Famous poets of England. The best English writers and their works for children

English literature in the world is represented by writers who created books in different genres and directions. Many of them are considered classics and are included in the canon of world literature.

English writers and their works

Geoffrey Chaucer (1343 – 1400)

Geoffrey Chaucer- a writer who is called father English literature. He was the first English poet to write civic lyrics and was recognized as a national poet. Chaucer wrote exclusively in English language, he introduced new themes, ideas and motives into English poetry, improved many medieval artistic methods letters and created new poetry.

Geoffrey was the son of an ordinary London wine merchant. He managed to build a career in the royal court - he began as a page in the retinue of the Duchess of Olser. Later, the future English writer served in the army, took part in the war against France and was captured by enemies. The English king ransomed him from captivity.

Information about creative path Little of Chaucer has survived. Literary scholars still find it difficult to establish the dates of writing some poems and establish their authorship.

At the time when Chaucer wrote, English literature was in a difficult state: there was no single literary language, system of versification, or unified poetic theory. Chaucer as a writer significantly influenced the development of the English language, its dominance over Latin and French.

Chaucer's main works written in English are the following texts:

"The Book of the Duchess" Considered the poet's first great poem, it was written in honor of the memory of Duchess Blanche of Lancaster. In this text the author tries to imitate French style, but innovative poetic solutions can already be traced in it;
"House of Glory"- a poem with realistic motives;
"The Legend of Glorious Women" ;
"Troilus and Chryseis".

Chaucer modified English poetry, gave it a new direction, which was followed by future poets of England.

Brief biography of Geoffrey Chaucer in English:

The work of the English playwright Shakespeare is called the most great achievement Renaissance culture. His texts in English had a great influence on subsequent poets, artists and novelists, and the images from his plays became timeless and symbolic.

Little is known about Shakespeare's life. He was born into the family of a craftsman and merchant, studied at a grammar school, when teaching was carried out using a single textbook - the Bible. At the age of 18, the writer married Anne Hathaway, who was 8 years older than William.

It is believed that his first dramatic texts in English were written in 1594. Some biographers believe that at this time the writer was a member of a traveling troupe, and the experiences of these years influenced his passion for the theater. Since 1599, his life became closely connected with the Globe Theater, where he was both a playwright and an actor.

The writer's literary canon in English includes 37 dramas and 154 sonnets.

His most famous texts in English are:

"Romeo and Juliet";
"Venus and Adonis";
"Julius Caesar";
"Othello";
"A dream in a summer night".

In literary circles over the past 2-3 centuries, the theory has been actively promoted that William Shakespeare could not have been the author of these texts due to insufficient education and some discrepancies in biographical data. in 2002, a version was put forward that the educated and intelligent Earl of Rutland, an aristocrat and talented playwright and writer. The date of his death coincides with the date of death of Shakespeare, who stopped writing at this time.

This theory has not been proven and in the classical understanding of literature, William Shakespeare is still considered the one who created these texts in English, which became the property of English culture.

Robert Stevenson / Robert Stevenson (1850-1894)

Was a versatile person– he was engaged in literary criticism, poetry in English, he is considered the founder of neo-romanticism and the one who theorized information about this artistic method.

The writer was born in the capital of Scotland and belonged to the ancient Belfur family. He was raised by numerous nannies due to his mother's illness. One of the nannies, Cammy, was talented and, thanks to her, Robert became familiar with poetry. Later, the writer admitted that it was thanks to the nanny that he became a writer.

Robert Stevenson traveled a lot and during his trips he wrote notes about his impressions and emotions. In 1866 it was published The first book in English is The Pentland Rebellion. But world fame came to him after the novel “Treasure Island”. Stevenson's work is characterized by descriptions of nature, the use of legends, mythology, and some moralizing.

As a child, he was sick a lot and in his memoirs in English, the writer wrote that the “doors of death” were always open to him. This influenced his consciousness and understanding of the world. This led him to found neo-romanticism, which conveys the sharp contradictions between dreams and reality. In his understanding, travel, danger and emotions are needed so that life is filled with colors, so that people can see the beauty of the world.

The writer's main works in English:

"Treasure Island";
"Heather honey";
"Proprietor of Ballantrae";
"Children's flower gardener of poems."

Stevenson was called a "legendary man" because of his love of stories and mythology, which he embodied in his works in English.

Charles Dickens / Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

- great prose writer of world literature. Born into the family of an official, his father discovered artistic talent in him very early - he forced the boy to take part in theatrical productions, read poetry, improvise. The writer grew up in love, comfort and confidence in the future.

When he was 12 years old, his family went bankrupt, and the boy went to work in a factory, where he first encountered cruelty and injustice. This period influenced the consciousness of the future writer.

Working at this factory haunted Charles all his life - he always considered it the biggest blow in his life. That is why his English texts contain so much sympathy for the poor and downtrodden. He had to work as a paper clerk, a broker and a stenographer in Parliament.

On last job he had to do several creative tasks. After this, he comes to the understanding that he must work in English literature.

In 1836 they came out first essays "Sketches of Boz" in English, but they were not popular at the time. A few years later he creates the first chapters of the novel “Notes Pickwick Club” and these texts marked the beginning of his career as a writer.

Two years after this novel, a novel is published in English "Adventures Oliver Twist», in which, for the first time in world literature, a child comes to life on the pages of a book. From this time on, fruitful writing work begins.

