4.5.6.1 Notable authors and writers

Jane Austen (1775–1817) was an English novelist. Her books include Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility . Her novels are concerned with marriage and family relationships. Many have been made into television programmes or films.

Charles Dickens (1812–70) wrote a number of very famous novels, including Oliver Twist and Great Expectations . You will hear references in everyday talk to some of the characters in his books, such as Scrooge (a mean person) or Mr Micawber (always hopeful).

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–94) wrote books which are still read by adults and children today. His most famous books include Treasure Island , Kidnapped and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde .

Thomas Hardy (1840–1928) was an author and poet. His best-known novels focus on rural society and include Far from the Madding Crowd and Jude the Obscure .

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a Scottish doctor and writer. He was best known for his stories about Sherlock Holmes, who was one of the first fictional detectives.

Evelyn Waugh (1903–66) wrote satirical novels, including Decline and Fall and Scoop . He is perhaps best known for Brideshead Revisited .

Sir Kingsley Amis (1922–95) was an English novelist and poet. He wrote more than 20 novels. The most well-known is Lucky Jim .

Graham Greene (1904–91) wrote novels often influenced by his religious beliefs, including The Heart of the Matter , The Honorary Consul , Brighton Rock and Our Man in Havana .

J K Rowling (1965–) wrote the Harry Potter series of children’s books, which have enjoyed huge international success. She now writes fiction for adults as well.