1. William Shakespeare (1564-1616)– Known for his timeless plays like "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet," Shakespeare's influence on literature is unparalleled.
2. Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)– Russian novelist famous for epic works like "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina," exploring human nature and society.
3. Jane Austen (1775-1817)– Celebrated for her keen social commentary and beloved novels such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma."
4. Charles Dickens (1812-1870)– Renowned for his vivid characters and detailed portrayal of Victorian England in works like "Great Expectations" and "A Tale of Two Cities."
5. Homer (c. 8th century BC)– Ancient Greek poet credited with "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," foundational texts of Western literature.
6. Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881)– Russian author known for his psychological depth in novels like "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov."
7. Mark Twain (1835-1910)– American writer famous for his wit and social criticism in classics like "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."
8. Gabriel García Márquez (1927-2014)– Colombian novelist and Nobel laureate, known for magical realism in "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and "Love in the Time of Cholera."
9. James Joyce (1882-1941)– Irish modernist writer best known for his groundbreaking novel "Ulysses" and the short story collection "Dubliners."
10. Virgil (70-19 BC)– Ancient Roman poet, author of "The Aeneid," which has been a cornerstone of Western literature for centuries.