Dickens's major novels in English:

"Dombey and Son";
« Big hopes»;
"David Copperfield";
"Little Dorrit"
"A Tale of Two Cities."

The writer in his novels in English realistically describes the England of his era, describes in detail all the characters and issues. His texts are very deep, realistic and lively, the message of each novel is the search for justice in a cruel world.

Brontë sisters: Charlotte (1816-1855), Emily (1818-1848), Anne (1820-1849)

Bronte sisters- a unique phenomenon in world literature. Three girls, each talented in their own way, were able to take an honorable place in the canon of classical literature not only in England, but also in the world.

The most popular novels are Charlotte Bronte's Jair Eyre and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. Anne Brontë wrote the books Agnes Gray and The Stranger of Wylfedale Hall. In these novels, the romantic is masterfully intertwined with the realistic. The writers were able to convey the spirit of their era, creating sensitive and relevant novels that are still relevant today.

The sisters grew up in a priest's family in the quiet town of Thornton. They became interested in writing early childhood, they published their first timid attempts in English in a local magazine at their own expense. They appeared in literature under male pseudonyms.

At that time, male writers had a better chance of recognition. But their first book did not attract attention - it was a collection of poems. After this, the girls turned away from poetry and took up prose. A year later, each of them wrote a novel in English - "Jane Eyre", "Agnes Gray" and "Wuthering Heights". The first book was considered the most successful. After the death of the sisters, recognition came to the novel Wuthering Heights.

The sisters lived short life– died at the age of about 30 years. And the final recognition of their work occurred after their death.

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Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

Oscar Wilde- playwright and poet, literary critic and a writer who embodied the principles of English aestheticism in his novels. Oscar was born in Dublin, where the writer received a classical education - he studied at Trinity College and St. Magdalene College (Oxford).

Beautiful things were always appreciated in his house - furniture, books, paintings. This influenced aesthetic tastes future writer. His development as a word artist was greatly influenced by university teachers - the writer John Ruskin and Walter Pater.

After receiving his education, the writer moved to London, where he joined the aesthetic movement.

Aestheticism is a movement that combined the ideas of impressionism and neo-romanticism. The main requirement for creativity within this direction is not to imitate nature, but to recreate it according to the laws of beauty, which is inaccessible to ordinary life.

The writer believed that it is not art that reflects reality, but reality that imitates art. In 1881, the first book of his poems was published in English, and in 1888 his first fairy tales saw the world.

The writer's main works in English:

"The Picture of Dorian Grey";
"Pomegranate House";
"The Happy Prince"
"The importance of Being Earnest";
"The Ideal Man"

In the work of the writer Wilde, reality and fiction are mixed, his fairy tales are dominated by a mix of the unreal and the real, he managed to create harmony between aesthetic theory And artistic truth. Most clearly, the principles of his art were embodied in fairy tales through their plot and style.

Jerome K. Jerome / Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927)

English humorist and playwright Jerome Klapka Jerome was the most famous published writer during his lifetime. Distinctive feature his creativity is the ability to see humor in any life situation.

As a child, Jerome dreamed of becoming a writer, writer or politician. But at the age of 12 he had to start working - collecting coal. After some time, the future writer’s sister convinced him to try his hand at theater stage. He joined a group of actors that had a small budget. They even paid for their own props and costumes.

In three years future writer I realized that this was not suitable for him, and decided to try his hand at journalism. He began to write a lot in English, but most of the texts were never published. The writer also worked as a paralegal, packer and teacher. In 1885, his essay about his work in the theater was published, which made it possible to publish his other works. From then on, writing became his priority.

In 1888, the writer married and went to Honeymoon. Literary scholars believe that this influenced his style and manner of writing in English. In 1889, a book was published that immediately became very popular - “Three in the boat, not counting the dog.”

Main texts:

“Three in the boat, not counting the dog”;
“Why we don’t like strangers”;
"Civilization and Unemployment";
"Philosophy and the Demon";
"The man who wanted to rule."

During his lifetime, Jerome's works in English were translated into many languages of the world and published in many countries. He became an iconic writer in England.

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

- poet and prose writer, writer, last representative era of Queen Victoria. Thomas's childhood was spent in the patriarchal atmosphere of rural England. He witnessed the existence of many traditions - fairs, folk traditions, holidays, songs.

Once in 1856, the future writer became a student of an architect in Dorchester; in subsequent years he was actively engaged in self-education: he read books on literature and history, studied philosophy, German and French.

In 1867 he wrote his first novel in English, The Pauper and the Lady, which was not published. He destroyed the manuscript. The publishers were alarmed by the novel's radical depiction of all populations and religions. He was advised to write something “more artistic.”

In 1871, the writer anonymously published a novel in English. "Desperate Ways", which has already witnessed Hardy's unique style: detective genre, sensational motives.

Throughout his life, Thomas Hardy wrote 14 novels in English, which the author combined into three cycles:

“Inventive and experimental novels”;
"Romantic stories and fantasies";
“Novels of Characters and Environment.”

In his texts, the writer depicts life in the village, social injustice, studies human behavior and the factors that influence it.

The writer's main novels in English:

"Three Strangers";
"Barbara of the Greb family";
“A woman with a fantasy”;
Alicia's Diary.

