Well, there's Clive Barker. He created some really grotesque and imaginative horror short stories in the 20th century. His works often pushed the boundaries of what was considered normal in horror. And Ramsey Campbell also stands out. His short stories were known for their atmospheric horror, building a sense of dread from the very first page.
One of the most prominent is H.P. Lovecraft. His short stories introduced the concept of cosmic horror. Then there's Shirley Jackson. Her works often had a unique take on human nature in horror. And of course, Edgar Allan Poe, though he was from an earlier part of the 19th century, his influence carried on into the 20th century for horror short stories.
Washington Irving was one of the well - known writers. His works, like 'Rip Van Winkle', are iconic 18th - century American short stories. Irving was good at creating vivid characters and settings that were both fantastical and rooted in American landscapes.
Many 20th - century horror writers' short stories are masterpieces. For example, H.P. Lovecraft's works often feature otherworldly and indescribable horrors. His use of cosmic horror makes readers feel small and insignificant in the face of the unknown. Another great writer is Shirley Jackson. Her short story 'The Lottery' is a classic, which shows the dark side of human nature in a seemingly ordinary small - town setting. These short stories not only aim to scare but also make people think about deeper things like society and human nature.
Charles Dickens was a very prominent writer. His works like 'Oliver Twist' and 'Great Expectations' are well - known. Jane Austen was also important, with her novels exploring love and social status among the upper - middle class. Thomas Hardy was another significant figure, known for his works set in the rural areas and his exploration of fate and social change.
There were many other significant writers too. Tobias Smollett wrote novels that were often humorous and satirical, like 'The Adventures of Roderick Random'. These writers together shaped the 18th - century type of novel. Their works influenced not only the literary trends of their own time but also had a long - lasting impact on the development of the novel as a genre in subsequent centuries.
Frederick Douglass was one. He was well - known for his autobiographical works which also had elements of short - story - like narratives. His writings were very powerful in depicting the life of a slave. Another was Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. She wrote short stories that often dealt with the issues of race, gender, and the struggle for equality among African Americans.
Well, Yakov Perelman was a significant figure. He wrote works that made scientific concepts accessible to a wide audience. His books were popular among both adults and children. Another writer was Valery Bryusov. His science fiction works were often experimental in nature, playing with different narrative styles and scientific ideas.
Anton Chekhov is definitely one of the most influential. His short stories are known for their psychological depth and realistic portrayals of Russian life. Another is Edgar Allan Poe. Although he was from the 19th century as well, his influence carried into the 20th century. His stories often had elements of mystery and the macabre. And then there's Jorge Luis Borges. His short stories are highly imaginative and complex, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
H.G. Wells was a prominent author. His 'The Invisible Man' short story was quite remarkable. It explored the concept of invisibility and the isolation and power that could come with such a condition. He was known for his imaginative ideas and his ability to make readers think about the implications of scientific advancements.
Edgar Allan Poe was a prominent one. His short stories were known for their dark and mysterious themes. Stories like 'The Tell - Tale Heart' were full of psychological horror and suspense.
Anton Chekhov is a very well - known writer of 19th - century Russian short stories. His works are characterized by their psychological depth and realistic portrayal of characters.