.
What can we say about Lady Agatha! Christie is perhaps the most famous detective (may she forgive us such a dissonant word!) Of all times and peoples. And words are superfluous here. Poirot and Marple glorified the British woman for centuries.
In the arms of fantasy
A huge wonderful world - with its own language, geography, funny (courageous, terrifying, cute, and not very different!) Inhabitants - was invented by John Ronald Ruel Tolkien, honor and praise to him. For fantasy fans, his "Lord of the Rings" is what the Bible is to believers.
Among contemporary British writers, J.K. Rowling has achieved the greatest fame and success. Seeing once half asleep some images and deciding to write down the story that came to mind about an orphan boy, a beggar housewife became one of the revered prose writers of our days. The adaptation of "The Potterians" was seen by millions, and the author herself became a multimillionaire.
Erotic escapades of the characters of David Lawrence, the throwing of the heroes of John Fowles, other worlds of H.G. Wells, the tragedy of the plots of Thomas Hardy, the evil satire of Jonathan Swift and Bernard Shaw, the ballads of Robert Burns, the realism of Galsworthy and Iris Murdoch. This, too, is the wealth of British literature. Read on and enjoy!