Edgar Allan Poe is often credited with inventing the modern short story as a genre. His tales of mystery and horror, such as "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Cask of Amontillado," set the stage for future generations of short story writers.

Charles Dickens is widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. His works, such as "Oliver Twist" and "A Tale of Two Cities," are known for their social commentary, humor, and vivid characters.

Jules Verne is considered one of the founding fathers of science fiction. His novels, such as "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth," are known for their imaginative and futuristic settings.

Arthur Conan Doyle is widely regarded as the creator of the modern detective story. His character Sherlock Holmes, introduced in "A Study in Scarlet," became one of the most iconic figures in literature.

J.R.R. Tolkien is considered one of the greatest fantasy writers of all time. His works, such as "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," have had a profound impact on the genre and continue to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Gabriel García Márquez is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of magical realism, a genre that blends realistic and fantastical elements. His novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is considered a masterpiece of the genre.

George Orwell is known for his dystopian novels, such as "Animal Farm" and "1984," which explore the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of individual freedom.

Helen Fielding is often credited with popularizing the genre of chick lit with her novel "Bridget Jones's Diary," which follows the romantic and professional misadventures of a thirty-something single woman in London.

Agatha Christie is one of the most prolific and successful crime writers of all time. Her novels, such as "Murder on the Orient Express" and "Death on the Nile," are known for their intricate plots and memorable characters.

Walter Scott is often regarded as the founder of the historical novel. His works, such as "Ivanhoe" and "Rob Roy," are known for their vivid depictions of historical periods and their exploration of themes such as honor, loyalty, and betrayal.

Lewis Carroll is one of the most beloved children's authors of all time. His works, such as "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass," are known for their whimsical characters, imaginative settings, and clever wordplay.

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of all time. His sonnets, plays, and narrative poems explore a wide range of themes, including love, loss, betrayal, and the human condition.

William Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest playwrights of all time. His plays, such as "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Macbeth," are known for their complex characters, poetic language, and exploration of universal themes.

David McCullough is a renowned historian and author of non-fiction books. His works, such as "John Adams" and "The Wright Brothers," are known for their meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and ability to bring historical figures and events to life.

Benjamin Franklin is one of the most famous autobiographers in American history. His autobiography, published posthumously in 1791, provides a detailed account of his life, from his humble beginnings in Boston to his rise as a prominent scientist, inventor, and statesman.