Harriet Beecher Stowe is important for writing 'Uncle Tom's Cabin', which had a huge impact on the abolitionist movement. Ralph Ellison is the author of 'Invisible Man', which is a profound exploration of the African - American identity. Also, James Fenimore Cooper with his 'Leatherstocking Tales' can be considered. These novels are set in the American frontier and explore the relationship between settlers, Native Americans, and the wilderness.
John Steinbeck is another great author. His novel 'The Grapes of Wrath' is an epic tale of the Great Depression. It shows the struggles of the working - class Americans, especially the migrant workers, and how they coped with poverty, displacement, and social injustice.
There is also John Winthrop. His writings were important in documenting the Puritan colony in Massachusetts. These authors not only wrote about the physical aspects of colonial life like building settlements but also about the spiritual and social aspects. Their works are significant for understanding the development of American literature and the American identity.
F. Scott Fitzgerald is also notable. 'The Great Gatsby' is a classic. It shows the decadence and dreams of the Jazz Age, with its complex characters and themes of love, wealth and the American Dream.
Larry McMurtry is quite famous for his American West epic novels like 'Lonesome Dove'. His works often depict the complex relationships between people during the era of the American West expansion.
Some of the prominent ones include Nathaniel Hawthorne, known for 'The Scarlet Letter'. And Harper Lee with 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. These authors have left a lasting mark on American fiction with their unique storytelling and literary contributions.
Another important author was James Fenimore Cooper. He is well - known for his 'Leatherstocking Tales', which included books like 'The Last of the Mohicans'. Cooper was great at portraying the relationship between the settlers and the Native Americans, as well as the wild landscapes of America. He had a big influence on the development of the American novel.
Leslie Marmon Silko is another important figure. Her works, such as 'Ceremony', are widely recognized. Silko combines elements of Laguna Pueblo culture with broader human experiences. She uses her writing to preserve and promote American Indian cultures, often highlighting the importance of storytelling in maintaining cultural heritage.
There are many. Some of the well-known ones include David Koepp and Aaron Sorkin.
Ta - Nehisi Coates is one. His works often deal with race relations and African - American history and experience in a very profound way.
Celeste Ng is a well - known author. Her works often touch on Asian - American experiences within a broader American context. Another is Viet Thanh Nguyen. His novels are known for exploring the Vietnam War's aftermath and its impact on the Asian - American community. Also, Jhumpa Lahiri has made significant contributions with her stories that deal with the Indian - American experience, which is part of the Asian - American literary landscape.