The presence of rural motifs in the writer’s work is explained by his childhood experience: the first years of his life he lived in an atmosphere of folk traditions and could observe life in those conditions. Later, these observations were transformed in his work.

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930)

The publicist and writer grew up in the family of an architect and an artist. Arthur's stepmother had a passion for books and passed this passion on to the boy. He later recalled that she greatly influenced Arthur's career.

At the age of ten, the future writer was sent to a boarding school, where children were cruelly treated. During this period, the boy realized that he had a natural gift for inventing stories. He was often surrounded by students who listened to his inventions.

In college, Arthur was actively involved in creativity. In my last year I published a magazine and poetry in English. In 1881, Arthur was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Master of Surgery.

In 1885, he married a girl named Louise Hawkins and became interested in literature. then he had a dream about a career professional writer. Cornhill magazine published his works from time to time. In 1886 he began work on a worldwide famous novel in English, which will bring him popularity - "A study in Scarlet".

In 1892, Strand magazine made an offer to the young writer to write a series of stories about Sherlock Holmes. Later, the author became tired of the hero of the works and the constant inventing of stories about him. But the series was popular and publishers and readers expected new stories.

Conan Doyle He also wrote plays, other novels and essays in English.

The main texts of the writer:

“Sketch in Scarlet”;
"The Hound of the Baskervilles";
"Brigadier Gerard";
"Letters from Old Monroe";
"Angel of the darkness".

Arthur Conan Doyle is famous primarily as the author and creator of Sherlock Holmes, whose image remains interesting and open to interpretation today.

Agatha Christie / Agatha Christie (1890-1976)

The famous writer, author of popular detective stories in English, was born into a family of immigrants from America. As a child, the girl was educated at home. Agatha's mother raised her children alone and devoted a lot of time to music.

With the outbreak of the First World War, Agatha worked as a nurse in a military hospital. She loved work and considered it the most noble. While working as a nurse, she wrote her first stories in English. Agata's older sister at that time already had several published texts, and she also wanted to achieve success in this field.

In 1920, the society was presented first novel in English, The Mysterious Incident at Styles. Agatha spent a long time looking for a publisher and worked hard on the text. Only the seventh publishing house that the girl approached agreed to publish the book.

Agatha wanted to write under a male pseudonym, but the publisher told her that her name was bright, readers would be able to immediately remember her. Since then, novels have been published under his real name.

She began to write a lot in English. I invented stories while working around the house, knitting, and communicating with my family.

Famous novels:

"Three Stories";
"Five Little Pigs";
"Inspector Poirot and others";
"4.50 train from Paddington";
"Thirteen Mysterious Cases."

Agatha Christie considered her best text to be her book in English, “Ten Little Indians.” A special feature of her detective stories is the complete absence of violence - she did not describe violent scenes, blood or murder, and there are no sexual crimes in her novels. The writer tried to weave morality into each of her texts.

The best English writers and their works for children

There are many writers in English literature who have created works for children. They remain relevant and interesting even for modern children.

Lewis Carroll

English writer (real name: Charles Lutwidge), who became famous thanks to his works for children. He grew up in a priest's family with seven children. Everyone got it home education– the father gave the children knowledge of theology, different languages and natural sciences. Children have always been encouraged to enjoy games and inventions.

As a child, the future writer came up with different stories in English and read them to my family. His early texts reveal his humor, ability to parody, and burlesque motifs. He copied poems by Shakespeare, Milton, and Gray. Already in these parodies he showed his sharp mind and erudition.

As Charles grew up, he discovered his love for children. With adults he felt lonely, always embarrassed and silent. But with children he was open and cheerful. He walked with them, took them to the theater, told them stories, invited them to visit.

His best texts were originally created as improvisation. In his work, he turned to theatricality and fabulousness; in his texts, ancient images that are embodied in folk tales come to life.

List of major works in English:

"Alice in Wonderland";
“Useful and edifying poetry”;
"Bruno's Revenge"
"Alice for children."

Lewis's works have been filmed many times and have been translated into other languages in many countries around the world. The work “Alice in Wonderland” is an inexhaustible source of quotes for many people.

Roald Dahl is known to the world for his book "Charlie and chocolate Factory» . The writer grew up in an English-speaking environment, raised by his father. He graduated from a boarding school for boys and at the age of 12 went to Tanzania. When World War II began, he enlisted and took up aviation - serving as a pilot in Kenya.

It was published during the war years the first story in English "Gremlins", and after the war he realized that literary creativity- this is what he wants to do. The writer became famous as the creator of paradoxical stories.

His main works:

"James and the Giant Peach"
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory";
"Matilda";
"Gremlins"

His texts in English are characterized by exaggeration of reality, characters, sometimes to the point of absurdity, humor and fabulousness. Children love his stories for their humor, instructiveness and closeness to life. Dahl could create worlds in which children recognize themselves.

The Nobel Prize winner was born in India into the family of a teacher. When Kipling was 6, he was sent to study in England. The living conditions of the relative who was involved in his education were terrible: the child did not receive love and affection, he was beaten and frightened. The boy was almost blind from the resulting stress. When the mother came to visit her son, she saw his condition and took him home.

But over time, the writer returned to England and began studying at college. There he began to write poetry and his first essays in English. Some texts were published in local publishing houses.

