For those who love the written word, there is a wide breadth of genres to choose from. Different writes from different eras have all made important contributions to the wide world of literature, but there is one particular category of literature that will never lose importance as a subject of academic literature. British literature, as a whole, provides some of the most intriguing material in the world for study and pleasure. Whether we are talking about Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, there is a veritable army of established British authors who have made innumerable contributions to the world of British literature, and literature as a whole.
Perhaps one of the most famous authors of British literature is easily the great bard himself, William Shakespeare. The author of over thirty five plays in a multitude of genres, as well as some of the most enduring love sonnets ever written, he is usually considered the most accomplished author in the English language. From Romeo and Juliet to Twelfth Night to Macbeth, his works continue to be performed on the stage and screen. His stories have also been the inspiration for modern adaptations, such as the films O and Ten Things I Hate About You. He is truly a cornerstone of British literature as a whole.
Another major player in the history of British literature is easily Jane Austen. Austen cemented her role as an important British author through her wit and keen sense of observation. Her novels Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Mansfield Park are a source of perpetual story for historians, literary scholars and aspiring authors alike. She gained notoriety for her accurate portrayal of life among the gentry of her era, and for her understated capacity for social commentary on women's issues. She highlighted women's dependence on men and marriage to survive in the society, and through comedy, was able to subtly critique the social hierarchy that forced said reliance. Her books have been adapted for the stage and screen, underscoring the timelessness of her work.
Charles Dickens is an additional star in the world of British Literature. Paid by the word, his work is often criticized for being long winded, but his stories are endearing to readers of every age. Whether it was a story to capture the imagination of the young with Oliver Twist or The Life an Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby, or a sharp social commentary with plots of vengeance with A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens had a distinct eye for detail. His novel A Christmas Carol has become a cherished holiday classic, and speaks to the enduring nature of his writing style.
A final sampling of the great authors of British literature is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Any discussion of British literature would be incomplete without mention of this legend. Though he is the author of dozens of books, his most famous works are easily the Sherlock Holmes books. Told from the perspective of his loyal partner in crime (stopping), Dr. Watson, these books chronicle the adventures of Detective Sherlock Holmes, an eccentric sleuth who was renown for his ability to solve the most difficult of crimes. His contributions in the world of British literature, as well as politics and social issues, led to him being knighted in 1902.