7 Great Names in Classic European Literature ...

By Neecey

7 Great Names in Classic European Literature ...

If you’re looking to change up the books you read, why not check out some classic European literature? If you’re fed up of chicklit or vampire romances or crime thrillers, there are some amazing works by incredible writers whose works have endured the test of time. You can tour Europe vicariously through the works of the writers of classic European literature.

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1

Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka Although born in and a resident of Prague in old Czechoslovakia, Kafka wrote in German and his works have been translated into numerous languages. Kafka is considered one of the most influential writers ever. His classic European literature style tackles many of the diseases of the mind and he embraced philosophies such as existentialism. At times, it’s difficult to tell whether the writer is in reality or in a fictional, magical world. Examples of his most famous works include The Trial, The Castle, and The Metamorphosis.

UPD:

Franz Kafka (1883-1924) was a German-language novelist and short story writer born in Prague in what is now the Czech Republic. His works are renowned for their exploration of psychological and philosophical themes, and have had a profound influence on modern literature and thought.

Kafka's best-known works include The Trial, The Castle, and The Metamorphosis, all of which were published posthumously. His works often incorporate elements of fantasy and the supernatural, and have been interpreted as exploring themes of alienation, existential angst, and the absurdity of modern life.

Kafka's writing style has been described as stream of consciousness, with a focus on inner thoughts and feelings rather than external events. He often employs metaphor and symbolism to convey his ideas, and his works have been seen as a precursor to the modernist literature of the 20th century.

Kafka's works have been translated into numerous languages and have been adapted into films, plays, and operas. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, and his works have had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.

2

Henrik Ibsen

Henrik Ibsen Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright. He’s given the moniker of the ‘Father of Realism’ and inspired many other famous European authors through his work. He’s known for such plays as A Doll's House, Brand, An Enemy of the People, and Ghosts. His plays are put on almost as much as Shakespeare. Like so many great names, he wasn’t given credit for his work until after his death. At the time of writing, many of his plays were considered scandalous.

Frequently asked questions

Classic European literature includes famous authors like William Shakespeare from England, Leo Tolstoy from Russia, and Victor Hugo from France, among others.

Yes, 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes from Spain is a very famous European novel.

European literature refers to the written works that come from the countries of Europe, including novels, plays, and poems that are often considered important and influential.

Many classic authors are from the past, but Europe also has many modern writers who are contributing to literature today.

You can read summaries and analyses of their works, look for documentaries, or read their books to learn more about European writers and their contributions to literature.

3

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe Goethe was one of the few writers who also doubled as a politician. He became a celebrity within literature at just 25. The Sorrows of Young Werther was a hit in the late 18th century, and is one of the essential books you should read. His work is varied across a number of styles. He wrote memoirs, poetry, four novels, aesthetic criticisms, and even treatises on botany and anatomy. As of this writing, over 10,000 letters have been attributed to this great German writer.

UPD:

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe was a prominent figure in classic European literature, known for his diverse range of works that spanned across various genres and subjects. In addition to being a renowned writer, Goethe also had a successful career in politics, making him a well-known and respected celebrity during his time. His most famous work, The Sorrows of Young Werther, gained widespread popularity and is still considered a must-read today. Goethe's literary contributions include memoirs, poetry, novels, aesthetic criticisms, and even scientific treatises. He was also a prolific letter writer, with over 10,000 letters attributed to him. Goethe's legacy continues to live on, inspiring readers and writers alike with his timeless works.

4

Miguel De Cervantes

Miguel De Cervantes Cervantes was a Spanish playwright, poet, and novelist. He lived in the 16th century and died in the 17th. He’s most famous for kicking off what is now considered classic European literature. Prior to his work, literature was confined largely to poems and plays. He’s credited with writing the first ever modern European novel. Don Quixote is highly regarded as one of the greatest works of fiction ever written. He’s also had a major influence on the Spanish language. It’s why Spanish is sometimes called ‘the language of Cervantes.’

UPD:

Miguel De Cervantes is widely considered to be the father of modern European literature. His most famous work, Don Quixote, is one of the most read books in the world and has been adapted into numerous plays, films, and television shows. He also wrote several other novels, plays, and poems during his lifetime. His influence on the Spanish language is so great that it is often referred to as the “language of Cervantes”. Cervantes was born in 1547 and died in 1616. He was a major influence in the world of literature, and his works are still studied and admired today.

5

Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy From the cold heart of Russia came a novel that matches the aura of the country on every level. The epic War and Peace is one of the books you should read, and so should everybody else. Everybody has an opinion on Tolstoy, whether it’s good or bad. He was a master of realist fiction and was well-known throughout his life for his moralistic views and opinions.

UPD:

Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian novelist and philosopher who is widely regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time. He is best known for his novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, which are considered masterpieces of realist fiction. Tolstoy was also a moralist, and his works often explored themes of morality, justice, and faith. He was an advocate of non-violence, and his later works such as The Kingdom of God Is Within You promoted Christian anarchism. He was also an influential figure in the development of pacifism and the labor movement. Tolstoy's works have been translated into more than 170 languages, making him one of the world's most widely read authors.

Famous Quotes

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Albert Schweitzer
6

Dante Alighieri

Dante Alighieri Everybody has heard of Dante. Even if you haven’t read his book, practically everyone has heard of Dante’s Inferno. He was a hero of the Middle Ages and is widely considered as the greatest author to ever write in the Italian language. His masterpiece is, of course, the Divine Comedy. The Divine Comedy is made up of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. It’s written entirely in verse and involves Dante travelling through hell and beyond with Virgil and his love Beatrice. What makes this such a masterpiece is the intense religious imagery he created. Much of what we know as hell today was inspired by Dante’s imagery. Every representation of hell and Satan himself was inspired in some way by Dante. That’s the reach he had.

7

Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo Victor Hugo is a 19th century French author who wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérables. Les Misérables was not a hit on its publication and it took many years before its mastery was appreciated and even today, it is more associated with being a musical than the original novel. Unlike many famous European authors on this list, he was very much inspired by politics and the social issues of the day. He started as a committed royalist, for example, before becoming a republican later in life.

There is an immeasurable wealth of classic European literature. It spans countries and centuries. It offers insights into all facts of life and all emotions. Why not try some? Instead of going to see or renting the DVD of Anna Karenina, read the book. Instead of watching Real Housewives of …, try Madame Bovary.

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Not quite what I meant when I suggested more literary posts, but good try.

I adore Anna Karenina!

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