Kipling wrote in English about ordinary people and interpreted ordinary stories. He placed a person in circumstances in which his character was best revealed. In the 90s, the writer worked very fruitfully, at that time it turned out a large number of his novels in English.

The main works of the writer:

"The jungle book";
"Three Soldiers";
"Kim";
"The Second Jungle Book."

Kipling became famous for his texts for children, but he also wrote ballads and poems in English that touched on social problems of his era.

The writer who created the legendary world of Harry Potter, went through many rejections before her book was finally published.

She was born in England. She began writing her first texts in English as a child. At age 9, she wrote Jessica Mitford's autobiography. At school, Joanna read a lot and studied well. She tried to enter Oxford, but failed her exams and received her bachelor's degree from the University of Exeter.

She began working on the first Harry Potter book in 1995. She submitted the manuscript to 12 publishing houses and all of them rejected her. Bloomsbury publishing house agreed. The first book had a circulation of 1000, after 5 months it received its first prize.

Success came to the writer, and publishing houses began to compete for the right to publish her next books. “Harry Potter” became a brand, it was filmed, and after watching the film, millions of children around the world began to dream of being at Hogwarts.

The Harry Potter series of books includes the following:

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone";
"Harry Potter And The Chamber of secrets";
"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire";
"Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban"
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix";
"Harry Potter and Half Blood Prince";
"Harry Potter and the Deadly Relics"

Rowling also wrote other books in English that are popular among children and related to the saga:

"The Tales of Beedle the Bard";
"Fantastic creatures and where to find them."

English classics - popular books

Some works are considered canonical in English literature. Summary and key ideas some of them are presented below.

Hound of the Baskervilles

"The Hound of the Baskervilles" is a work by Arthur Conan Doyle in English, which has become one of the most famous in the Sherlock Holmes series. The main characters of the novel are detective Sherlock Holmes and his assistant and friend Dr. Watson.

During one of his travels, the writer heard from a fellow traveler mysterious story about a dog that was called the “black devil.” This inspired Arthur to create a story that would center on a sinister dog. At the beginning of the novel, the name of Robinson Fletcher is remembered, who gave him the idea for creating this story.

The plot is typical for stories about a detective: Doctor Mortimer turns to him for help, whose friend dies under mysterious conditions. Everyone was frightened by the expression on the dead man's face, which expressed fear. There is a legend in his friend’s family that is passed down from generation to generation. It's about a dog that chases all members of its family at night. Sherlock Holmes begins an investigation into this case.

The trowel's book holds the suspense and only reveals the mystery at the end of the story. This novel has been filmed many times and is considered the best in creative biography writer.

Invisible Man

"Invisible Man" is a novel by English science fiction writer H.G. Wells, written in 1897. He describes the life of an English scientist who invented a device that makes a person invisible. The scientist worked on his creation for a long time and postponed its presentation, but at some point he began to experience financial difficulties and decided to become invisible forever in order to start a new life.

The book describes the difficulties this scientist faces: how the initial euphoria of his condition gives way to complete disappointment. The main character of the book, Griffin, became one of the first “villains” in literature.

A study in Scarlet

"A study in Scarlet" is a work by Arthur Conan Doyle, which was published in 1887. This book allows the reader to plunge into the world of a detective, think with him and try to understand the logic of his thoughts. In this work, Sherlock Holmes appears for the first time, and readers are introduced to his manner of doing business.

This story was written in just three weeks, but it brought success to the author, and readers became acquainted with the witty detective and began to wait for the next stories.

Citadel

"Citadel"- one of the best and most profound works of the English writer Archibald Cronin. This is a parable novel that reveals the history of human development in the reality of that time.

The novel tells the story of a doctor who dreams of becoming the best in his field, but he faces various difficulties that await him. young doctor in the hospital. Through building a career, he reveals himself as a person and a professional.

This novel is well deserved considered Cronin's strongest: it clearly depicts the psychological formation of personality and its decomposition, its formation under the influence of various factors of reality.

lost World

"Lost World"- a novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, which is written in an adventure style. It has not become as popular as the stories about Sherlock Holmes, but its style, plot and ideas deserve the attention of readers.

The book tells about an exciting adventure, a journey to an unknown land where different animals live. In this novel, the writer tries to show his familiarity with the latest ideas of science. This novel is not only exciting fantastic element, it contains a lot of sketches of animals, humor, which is difficult to convey in Russian, and scenes from real life.

This part of Arthur Conan Doyle's work is often left aside, but The Lost World is an example of how several original styles can be combined in one writer.

Othello

"Othello" is a play by William Shakespeare, the plot of which is based on the text “The Moor of Venice” by Giraldi Cinta. The plot of the play revolves around the depiction of the conflict between the individual and society. She talks about love, hatred, jealousy, and reveals important problems of humanity.

The images of the tragedy are lively, bright, they have both positive and negative traits, each of them is a mix of reason and emotions. “Othello” has become the most popular tragedy due to the fact that it depicts acute conflicts between eternal human feelings - love, jealousy, trust.

Describes greed and the desire to get rich at any cost - problems that societies face during any era.

