Which Victorian Masterpiece Is Your Favorite?

The Victorian era is often associated with prudishness, stiff upper lips, and industrial growth. However, it was also one of the more prolific eras for writers, with many of humanity's most cherished classics being written in the period between 1837 and 1901. From Dickens to Dostoyevsky, here are five of the most influential authors of the Victorian era.

Walter Benington on Wikimedia

1. Charles Dickens

The master storyteller of the common man, Dickens exposed the harsh realities of industrial life in his iconic novels. His vivid characters and social critiques changed how society viewed poverty, child labor, and class.

Herbert Watkins (1828–1916) on Wikimedia

2. Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë broke ground with her novel Jane Eyre. Not only did it have a complex female protagonist who challenged societal norms, but it also explored themes like social injustice and female identity, which was incredibly bold for its day.

Evert A. Duyckinick on Wikimedia

3. Bram Stoker

When Bram Stoker published Dracula in 1897, he established a template for countless future vampire stories. He transformed the horror genre forever with his blood-slurping, shape-shifting, garlic-hating take on the Transylvanian creature. 

unidentified photographer on Wikimedia

4. Arthur Conan Doyle

Arthur Conan Doyle not only created one of the most iconic and enduring literary characters ever, Sherlock Holmes, but he also defined the modern detective genre. What's more, his background as a physician allowed him to incorporate scientific details beyond what was previously seen in fiction.

The Library of Congress on Wikimedia

5. Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Fyodor Dostoyevsky is one of the most celebrated Russian writers of all time. He used fiction as a vehicle for deep philosophical and psychological thought. He created the foundation of what would become psychological fiction and influenced writers like Franz Kafka and Ernest Hemingway.

Vasily Perov on Wikimedia