Five of the Greatest Literary Craftsmen
Among the various forms of expression, the ability to write is one of the most potent when it comes to giving individuals a voice, a platform to showcase their ideologies and learnings, and spreading them for the world to consume.
Throughout history, we have seen individuals utilize the power of writing to craft pieces of literature that have entirely redefined the feats humans are creatively capable of. Like artisans and painting masterpieces, these names did more than just write stories; they revolutionized their respective genres, making people think, reflect, learn, and live differently.
This blog will list five of the most outstanding literary craftsmen to have graced this earth.
1. William Shakespeare
Commencing the list, we have a man who needs no introduction. Dubbed the "Bard of Avon," William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. With his works of literature, Shakespeare set an almost unattainable benchmark for writers looking to make a seismic impact in the world of literature in a tenure spanning from the late 16th century to the 17th. Some of his timeless classics include Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet, titles still relevant and adapted by contemporary media. Shakespeare's work was not only highly entertaining, filling up the Global Theatre in London, but also provided a profound outlook on the human condition. His command over the English language and ability to craft complex narratives and riveting insights were among the many reasons he is etched in history as one of the greatest writers.
2. Ernest Hemingway
Here's a man whose writing oozed masculinity, direction, and potency. A literary behemoth of the 20th century, Ernest Hemingway is next on the list. Born on July 21, 1899, in Oak Park, Illinois, Hemingway quickly became known for his distinctive writing style, personified by succinct prose and simplicity. He was an ambulance driver in World War I and reported on the Spanish Civil War, where resonances of his experiences can be read and, most importantly, felt through his content. Some of Hemingway's most significant works include For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Old Man and the Sea, and A Farewell to Arms. Hemingway received a Nobel Prize laureate for literature in 1954 due to his substantial contributions to the world of literature.
3. F. Scott Fitzgerald
Now, for the luminary of the Jazz Age, the charming F. Scott Fitzgerald. Born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the American novelist pioneered the short story writing space. However, Fitzgerald's most significant work is arguably The Great Gatsby and Tender Is the Night. His keen observation of societal dynamics and disillusionment after the First World War set Fitzgerald apart, making his writing authentic and resonant among audiences. His writing features poetic elegance, true to the American Dream, and, subsequently, the complexities of human relationships. His writing was known for its glamour and contrasting grittiness, which writers aim to replicate today.
4. Jane Austen
Born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, Austen was the hallmark of insightful social commentary. She was well-versed in human nature, and her works are considered classics in English literature. Her writing included wit, humor, and intricate details about society. Pride and Prejudice is arguably her most renowned work, alongside Emma and Sense and Sensibility. Her writing introduces readers to intelligent narratives, meaningful/deep resonances, and vivid personifications of morality.
5. Fyodor Dostoevsky
Dostoevsky was born on November 11, 1821. He was a writer most renowned for his psychological insight and commentaries on morality, existentialism, and the human condition. He talks about the constant struggle between good and evil and provides a philosophical discourse for readers.
Crime and Punishment is a book that is a must-have in any reader's library. This book encapsulates the drawbacks inflicted on an individual by society, specifically the disadvantaged, due to their mental or physical inferiority. Only Fyodor Dostoevsky could write a text of this sheer magnitude and impact.
Overall, each individual mentioned on the list differed in their ideologies, aesthetics, and the stories they wished to tell; what's expected is the will to create and tell their own story to the world.
Looking to further enlighten your knowledge on some of the most outstanding literary artisans and their works throughout human history? Author Chiaretto Calò presents The Library of Humanity, containing information on three hundred books from ancient texts to modern-day works of art.
The Library of Humanity is now available on Amazon.