Essay in English “Favorite writer”

My favorite English writer is Joanne Rowling. I love her books about Harry Potter. When I was 7 I read the first book and I fell in love with this book! It is very good, interesting, greeping and exciting! When you read this book you imagine that entire magic world. When I was I child I used to dream about magic letter from Hogwarts. This writer is very talented because she managed to create interesting characters and an unusual plot. She describes the magic school and you start to believe in all these things. And you can see many problems in those books. For instance, a lot of problems are connected with friendship, royalty, love and relationship between children and parents. I read all her books. And each book is unique. I think I love her books because they are very magic and we don’t have magic in our life. So if you want to travel to that incredible world you just buy this book and start reading. Joanna Rowling is a very talented writer!

My favorite English writer is JK Rowling. I love her Harry Potter books. I read the first book when I was 7 and I fell in love with this book. This is very good interesting book and she doesn't let go. When you read this book, you imagine all this Magic world. When I was a child, I dreamed of receiving a letter from Hogwarts. This writer is very talented because she managed to create interesting characters and an original story. She describes a magical school, and you begin to believe in all this. And you can see a lot of problems in these books. For example, many problems are associated with friendship, fidelity, love and relationships between children and parents. I've read all of her books. Each book is unique. I think I love them because they have a lot of magic, and in real life there is no magic at all. And if you want to go to that wonderful world, you just buy a book and start reading. JK Rowling is a very talented writer!

Conclusion

English writers are a popular topic for writing and conversation. Knowledge of the great classics of English literature always speaks of good taste and human education. Most works have film adaptations and can be watched online.

Everyone knows the plot of Daniel Defoe's novel. However, the book contains many other interesting details about the organization of Robinson’s life on the island, his biography, and inner experiences. If you ask a person who has not read the book to describe Robinson’s character, he is unlikely to cope with this task.

In the popular consciousness, Crusoe is a smart character without character, feelings or history. The novel reveals the image of the main character, which allows you to look at the plot from a different angle.

Why you need to read

To get acquainted with one of the most famous adventure novels and find out who Robinson Crusoe really was.

Swift does not openly challenge society. Like a true Englishman, he does it correctly and witty. His satire is so subtle that Gulliver's Travels can be read as an ordinary fairy tale.

Why you need to read

For children, Swift's novel is a fun and unusual adventure story. Adults need to read it to get acquainted with one of the most famous artistic satires.

This novel, let it artistically and not the most outstanding, definitely iconic in the history of literature. After all, in many ways he predetermined the development of the scientific genre.

But this is not just entertaining reading. It raises problems of the relationship between creator and creation, God and man. Who is responsible for creating a being who is destined to suffer?

Why you need to read

To get acquainted with one of the main works of science fiction, as well as to experience complex issues that are often lost in film adaptations.

Difficult to pick out best play Shakespeare. There are at least five of them: “Hamlet”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Othello”, “King Lear”, “Macbeth”. Unique style and a deep understanding of life's contradictions made Shakespeare's works an immortal classic, relevant at all times.

Why you need to read

To begin to understand poetry, literature and life. And also to find the answer to the question, what is better: to be or not to be?

The main theme of English literature in the early 19th century was social criticism. Thackeray in his novel denounces his contemporary society with the ideals of success and material enrichment. To be in society means to be sinful - this is approximately Thackeray’s conclusion regarding his social environment.

After all, the successes and joys of yesterday lose their meaning when a well-known (albeit unknown) tomorrow looms ahead, which we all will sooner or later have to think about.

Why you need to read

To learn to relate more simply to life and the opinions of others. After all, everyone in society is infected with “fair ambitions” that have no real value.

The language of the novel is beautiful, and the dialogue is an example of English wit. Oscar Wilde is a subtle psychologist, which is why his characters turned out to be so complex and multifaceted.

This book is about human vice, cynicism, the difference between the beauty of the soul and body. If you think about it, to some extent each of us is Dorian Gray. Only we do not have a mirror on which sins would be imprinted.

Why you need to read

To enjoy the stunning language of Britain's wittiest writer, to see how much moral character may not match the appearance, but also become a little better. Wilde's work is a spiritual portrait not only of his era, but of all humanity.

The ancient Greek myth about a sculptor who fell in love with his creation takes on a new, socially significant meaning in Bernard Shaw's play. How should a work feel towards its author if this work is a person? How can it relate to the creator - the one who made it in accordance with his ideals?

Why you need to read

This is the most famous play Bernard Shaw. It is often staged in theaters. According to many critics, Pygmalion is a landmark work of English drama.

A universally recognized masterpiece of English literature, familiar to many from cartoons. Who, at the mention of Mowgli, does not hear Kaa’s drawn-out hiss in his head: “Man-cub...”?

Why you need to read

As an adult, it is unlikely that anyone will take up The Jungle Book. A person has only one childhood to enjoy Kipling's creation and appreciate it. So be sure to introduce your children to the classics! They will be grateful to you.

And again the Soviet cartoon comes to mind. It's really good, and the dialogue in it is almost entirely taken from the book. However, the images of the characters and general mood the narratives in the original source are different.

Stevenson's novel is realistic and quite harsh in places. But this is a good adventure work that every child and adult will read with pleasure. Boardings, sea wolves, wooden legs - the marine theme beckons and attracts.

Why you need to read

Because it's fun and exciting. In addition, the novel is divided into quotes, which everyone should know.

Interest in the deductive abilities of the great detective is still great today thanks to the huge number of film adaptations. Many people are familiar with the classic detective story only from films. But there are many film adaptations, but there is only one collection of stories, but what a one!

