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Only the biggest bookworms can name most of the Librarything 1000 Most Popular Authors. Here are the top 25 from that quiz, based on the number of followers for each author on Librarything.com.
J.K. Rowling – 865,474 Followers
J.K. Rowling is one of the most successful authors in modern history, best known for creating the Harry Potter series. The books, which follow the life of a young wizard and his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, have captivated millions of readers worldwide. Rowling’s magical world and richly developed characters have made the Harry Potter series a global phenomenon, translated into dozens of languages and adapted into a successful film franchise. Her success also extends to works for adults, including The Casual Vacancy and the Cormoran Strike detective series, published under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.
Stephen King – 715,378 Followers
Stephen King is a prolific author known for his mastery of horror, suspense, and supernatural fiction. His best-known works include It, The Shining, and Carrie, which have earned him the title “Master of Horror.” King’s ability to create compelling characters and terrifying, yet relatable, scenarios has made him one of the most widely read and adapted authors of all time. Over his career, he has penned dozens of novels, short stories, and screenplays, many of which have been adapted into successful films and television series. His legacy continues to influence the genre of horror literature.
Terry Pratchett – 505,643 Followers
Terry Pratchett was a beloved British author best known for his Discworld series, which blends fantasy, satire, and sharp humor. The series, consisting of over 40 books, is set on a flat world supported by four giant elephants standing on the back of Great A’Tuin, a massive turtle swimming through space. Pratchett’s witty writing and satirical commentary on society, politics, and human nature have earned him a devoted fan base. His work has earned critical acclaim and remains a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature.
C.S. Lewis – 431,997 Followers
C.S. Lewis is a celebrated author, theologian, and scholar, best known for his Chronicles of Narnia series. The seven-book series, starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is beloved by readers of all ages for its imaginative world, allegorical storytelling, and exploration of themes like good versus evil, faith, and redemption. Lewis’s other works, such as Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters, have also earned him a place among the most respected Christian writers of the 20th century.
J.R.R. Tolkien – 423,737 Followers
J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the most influential authors in the fantasy genre, best known for his epic novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien’s richly detailed world of Middle-earth, filled with elves, dwarves, and hobbits, has captivated generations of readers. His exploration of themes like friendship, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil has made his works timeless. The impact of his writing extends beyond literature into film, music, and even video games, with the film adaptations of his books achieving worldwide acclaim.
Neil Gaiman – 395,634 Followers
Neil Gaiman is an English author known for his works in fantasy, horror, and graphic novels. His most famous books include American Gods, Coraline, and Good Omens, the latter written with Terry Pratchett. Gaiman’s writing often blends mythological elements with contemporary themes, creating stories that feel both otherworldly and grounded. His work has received numerous awards, and his ability to captivate readers with rich narratives and intricate world-building has made him a major figure in modern speculative fiction.
James Patterson – 368,920 Followers
James Patterson is one of the most commercially successful authors of all time, known for his thriller and mystery novels. He is the creator of the Alex Cross series, along with many other bestsellers such as The Women’s Murder Club and Private. Patterson’s fast-paced writing style and compelling plots have made his books widely popular. His ability to consistently produce bestsellers has earned him a place among the most prolific writers in the world, and his works have been adapted into numerous films and TV series.
William Shakespeare – 367,823 Followers
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language. His plays, including Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet, have had an enduring impact on literature, theater, and culture. Shakespeare’s ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and conflict has made his works timeless, and they continue to be performed and adapted around the world. His influence on language, storytelling, and drama remains profound, earning him a place as a literary giant.
Nora Roberts – 364,960 Followers
Nora Roberts is a bestselling author of romance novels, with over 200 published works to her name. She is best known for her In Death series, written under the pseudonym J.D. Robb, as well as her contemporary and historical romance novels. Roberts’s books often explore themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, and her ability to write engaging, emotionally resonant stories has earned her a massive fanbase. She is one of the most prolific authors in the genre, with millions of copies of her books sold worldwide.
Agatha Christie – 355,749 Followers
Agatha Christie is often referred to as the “Queen of Crime” and is one of the best-selling authors of all time. She is known for her detective novels, particularly those featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Christie’s works, including Murder on the Orient Express and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, have captivated readers with their intricate plots, clever twists, and unforgettable characters. Her stories have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage plays, cementing her legacy as the master of mystery.
Dr. Seuss – 270,938 Followers
Dr. Seuss, the pen name of Theodor Seuss Geisel, is one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time. His books, including The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, are known for their playful language, whimsical illustrations, and valuable life lessons. Dr. Seuss’s unique ability to engage children while teaching them important lessons about kindness, imagination, and perseverance has earned him a permanent place in the hearts of readers of all ages.
Charles Dickens – 264,026 Followers
Charles Dickens is widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. His works, including A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and Oliver Twist, explore themes of social justice, class struggles, and the human condition. Dickens’s vivid characters and engaging storytelling have made his works timeless classics, and his influence can still be seen in literature, film, and television adaptations today. His ability to highlight societal issues in an accessible and entertaining way has earned him a permanent place in the literary canon.
