There are 41 authors that start with the letter K. From Kadare, Ismail to Kushner, Tony. Authors are individuals who create written works, spanning a broad range of genres and forms, including novels, short stories, poetry, essays, and plays. The role of an author can vary significantly depending on cultural and historical contexts, but they often serve as observers and commentators on society, weaving together themes of human experience through their narratives. Throughout history, authors have played a pivotal role in shaping cultural identities, influencing public opinion, and fostering literacy through their contributions. Notable authors often leave a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of writers and readers alike.

An interesting fun fact about authors is that many of the most celebrated works in literature, such as “1984” by George Orwell and “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, were created under pseudonyms. Authors sometimes adopt alternate names to separate their writing identities from their personal lives, to avoid persecution, or to write in different genres without the constraints of their established reputation.

Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:

Column Name: Here, “nationality” refers to the country or countries with which the author is associated, reflecting their cultural background and influence.

Column Name: “Genre” denotes the specific category of literature to which the author’s works belong, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or drama.

Column Name: “Notable works” lists significant titles authored by the individual, often recognized as their most important or influential contributions to literature.

Column Name: “Description” provides a brief summary of the author’s life, career, and contributions to literature, giving context to their significance as a writer.

Authors That Start With K

Authors nationality genre notable works
Kadare, Ismail Albanian novels, short stories The General of the Dead Army, Broken April, The Palace of Dreams
Kafka, Franz Czech Fiction The Metamorphosis, The Trial, The Castle
Kahlil Gibran Lebanese-American Poetry, Philosophy, Spirituality The Prophet, The Broken Wings, Jesus the Son of Man
Kahneman, Daniel Israeli-American Psychology, Economics ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’
Kaji, Motoyuki Japanese essays, literary criticism Readers Recommend, The Importance of Reading as a Disciplinary Practice
Kaku, Michio American popular science Physics of the Impossible, Physics of the Future, The Future of the Mind
Kalashnikov, Mikhail Russian Non-Fiction ‘The Gun’
Kallifatides, Theodor Greek-Swedish novels, memoirs Another Life, The Invisible Man from Salem, Silence in October
Kamala Das Indian Poetry, Autobiography My Story, Alphabet of Lust, The Descendants
Kamali, Shahid Iranian-American Fashion Design ’30 Days of Fashion and Beauty’
Kamenev, Lev Russian political theory, memoir ‘My Life’, ‘Notes of a Bolshevik’
Kamikawa, Yumiko Japanese Manga ‘Fruits Basket’
Kaminer, Wladimir German fiction, memoir Russendisko, Ich bin kein Berliner, Deutsche Oper
Kandinsky, Wassily Russian Visual Art, Art Theory On the Spiritual in Art, Concerning the Spiritual in Art, Point and Line to Plane
Kang, Han South Korean novels, short stories The Vegetarian, Human Acts, The White Book
Kapuscinski, Ryszard Polish Non-Fiction, Reportage The Emperor, Shah of Shahs, Travels with Herodotus
Karloff, Boris English Acting Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Black Cat
Kawabata, Yasunari Japanese novels, short stories Snow Country, Thousand Cranes, The Master of Go
Kazantzakis, Nikos Greek novels, philosophy Zorba the Greek, The Last Temptation of Christ, Report to Greco
Keats, John English Poetry Ode on a Grecian Urn, Ode to a Nightingale, ‘Hyperion’
Kelman, James Scottish Fiction How late it was, how late, A Disaffection, Greyhound for Breakfast
Kenner, Hugh American Literary Criticism The Pound Era, Joyce’s Ulysses, The Cantos of Ezra Pound
Kerouac, Jack American Fiction, Poetry On the Road, The Dharma Bums, Visions of Cody
Kesey, Ken American Fiction One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Sometimes a Great Notion
Kincaid, Jamaica Antiguan-American Fiction, Memoir Annie John, Lucy, A Small Place
King, Stephen American Horror, Fiction The Shining, It, The Stand
Kingsolver, Barbara American Fiction, Non-Fiction The Poisonwood Bible, The Lacuna, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Kingston, Maxine Hong Chinese-American Memoir, Fiction The Woman Warrior, China Men, Tripmaster Monkey: His Fake Book
Kipling, Rudyard British Fiction, Poetry The Jungle Book, Kim, ‘If-‘
Klages, Ellen American Science Fiction, Fantasy The Green Glass Sea, White Sands, Red Menace, Portable Childhoods
Kleist, Heinrich von German Fiction, Drama The Marquise of O…, Michael Kohlhaas, The Broken Jug
Klingsor, Tristan French Poetry Po�mes, Chansons, Fables
Koeppen, Wolfgang German Fiction The Hothouse, Death in Rome, Journey Through Dark Places
Kogawa, Joy Canadian Fiction Obasan, Itsuka, The Rain Ascends
Koltes, Bernard-Marie French Drama In the Solitude of Cotton Fields, Roberto Zucco, Quai Ouest
Kolumbus, Christopher Italian/Spanish Exploration, Adventure Journals of Christopher Columbus
Koningsberg, Robert American Mathematics, Philosophy Mathematical Logic, Foundations of Mathematics
Kosinski, Jerzy Polish-American Fiction The Painted Bird, Being There, Steps
Kundera, Milan Czech Fiction The Unbearable Lightness of Being, The Book of Laughter and Forgetting, The Joke
Kurosawa, Akira Japanese Film Seven Samurai, Rashomon, Ikiru
Kushner, Tony American Drama Angels in America, Caroline, or Change, The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures

