Owen Wister is an important author in this genre. His 'The Virginian' set the standard for many western novels. Charles Portis is well - regarded for 'True Grit'. Another author is Cormac McCarthy. His 'Blood Meridian' is a very different kind of western historical fiction, darker and more complex compared to some of the more traditional ones.
Thomas Berger is a name to note. His 'Little Big Man' offers a distinct view of the west. Ron Hansen is known for 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford'. He tells the story of Jesse James in an interesting way. Also, James Welch, with 'Winter in the Blood', contributes to the genre by exploring Native American experiences in the western context.
Diana Gabaldon is quite well - known. As mentioned before, her 'Outlander' series has a lot of historical western - like elements in its Scottish highlands setting. Then there's Johanna Lindsey. She has written many historical romance novels, some of which are set in the west or have western - inspired themes. Her books often feature dashing heroes and strong heroines in historical settings.
J.R.R. Tolkien is a very well - known author. He created 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit', which have had a huge impact on the genre. Another is George R.R. Martin, famous for 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. And of course, C.S. Lewis, who wrote 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series.
One well - known author is J.K. Rowling. Her 'Harry Potter' series, while having elements of fantasy, is also set in a contemporary Western - like world and has had a huge impact on modern literature. Another is Stephen King. He is famous for his horror and suspense novels that often deal with contemporary fears and issues in a Western context.
One well - known author of western pulp fiction is Zane Grey. His works often depicted the adventures and struggles in the American West, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and cowboy life.
Ernest Hemingway is a very well - known author. His works, such as 'The Old Man and the Sea', are famous for their concise yet powerful writing style. Another is F. Scott Fitzgerald, known for 'The Great Gatsby', which beautifully captures the Jazz Age. Then there's J.D. Salinger with 'The Catcher in the Rye', a novel that has had a huge impact on youth literature.
Zane Grey is very well - known. His novels often depict the life in the American West and include elements of romance and adventure. For example, his works show the struggles and romances of cowboys and settlers.
Dan Brown is a well - known author of thriller fiction. His 'Da Vinci Code' was extremely popular. It combines historical facts with a fast - paced thriller plot that involves mystery and conspiracy, taking readers on a wild ride through different locations and historical secrets.
China Miéville is a well - known author in steampunk fiction. His works often blend steampunk elements with unique and sometimes grotesque world - building. Another is William Gibson, who co - wrote 'The Difference Engine' which is a significant steampunk work. Scott Westerfeld also stands out with his 'Leviathan' series.
Stephen King is a very well - known author of great horror fiction. He has written numerous best - selling horror novels like 'Carrie', 'Misery', and 'Salem's Lot'. Another is Bram Stoker, who gave us 'Dracula'. His work has influenced countless horror stories and movies. And Mary Shelley, the author of 'Frankenstein', is also a pioneer in horror fiction. Her exploration of scientific hubris and the horror of the created monster was revolutionary.
Jane Austen is probably the most well - known. Her works like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility' are iconic. Georgette Heyer is also very famous in this genre. She wrote many books set in the Regency era.