Richard Wright is well - known. His 'Native Son' is a classic. Zora Neale Hurston is also famous for works like 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'. And of course, Toni Morrison. Her novels like 'Beloved' have won many awards and are widely studied. Ralph Ellison with 'Invisible Man' is another great author. His work delved deep into the African American experience in a complex and thought - provoking way.
There are quite a few. Langston Hughes, who not only wrote novels but also was a great poet. His works often had elements that were relevant to African American novels. Another one is James Baldwin. His novels explored themes like race, sexuality, and religion in the context of the African American experience. Then there's Nella Larsen with her works that dealt with issues of race and identity among African American women.
Well, one has to mention Richard Wright as I said before. His writing was very powerful in portraying the African American condition. Maya Angelou is also a well - known figure. Although her autobiographies are more famous, she also had works that could be considered in the realm of African American novels. And Chester Himes, whose novels often had a noir - ish feel while still exploring the African American experience in urban settings.
Harriet Beecher Stowe was a well - known author. Her work 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' had a huge impact on the perception of slavery. Another was Frederick Douglass, who wrote about his own experiences as a slave.
Ernest Hemingway is quite famous. His short stories are known for their concise and powerful style. Another is F. Scott Fitzgerald, whose works often capture the essence of the Jazz Age. Then there's William Faulkner, who explored complex themes of the South in his short stories.
Alice Walker is a very well - known author. Her novel 'The Color Purple' is a classic in African American feminist literature. It tells the story of Celie, a poor, uneducated black woman in the South who overcomes great hardships and abuse. Walker's writing is known for its vivid portrayal of the lives of African American women and their struggles for equality and self - expression.
One well - known author is Zora Neale Hurston. Although she was writing earlier in the 20th century, her influence on contemporary African American novels is significant. Her work 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a classic. Ta - Nehisi Coates is a more recent author who has made a name for himself with his novel 'Between the World and Me'. Octavia Butler is also renowned for her science - fiction works that often incorporate African American experiences.
One of the prominent authors is Zora Neale Hurston. Although she was writing earlier in the 20th century, her influence on African American contemporary novels is huge. Her work 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a classic. Then there's Ta - Nehisi Coates, who has written books that explore race and identity in modern America. Jesmyn Ward is also a well - known contemporary author with works that often deal with the struggles of African American communities in the South.
Attica Locke is a contemporary author who has made a mark in this genre. Her novels often combine elements of crime with political and social issues relevant to the African American community. For example, her works might explore how power dynamics within a city or community can lead to criminal activities and how African American characters navigate these complex situations.
Mildred D. Taylor has made great contributions as well. With her novel 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry', she has given voice to African American teenagers in the context of the segregated South. Her writing is rich in historical detail and emotional depth.
Agatha Christie is a well - known 20th - century British novelist. She is famous for her detective novels like "Murder on the Embankment". Graham Greene is also significant. His works often explored moral and political themes. And Iris Murdoch, with her complex and philosophical novels, was also a prominent 20th - century British author.
Terry McMillan is a well - known author. Her books like 'Waiting to Exhale' and 'How Stella Got Her Groove Back' are very popular in this genre. Another is Zora Neale Hurston. 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a classic that showcases her writing talent in African American romance. Dorothy West is also famous for her work in this area.
J.R.R. Tolkien is a well - known author of 20th - century adventure novels. His 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy is an epic adventure that has influenced generations. Another is Jack London, who wrote 'The Call of the Wild' and other adventure - filled stories. Jules Verne, though more associated with the 19th century, also had works that continued to be popular in the 20th century, like 'Around the World in Eighty Days'.