Descriptions

Kadare, Ismail
Ismail Kadare is an Albanian novelist and poet. He is one of the most celebrated authors in Albania and has been mentioned as a potential Nobel Prize in Literature laureate.
Kafka, Franz
A renowned modernist author whose surreal and existential works explore themes of alienation, bureaucracy, and the human condition. His novels and short stories are renowned for their psychological depth and influential narrative techniques.
Kahlil Gibran
A renowned poet, philosopher, and artist who blended Eastern and Western influences in his lyrical and spiritual writings. His most famous work, ‘The Prophet’, has been translated into over 100 languages and has become a beloved classic.
Kahneman, Daniel
A psychologist and Nobel Laureate in Economics, known for his groundbreaking work on behavioral economics and cognitive biases that influence human decision-making.
Kaji, Motoyuki
Motoyuki Kaji is a Japanese essayist and literary critic known for his insightful analyses of classic and contemporary literature.
Kaku, Michio
Michio Kaku is an American theoretical physicist and futurist, known for his work in string theory and for his popular science books exploring the frontiers of science.
Kalashnikov, Mikhail
The Russian weapons designer best known for inventing the AK-47 assault rifle, a ubiquitous and iconic firearm that has had a profound impact on global politics and warfare.
Kallifatides, Theodor
Theodor Kallifatides is a Greek-Swedish author known for his introspective novels and memoirs that explore themes of identity, exile, and the human condition.
Kamala Das
A pioneering Indian English poet known for her confessional style and exploration of female sexuality and identity. Her candid and bold writings challenged societal norms and paved the way for a new generation of Indian women writers.
Kamali, Shahid
A renowned fashion designer and author, known for his innovative and influential designs that have shaped modern fashion trends and aesthetics.
Kamenev, Lev
Lev Kamenev was a Bolshevik revolutionary and a prominent Soviet politician who played a key role in the Bolshevik seizure of power in 1917. His memoirs provide a unique insider’s perspective on the early days of the Soviet regime.
Kamikawa, Yumiko
A pioneering manga artist, best known for her acclaimed series ‘Fruits Basket,’ which blends elements of romance, comedy, and supernatural themes.
Kaminer, Wladimir
Wladimir Kaminer is a German author of Russian-Jewish descent, known for his humorous and autobiographical works that explore the experiences of immigrants in Germany.
Kandinsky, Wassily
A renowned abstract painter and art theorist considered a pioneer of abstract art. His innovative use of color, form, and composition influenced the development of modern art and his writings on the spiritual aspects of art were highly influential.
Kang, Han
Han Kang is a South Korean novelist and short story writer who has gained international acclaim for her works that explore the human condition, often through the lens of violence and trauma.
Kapuscinski, Ryszard
An acclaimed Polish journalist and writer known for his groundbreaking reportage on global political and social issues. His works blend journalism, history, and personal reflection, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of the modern world.
Karloff, Boris
A legendary British actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster and other horror movie roles. His haunting and sympathetic performances helped define the horror genre and establish him as one of the most recognizable figures in the history of cinema.
Kawabata, Yasunari
Yasunari Kawabata was a Japanese novelist and short story writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968 for his ‘lyrical beauty’ and ‘delicate artistry’ in exploring the ‘traditional Japanese sensibility’.
Kazantzakis, Nikos
Nikos Kazantzakis was a Greek writer and philosopher, known for his existential and spiritual novels that explore the human condition and the search for meaning.
Keats, John
A seminal English Romantic poet whose lyrical and introspective poems explore themes of mortality, beauty, and the power of the imagination. His poetic masterpieces, known for their musical qualities and vivid imagery, have had a lasting impact on the literary canon.
Kelman, James
A highly acclaimed Scottish novelist and short story writer known for his gritty, working-class narratives and innovative use of Scots dialect. His works often focus on the struggles and marginalization of the urban poor, challenging societal norms and offering a voice to the disenfranchised.
Kenner, Hugh
A renowned American literary critic and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of modernist literature, particularly the works of James Joyce, Ezra Pound, and Samuel Beckett. His insightful and influential analyses helped shape the critical understanding of these seminal writers.
Kerouac, Jack
A pivotal figure of the Beat Generation, Kerouac’s spontaneous, stream-of-consciousness writing style and exploration of themes such as freedom, spirituality, and the search for meaning in modern life had a profound impact on American literature and counterculture.
Kesey, Ken
A key figure of the 1960s counterculture, Kesey’s novels often explored themes of nonconformity, rebellion, and the individual’s struggle against societal and institutional constraints. His seminal work, ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’, has become a classic of American literature.