Jane Austen – 262,946 Followers
Jane Austen is known for her keen social commentary and exploration of romantic relationships. Her most famous works, including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma, are beloved for their wit, sharp insight into character, and timeless themes of love and marriage. Austen’s novels have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions, cementing her legacy as a literary icon whose works continue to captivate readers around the world.
Mary Pope Osborne – 255,457 Followers
Mary Pope Osborne is best known for her Magic Tree House series, which has captivated young readers with its mix of adventure, history, and imagination. The series, which follows siblings Jack and Annie on time-traveling adventures, has been a major success, with dozens of books and spin-offs. Osborne’s ability to make learning fun and engaging through storytelling has made her one of the most beloved children’s authors of her time.
Isaac Asimov – 254,621 Followers
Isaac Asimov is one of the most influential science fiction writers of all time. His works, including the Foundation series and I, Robot, have shaped the genre with their exploration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and the future of humanity. Asimov’s ability to blend scientific concepts with imaginative storytelling has earned him a lasting place in both science fiction and popular science literature. His legacy continues to inspire writers, filmmakers, and thinkers in a variety of fields.
John Grisham – 245,461 Followers
John Grisham is best known for his legal thrillers. His books, including The Firm, A Time to Kill, and The Pelican Brief, have made him a household name. His mastery of suspense and courtroom drama, combined with a deep understanding of the law, has made his novels incredibly popular among readers worldwide. Grisham’s work has often been adapted into successful films, cementing his place as one of the most successful authors of contemporary fiction.
Rick Riordan – 232,040 Followers
Rick Riordan is best known for his Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, which blends Greek mythology with contemporary adventure. The series follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, and his quest to prevent a war among the gods. Riordan’s engaging writing style, humor, and ability to make mythology accessible to young readers have earned him a large and dedicated fan base. His books have inspired a new generation of readers to explore both history and fantasy.
Stephenie Meyer – 227,799 Followers
Stephenie Meyer is the author of the wildly popular Twilight series, which follows the romantic relationship between a teenage girl, Bella Swan, and a vampire, Edward Cullen. The books have been a major success worldwide, with millions of copies sold and adapted into a successful film franchise. Meyer’s exploration of forbidden love, desire, and the supernatural has resonated deeply with readers, making her one of the most influential authors of her generation.
Roald Dahl – 217,816 Followers
Roald Dahl is one of the most beloved children’s authors of the 20th century. His books, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and The BFG, are known for their dark humor, eccentric characters, and imaginative plots. Dahl’s ability to create whimsical, yet morally insightful stories has made his books timeless classics, adored by children and adults alike. His influence on children’s literature is profound, with many of his works still in print and adapted for film and stage.
George R.R. Martin – 200,127 Followers
George R.R. Martin is best known for his epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, which was adapted into the hit television show Game of Thrones. Martin’s complex world-building, intricate political intrigue, and morally ambiguous characters have made his series a global phenomenon. His exploration of power, honor, and betrayal within a fantastical world has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Despite the long wait for his next book, his work remains hugely influential in both literature and popular culture.
Dean Koontz – 196,695 Followers
Dean Koontz is a prolific author known for his suspense thrillers that often blend horror, science fiction, and psychological drama. His most famous works, including Odd Thomas and Intensity, have captivated readers with their fast-paced plots and gripping narratives. Koontz’s ability to create tension and his exploration of the human psyche have made him a favorite among fans of suspense and horror fiction. His books have been translated into dozens of languages and adapted into films and television series.
Dan Brown – 192,713 Followers
Dan Brown is the author of the internationally bestselling Robert Langdon series, which includes The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. Known for his intricate plots, historical references, and puzzles, Brown’s books have captivated readers and sparked widespread debate. His ability to combine history, religion, and suspense has made his novels global phenomena, with many of his works adapted into successful films. Brown’s writing continues to entertain millions and has influenced modern thrillers and historical fiction.
Janet Evanovich – 190,695 Followers
Janet Evanovich is a bestselling author known for her humorous mystery novels, particularly the Stephanie Plum
Orson Scott Card – 189,873 Followers
Orson Scott Card is a renowned author best known for his science fiction works, particularly the Ender’s Game series. The novel Ender’s Game, which explores themes of leadership, morality, and the consequences of war, has become a classic of the genre. Card’s exploration of complex characters and ethical dilemmas, combined with his imaginative storytelling, has made him a significant figure in science fiction. His work has earned numerous awards, and his influence on the genre continues to resonate with readers and filmmakers alike.
George Orwell – 185,729 Followers
George Orwell is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His works, including 1984 and Animal Farm, are powerful critiques of totalitarianism, oppression, and the misuse of power. Orwell’s sharp political commentary, clear prose, and timeless themes have made his books essential reading in both literature and political thought. His works continue to be widely studied, and his warnings about authoritarian regimes remain relevant today, earning him a devoted following around the world.