Why you need to read

H.G. Wells was in many ways a pioneer in the genre of science fiction. Before him, people were not at enmity with, he was the first to write about time travel. Without the Time Machine, we would not have seen either the film Back to the Future or the cult TV series Doctor Who.

They say that all life is a dream, and a bad, pitiful, short dream at that, although you won’t have another dream anyway.

Why you need to read

To look at the origins of many science fiction ideas that have become popular in modern culture.

Truly admirable. It is based on the works of a whole galaxy of outstanding masters. No country in the world has given birth to as many outstanding wordsmiths as Britain. There are numerous English classics, the list goes on for a long time: William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, William Thackeray, Daphne Du Maurier, George Orwell, John Tolkien. Are you familiar with their works?

Already in the 16th century, the British William Shakespeare earned the reputation of the world's best playwright. It is curious that to this day the plays of the “spear-shaking” Englishman (as his last name is literally translated) are staged in theaters more often than the works of other authors. His tragedies “Hamlet”, “Othello”, “King Lear”, “Macbeth” - human values. Getting acquainted with his creative heritage, we recommend that you MUST read philosophical tragedy"Hamlet" is about the meaning of life and moral principles. For four hundred years now she has headed the repertoires of the most famous theaters. There is an opinion that English classic writers started with Shakespeare.

She became famous thanks to the classic love story"Pride and Prejudice", which introduces us to the daughter of an impoverished nobleman, Elizabeth, who has a rich inner world, pride and an ironic look at the environment. She finds her happiness in love with the aristocrat Darcy. It’s paradoxical, but this book, with a fairly simple plot and a happy ending, is one of the most beloved in Britain. It traditionally outstrips the works of many serious novelists in popularity. At least for that reason it is worth reading. Like this writer, many English classics came to literature at the beginning of the 18th century.

He glorified himself with his works as a deep and genuine expert on the life of ordinary British people in the 18th century. His heroes are invariably heartfelt and convincing. The novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles shows tragic fate a simple decent woman. She commits the murder of a scoundrel nobleman who is ruining her life in order to free herself from his persecution and find happiness. Using the example of Thomas Hardy, the reader can see that the English classics had a deep mind and a systematic view of the society around them, saw its flaws more clearly than others, and, despite having ill-wishers, still courageously presented their creations for the assessment of the entire society.

She showed in her largely autobiographical novel “Jane Eyre” the emerging new morality - the principles of an educated, active, decent person who wants to serve society. The writer creates a surprisingly holistic, deep image of the governess Jane Eyre, who goes towards her love for Mr. Rochester even at the cost of sacrificial service. Bronte, inspired by her example, was followed by other English classics, not from the noble class, calling on society for social justice and an end to all human discrimination.

Possessed, according to the Russian classic F.M. Dostoevsky, who considered himself his student, “instinct of universal humanity.” The writer’s enormous talent accomplished the seemingly impossible: he became famous in his early youth thanks to his first novel, “The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club,” which was followed by “Oliver Twist,” “David Copperfield,” and others, which earned the writer unprecedented fame. , putting him on a par with Shakespeare.

William Thackeray is an innovator in the style of presenting a novel. None of the classics before him turned into central images his work of bright, textured negative characters. Moreover, as in life, often something individually positive was inherent in their characters. His outstanding work- “Vanity Fair” - written in the unique spirit of intellectual pessimism mixed with subtle humor.

With her “Rebecca” in 1938, she did the impossible: she wrote the novel at a key moment, when it seemed that English literature had run out of steam, that everything possible had already been written, that the English classics had “run out.” Having not received worthy works for a long time, the English reading audience was interested and delighted by the unique, unpredictable plot of her novel. The opening phrase of this book has become a catchphrase. Be sure to read this book by one of the world's best masters of creating psychological images!

George Orwell will amaze you with the merciless truth. He wrote his famous novel“1984” as a powerful universal denouncing weapon against all dictatorships: present and future. His creative method borrowed from another great Englishman - Swift.

The novel “1984” is a parody of a dictatorship society that has completely trampled on universal human values. He exposed and called to account for the inhumanity of the ugly model of socialism, which was actually becoming a dictatorship of leaders. An extremely sincere and uncompromising man, he endured poverty and hardship, passing away early - at the age of 46.

Is it possible not to love “The Lord of the Rings” by Professor This is a real miraculous and surprisingly harmonious temple of the epic of England? The work conveys deep humanistic messages to its readers and it is no coincidence that Frodo destroys the ring on March 25 - the day of the Ascension. The creative and competent writer showed insight: all his life he was indifferent to politics and parties, passionately loved “good old England”, and was a classic British bourgeois.

This list goes on and on. I apologize to dear readers who had the courage to read this article that, due to limited space, it did not include the worthy Walter Scott, Ethel Lilian Voynich, Daniel Defoe, Lewis Carroll, James Aldridge, Bernard Shaw and, believe me, many, many others. English classic literature- a huge, interesting layer of achievements human culture and spirit. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of meeting her.

Why you need to read

To get acquainted with one of the most famous adventure novels and find out who Robinson Crusoe really was.

Swift does not openly challenge society. Like a true Englishman, he does it correctly and witty. His satire is so subtle that Gulliver's Travels can be read as an ordinary fairy tale.

