The Greatest Literature of Britain

British writers have dominated literature in the modern era until relatively recently. We have many more works from Britain contending for the status of "great literature" than from any other part of the world.

Whether this assessment is fair and whether it will stand the test of more diverse times is a question readers, writers, critics and scholars are raising today. Meanwhile, this list of the Greatest Literature of Britain reflects the existing consensus, as far as we can determine, about the greatest literature from that part of the world. This effort is an extension of the comprehensive research and surveys carried out over the past two decades for our The Greatest Literature of All Time.

For the purposes of this list, Britain comprises England, Scotland and Wales. (Ireland, including Northern Ireland, has its own greatest list.)

Preference is given to major works of creative literature—such as novels, novellas, plays, epic poems and collections—although a few historically significant shorter works may also be included.

Latest update: March 18, 2024

The 444 greatest works of British literature

In chronological order

Back to top of page

See also:

Creating the Greatest Literature of All Time list

Greatest American Literature of All Time

Greatest Novels of All Time

Greatest Plays of All Time

On Twitter:

Introducing:

Read it here!
EDITOR ERIC'S DISCOVERY
A novel of the counterculture.