Great, greater, greatest. All relative terms, but how does one determine whether a writer is deemed worthy of being listed as one of the greatest English authors of all time? What criteria should be used - their quality of writing, lasting impact and influence, or perhaps longevity or commercial success?
Whatever criteria one chooses to use, there are certain names in both classic and contemporary fields that spring to mind time after time. It could be said that these elite groups are literary giants and, personal preferences aside; it would seem that this is the case because their names are so well known - after all, everyone has heard of William Shakespeare right?
If we approach this subject from a chronological perspective, perhaps the first name that comes to mind is Geoffrey Chaucer, probably best known for The Canterbury Tales - a story of pilgrims set in the fourteenth century. He is credited as being the first author to use common English words in his manuscripts.
Then of course, there is the man himself, William Shakespeare. His repertoire includes comedies, histories, tragedies, and poems and sonnets. His 'trademark' is his use of metaphors and rhetorical language.
Among the greatest female English authors are Jane Austen and Emily Bronte. Both of these women wrote romantic fiction and highlighted women's dependence on marriage to secure social and economic standing. However, what may be regarded as truly outstanding is the fact that Wuthering Heights was Emily Bronte's only novel.
Synonymous with the Victorian era, and highlighting the class differences and social inequality of the time is Charles Dickens, whose works include plays, poems, short stories and novels.
Another author that could be included is D H Lawrence, with his best known work being the controversial Lady Chatterley's Lover.
In the early twentieth century Agatha Christie became known for her thriller/crime/murder mystery fiction novels. Among her most notable works is Murder on the Orient Express.
Within the realm of fantasy/high fantasy we find the likes of J R R Tolkien (The Hobbit; The Lord of the Rings) and C S Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe).
What becomes apparent from this brief list is that, apart from having a talent for writing, these authors were literate and well educated, and were able to utilize their skills to eloquently communicate and publicize the issues relevant to their day. Of course, while we probably never will be ranked even remotely close to these great authors, we probably have a few things in common with them - our ability to pick up a pen and our desire to communicate.