Why you need to read

For children, Swift's novel is a fun and unusual adventure story. Adults need to read it to get acquainted with one of the most famous artistic satires.

This novel, although artistically not the most outstanding, is definitely iconic in the history of literature. After all, in many ways he predetermined the development of the scientific genre.

But this is not just entertaining reading. It raises problems of the relationship between creator and creation, God and man. Who is responsible for creating a being who is destined to suffer?

Why you need to read

To get acquainted with one of the main works of science fiction, as well as to experience complex issues that are often lost in film adaptations.

It is difficult to single out Shakespeare's best play. There are at least five of them: “Hamlet”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Othello”, “King Lear”, “Macbeth”. The unique style and deep understanding of life's contradictions made Shakespeare's works an immortal classic, relevant at all times.

Why you need to read

To begin to understand poetry, literature and life. And also to find the answer to the question, what is better: to be or not to be?

After all, the successes and joys of yesterday lose their meaning when a well-known (albeit unknown) tomorrow looms ahead, which we all will sooner or later have to think about.

Why you need to read

To learn to relate more simply to life and the opinions of others. After all, everyone in society is infected with “fair ambitions” that have no real value.

The language of the novel is beautiful, and the dialogue is an example of English wit. Oscar Wilde is a subtle psychologist, which is why his characters turned out to be so complex and multifaceted.

Why you need to read

To enjoy the stunning language of Britain's wittiest writer, to see how much one's moral character can deviate from one's appearance, and to become a little better person. Wilde's work is a spiritual portrait not only of his era, but of all humanity.

Why you need to read

This is Bernard Shaw's most famous play. It is often staged in theaters. According to many critics, Pygmalion is a landmark work of English drama.

A universally recognized masterpiece of English literature, familiar to many from cartoons. Who, at the mention of Mowgli, does not hear Kaa’s drawn-out hiss in his head: “Man-cub...”?

Why you need to read

And again the Soviet cartoon comes to mind. It's really good, and the dialogue in it is almost entirely taken from the book. However, the images of the characters and the general mood of the story in the original source are different.

Stevenson's novel is realistic and quite harsh in places. But this is a good adventure work that every child and adult will read with pleasure. Boarding boards, sea wolves, wooden legs - the nautical theme beckons and attracts.

Why you need to read

Because it's fun and exciting. In addition, the novel is divided into quotes, which everyone should know.

Why you need to read

They say that all life is a dream, and a bad, pitiful, short dream at that, although you won’t have another dream anyway.

Why you need to read

To look at the origins of many science fiction ideas that have become popular in modern culture.

The greatest writer of England, William Shakespeare, is the world's most famous playwright. He is the author of a dozen plays and hundreds of sonnets, and also owns the most famous poems and epitaphs.

Shakespeare's works have been translated into virtually all languages of the world and truly famous William became only in the 19th century.

It is he who owns such works as “King Lear”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Macbeth”, “Othello” and “Hamlet”. Today there is no person who would not know famous expression: “To be or not to be? - that is the question!”

Arthur Conan Doyle

The well-known and beloved writer Arthur Conan Doyle was actually a doctor by training.

It is thanks to him that we know today about the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and the popular Professor Challenger, as well as the brave officer Gerard. Sir Arthur wrote a huge number of adventure, historical and humorous stories. He was passionate about cricket, politics and medicine all his life.

In 2004, documents and personal letters from politicians and the US President were found, valued at more than £2 million.

Agatha Christie

Her real name is Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller. She is the second most popular author in the world after William Shakespeare.

Her work has been translated into almost all languages of the world and today the reader enjoys such masterpieces as “The Curious Incident at Styles”, “The Mysterious Assailant”, “Murder on the Golf Course”, “Poirot Investigates” and much more.

Charles Dickens

Even during his lifetime this great writer achieved popularity and became world famous. Charles John Huffam Dickens - world classic fiction. Dickens was born in 1812, lived for almost 60 years, but managed to write as many famous works as, perhaps, almost no one else could.

Charles received the great honor of Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. They say about him that he became the darling of fate and everyone’s favorite, especially among women. He is the author of such works as “Oliver Twist”, “Our Mutual Friend”, “Great Expectations”, “Bleak House”, “Copperfield” and much more.

Dickens came from a poor family, but thanks to his decent fees, he was able to provide himself and his loved ones with a comfortable life.

Rudyard Kipling

In 1865, the famous short story writer, poet and writer Joseph Rudyard Kipling was born in India. When the boy was 5 years old, his family safely moved to England.

He became the author of many poems, prose and poems, for which he received Nobel Prize in 1907, and also received awards from the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh. Kipling owns such famous works, like "Kim", "The Jungle Book", "Brave Captains", "Ganga Din".

Rudyard was fond of journalism, thanks to which he perfectly understands the life of the country. And the travels that he regularly made as a writer helped him convey all the flavor of Asia and the USA.

Oscar Wilde

The great and talented Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854. The writer's father was a good doctor, for which he was knighted. The family was proud of the breadwinner, but Oscar decided to go his own way and began writing books about archeology and folklore.

Oscar studied at the Royal School and spoke French and German. At an older age, the guy began to become interested in antiquity and showed interest in ancient languages. Oscar Wilde traveled a lot and strived for knowledge all his life. He dedicated his works to his family and friends, as well as to the events that left a mark on his life.

