Women in Literature
As a result of women’s inferior position in the society, literature was dominated by male authors until the early 20th century. There were, however, many female authors who created influential works before the 20th century although their literature often became valued only after their death.
Here are a few of some of the most prominent female authors of all times:
Sappho (ca. 630-570 BCE). The ancient Greek poet was born on the island of Lesbos sometime in the second half of the 7th century BCE and became one of the first and most influential female authors in Western civilization. Most of her poetry that was very popular during antiquity has been lost but the surviving fragments of her works reveal why she was considered one of the greatest ancient poets.
Jane Austen (1775-1817). One of the most prominent English novelists did not enjoy fame during her life because she published anonymously. Her works such as Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and Emma were not unsuccessful but they were not best-sellers either. However, her works rose to prominence over time and by the 1940s, Jane Austen became regarded as one of the most notable English writers.
Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896). The American novelist who is best known for her novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin had a major influence on the abolitionist movement. She published a number of books from the 1850s until the 1890s, however, none of her later works was as influential as Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). One of the most celebrated American poets achieved admiration for her unique style only after her death. Only a few of many poems were published during her lifetime and even these were considerably altered by the publishers. Her first collection was published in 1890, four years after her death but most of the content was altered. Unaltered version was first published in 1955.
Virginia Woolf (1882-1941). One of the most prominent authors of the 20th century was highly respected author during her lifetime and an influential figure in London literary circles. Her most prominent works include To the Lighthouse, Orlando, Mrs Dalloway and A Room of One’s Own.
Agatha Christie (1890-1976). One of the most famous British novelists is best known for her crime novels, especially those featuring the famous characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. She has sold about 4 billions of copies, while her novels were translated into more than 100 languages. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Agatha Christie is the best selling author of all times.
Anne Frank (1929-1945). The most famous victim of the Holocaust is also the author of the world’s most widely read diary. After the end of World War II, her diary was found and given to her father Otto Frank, the only surviving member of the family. The diary was first published in Dutch language in 1947 and it was translated in over 60 languages over the following years. English version became available in 1952.
J. K. Rowling (born 1965). The British author is famous throughout the world for her Harry Potter series which made her one of the most influential writers of the 21st century. She sold about 400 millions of copies of the Harry Potter books which also became the basis for a very successful series of Harry Potter films.