Kincaid, Jamaica
A celebrated Caribbean-American author known for her lyrical and introspective works that explore themes of identity, colonialism, and the complexities of family relationships. Her distinctive narrative voice and exploration of the postcolonial experience have made her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
King, Stephen
One of the most prolific and best-selling authors of contemporary fiction, King is renowned for his imaginative and chilling horror novels that blend elements of the supernatural with psychological realism. His works have had a profound impact on popular culture and the horror genre.
Kingsolver, Barbara
An award-winning American novelist and essayist known for her socially and environmentally conscious narratives that explore complex political and cultural issues. Her works offer a unique perspective on topics such as globalization, ecology, and the human experience.
Kingston, Maxine Hong
A highly acclaimed Chinese-American author whose works blend memoir, history, and mythology to explore themes of identity, gender, and the immigrant experience. Her groundbreaking works have been widely influential in Asian-American literature and the wider literary canon.
Kipling, Rudyard
A renowned British author and poet who is best known for his tales of adventure and intrigue set in colonial India. His works, which include the classic ‘The Jungle Book’, are renowned for their vivid storytelling, rich cultural insights, and exploration of themes such as imperialism and the human condition.
Klages, Ellen
An acclaimed American science fiction and fantasy author known for her ability to blend historical elements with imaginative speculative fiction. Her works often explore themes of identity, social justice, and the intersection of science, technology, and the human experience.
Kleist, Heinrich von
A pioneering German writer of the Romantic era, Kleist’s works are known for their psychological depth, narrative experimentation, and exploration of moral and philosophical dilemmas. His works, which include the influential novella ‘The Marquise of O…’, have had a lasting impact on world literature.
Klingsor, Tristan
A French poet and painter active in the early 20th century, Klingsor is known for his lyrical, introspective poetry that often reflects on themes of nature, love, and the human condition. His works, imbued with a sense of melancholy and mysticism, have been praised for their musicality and emotional resonance.
Koeppen, Wolfgang
A leading figure of post-war German literature, Koeppen’s novels are known for their psychological complexity, social commentary, and innovative narrative structures. His works, which often explore the disillusionment and alienation of the modern condition, have had a significant influence on European literature.
Kogawa, Joy
A renowned Canadian author of Japanese descent, Kogawa’s works, particularly her acclaimed novel ‘Obasan’, explore the experiences of Japanese-Canadians during the internment of World War II. Her writing is acclaimed for its lyrical style and its sensitive exploration of themes such as identity, displacement, and the legacy of trauma.
Koltes, Bernard-Marie
A French playwright known for his minimalist, poetic dramas that explore themes of power, isolation, and the human condition. His works, which often feature confrontational dialogues and spare, evocative language, have had a significant impact on contemporary French theater.
Kolumbus, Christopher
The Genovese explorer who is credited with ‘discovering’ the Americas, Kolumbus’s journals and accounts of his voyages have had a profound impact on the course of history and the European understanding of the world. His explorations and their lasting consequences continue to be the subject of intense scholarly and cultural debate.
Koningsberg, Robert
An influential American mathematician and philosopher known for his groundbreaking work in mathematical logic and the foundations of mathematics. His research, which explored the limits and capabilities of formal systems, has had a lasting impact on the field of mathematical logic and the philosophy of mathematics.
Kosinski, Jerzy
A Polish-American novelist whose works often explored themes of identity, isolation, and the human response to trauma and oppression. His controversial novel ‘The Painted Bird’, which drew on his own childhood experiences during the Holocaust, was highly acclaimed for its visceral and unsettling depiction of human cruelty.
Kundera, Milan
A renowned Czech novelist and essayist whose works blend philosophical reflection, political commentary, and innovative narrative techniques. His novels, which explore themes of identity, memory, and the human condition, have had a profound impact on world literature and the development of the modern European novel.
Kurosawa, Akira
A legendary Japanese filmmaker and one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema. Kurosawa’s visually stunning and thematically rich films, which often drew on classical Japanese literature and folklore, have had a profound impact on global cinema and the art of storytelling.
Kushner, Tony
A highly acclaimed American playwright known for his epic, socially-conscious dramas that explore themes of sexuality, politics, and the human experience. His landmark work, ‘Angels in America’, is widely regarded as one of the most significant American plays of the 20th century.

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