The most popular works are "Sonnet to Liberty", "Milton", "Phaedra", "Shelley's Grave" and much more.

Joanne Rowling

JK Rowling is considered one of the most famous modern writers. Due to the family's frequent moves, the girl had no permanent friends, except that she was inseparable from her sister.

One day, a girl meets an interesting person with the last name Potter, after which Joan gets an idea. a work of genius. So after some time, his studies at Hogwarts were born. Of course, the world did not see the book right away, however, it is thanks to it that today every schoolchild and student knows this brilliant English writer.

In the 90s, Joan moved to Portugal, where she taught English and continued working on the Potter books. There she meets her soulmate and gets married.

John Tolkien

There is probably no person today who has not watched or read “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit, or There and Back Again.” But the author of these most famous creations is Oxford University professor John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. In 2008, the writer was in the top five best authors Great Britain.

The family moved several times when the boy was still a child and then he lost his father. Nevertheless, the guy was very smart, well-read thanks to the efforts of his mother.

As a young man, he was inquisitive and read a lot, he already liked girls, and at the age of 21, Tolkien wrote a letter to his beloved proposing marriage. Their union turned out to be strong: they lived a long and happy life.

H.G. Wells

His family was poor, his father tried to trade, however, the business did not bring any income. The writer's family lived due to the fact that the father often played cricket. However, the boy was able to get an education and become a doctor of biology.

George taught and was actively involved in political life. After his death, many memorials were erected, and it is also said that George Wells brought light to many lives as he selflessly committed himself to the education of the poor.

Robert Lewis Stevenson

Stevenson Robert Lewis is a famous Scottish writer and author of many adventure stories and short stories. The boy was born into a wealthy family, graduated from Edinburgh Academy and entered the university.

The child suffered several serious illnesses in childhood, and in his youth, under family pressure, he got married. Stevenson's first edition was issued with his father's money, and it was then that the guy developed an interest in the history of his native Scotland. His stories were published in local newspapers and magazines.

The writer traveled a lot, but did not stop creating his masterpieces until his last day. Died great author in Samoa for stroke.

Daniel Defoe

In 1660, the great writer Daniel Defoe was born in London. The beloved work “The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe” made the author famous throughout the world and was translated into many languages.

By the way, it was Defoe who was recognized as the founder of the English novel. Throughout his life, Daniel published about 500 books, based on the plot of which films were made.

Defoe's family hoped that their son would become a shepherd, but the boy chose art and his first works were written on religious themes. Defoe received a good education, met influential people and even spent time in prison. Daniel Defoe met his death far from his family in 1731 in London.

Jonathan Swift

In 1667 the poet was born and public figure Jonathan Swift. The Anglican priest dreamed of making the world a better place, changing people, so he came up with the idea of writing about human vices. This is how the work “Gulliver's Travels” appeared.

The writer was born into a poor Protestant family, his father died very early, so the child grew up in the family of a wealthy relative. I hardly saw my mother.

Nevertheless, the boy was able to get a good education, found a decent job, and wrote an “Autobiographical Fragment” in memory of his childhood and family history. He is the author of such works as “The Battle of the Books”, “Diary for Stella”, “A Butterfly’s Tale” and many poems and poems.

George Byron

George Gordon Byron, more commonly known as Lord Byron, is a writer who captured the imagination of not only Europe, but the whole world. A boy was born into a poor family: his father lost his fortune, and his mother returned from Europe with the little that was left.

The boy studied at a private school, then at a gymnasium, however, according to him, his nannies taught him more than all the teachers at school. In addition, his mother did not feel great love for her son and often threw things at him that didn’t hit him.

He received the title of lord from his late grandfather, along with the family estate. In his youth, the writer loved to read and travel, which he was very proud of later. Byron wrote throughout his life.

He owns such famous works as “The Bride of Abydos”, “Jewish Melodies”, “Parisina”, “Tasso’s Complaint”, “Darkness”, “The Christian and His Comrades”. A city in Greece was named in memory of the great writer, and his portrait is also depicted on postage stamps.

Lewis Carroll

One of the most versatile personalities in England is Lewis Carroll. He was a writer and was interested in photography, mathematics and philosophy. His most famous works were “Alice in Wonderland”, “Alice Through the Looking Glass”, and “The Hunting of the Snark”.

The boy was born into a large family. There wasn’t much money, so his father took care of his education. Lewis was a smart and quick-witted child, he was left-handed, which his relatives were very unhappy with.

After some time, the boy went to school, and then in college he began his career as a writer. He sent his work to local newspapers and magazines. In 1867, Lewis went on his first and only trip, visiting Moscow and other European cities.

Somerset Maugham

William Somerset Maugham- one of the successful English writers of the 20th century. The future author was born in a successful French family. The parents hoped that the child would choose a career as a lawyer in the future, but the boy was not attracted to law. Until the age of 10, the child spoke only French, therefore, his father sent him to live with relatives in England.

There he became interested in medicine, studied at the hospital's school and wrote his first work, Lisa of Lambeth, about this experience. During the war, William even worked as a scout and was sent to Russia for a specific purpose.

After the war, the writer traveled a lot around Asia, which he talked about in his work. He also wrote "The Hero", "The Creation of the Saint", "The Conqueror of Africa", "Carousel" and many other novels.