There are 75 authors that start with the letter M. From Ma Jian to Minae Mizumura. 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 M

Authors nationality genre notable works
Ma Jian Chinese Fiction ‘Beijing Coma’, ‘The Dark Road’
Mabel Dodge Luhan American Novelist, Memoirist Woman in the Wilderness, Movers and Shakers
Mabel Osgood Wright American Novelist, Nature Writer The Friendship of Nature, The Birds of Greenland
Madame de Lafayette French novels ‘The Princess of Cleves’
Madeleine L’Engle American Science Fiction, Fantasy A Wrinkle in Time, Many Waters
Madeline L’Engle American Science Fiction, Fantasy ‘A Wrinkle in Time’, ‘A Wind in the Door’, ‘A Swiftly Tilting Planet’
Madeline Miller American Fiction ‘The Song of Achilles’, ‘Circe’
Mae Ngai American non-fiction ‘Impossible Subjects’
Maeve Binchy Irish Fiction ‘Circle of Friends’, ‘Tara Road’, ‘The Glass Lake’
Maggie Dove Scottish Mystery The Three Sisters, A Dangerous Talent
Maggie Nelson American non-fiction, poetry ‘The Argonauts’
Mai Jia Chinese Fiction ‘Decoded’, ‘A Standing Desk’
Maile Meloy American Fiction, Short Stories ‘Liars and Saints’, ‘Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It’
Mairin Fitzpatrick Irish Historical Fiction The Wild Geese, The Flight of the Earls
Malcolm Lowry British Modernist Fiction Under the Volcano, Lunar Caustic
Malgorzata Szejnert Polish Non-Fiction Czarny ogr�d, ?mier? w Breslau
Malorie Blackman British young adult fiction ‘Noughts & Crosses’
Mandy Robotham British historical fiction ‘The German Midwife’
Manjit Thapp British Graphic Novels ‘Monstrous Devices’, ‘My Neighbor’s Shoes’
Manning Coles British Spy Fiction Drink to Yesterday, Send No Flowers
Manoj Joshi Indian Non-Fiction ‘The Exile’, ‘Understanding the Indo-Pacific’
Manu Joseph Indian Fiction ‘Serious Men’, ‘The Illicit Happiness of Other People’
Manuel Rivas Spanish Fiction, Non-Fiction The Carpenter’s Pencil, The Clothes of the Sky
Marcel Proust French Fiction ‘In Search of Lost Time’
Margaret Atwood Canadian Fiction, Poetry The Handmaid’s Tale, The Blind Assassin
Margaret Cavendish English Fiction, Philosophy The Blazing World, Observations upon Experimental Philosophy
Margaret Drabble British Fiction The Millstone, The Middle Ground
Margaret Edson American Drama Wit
Margaret Forster British Fiction, Biography Georgy Girl, Hidden Lives
Margaret Laurence Canadian Fiction ‘The Stone Angel’, ‘A Jest of God’, ‘The Diviners’
Margaret Mahy New Zealand Children’s, Young Adult Fiction The Changeover, The Tricksters
Margaret Mitchell American Historical Fiction Gone with the Wind
Margaret Oliphant Scottish Fiction, Non-Fiction Miss Marjoribanks, The Autobiography of Margaret Oliphant
Margaret Wander Bonanno American Science Fiction, Fantasy Preternatural, Tranquility Wars
Margery Allingham British Mystery The Tiger in the Smoke, Hide My Eyes
Margery Sharp British Fiction The Nutcracker, The Rescuers
Marghanita Laski British Fiction, Literary Criticism To Bed with Grand Music, The Village
Margot Lee Shetterly American non-fiction ‘Hidden Figures’
Margot Livesey British Fiction ‘The House on Fortune Street’, ‘The Flight of Gemma Hardy’, ‘Mercury’
Maria Edgeworth Irish Fiction Castle Rackrent, Belinda
Maria Mazziotti Gillan American Poetry Italian American, Things My Mother Never Told Me
Maria Rooth Swedish Fiction The Summer Guest, The Glass Woman
Maria Semple American fiction ‘Where’d You Go, Bernadette’
Mariam Toews Canadian fiction ‘Women Talking’
Marieke Lucas Rijneveld Dutch Fiction The Discomfort of Evening, My Ears Are Bent
Marilyn French American Fiction, Non-Fiction The Women’s Room, From Eve to Dawn
Marilyn Hacker American Poetry Love, Death, and the Changing of the Seasons, Winter Numbers
Marilyn Robinson American fiction ‘Gilead’
Marilynne Robinson American Fiction Gilead, Housekeeping
Marina Fiorato British Historical Fiction The Glassblower of Murano, The Botticelli Secret
Marina Lewycka British Fiction A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, Two Caravans
Marion Bradley American Fantasy, Science Fiction The Mists of Avalon, The Firebrand
Marion Zimmer Bradley American Fantasy, Science Fiction The Mists of Avalon, The Firebrand
Marjane Satrapi Iranian Graphic Novels Persepolis, Chicken with Plums
Marjorie Garber American Non-Fiction, Literary Criticism Vested Interests, Shakespeare After All
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings American Fiction The Yearling, Cross Creek
Marjorie Liu American Comics, Graphic Novels Monstress, The Last Zombie
Marjorie Sandor American Fiction The Night Gardener, Portrait of My Mother, Who Posed Nude in Wartime
Marjorie Spruill Wheeler American Non-Fiction New Women of the New South, One Woman, One Vote
Markus Zusak Australian Young Adult Fiction The Book Thief, I Am the Messenger
Marlon James Jamaican Fiction ‘A Brief History of Seven Killings’, ‘Black Leopard, Red Wolf’
Martha Gellhorn American Non-Fiction, Fiction The Face of War, The Honeyed Peace
Martha Grimes American Mystery The Old Fox Deceiv’d, The Horse You Came In On
Martha Hale Shackford American Poetry Poems, Gall of the World
Martha Hall Kelly American historical fiction ‘Lilac Girls’
Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot) British Fiction Middlemarch, The Mill on the Floss
Mary Carr American Memoir The Liars’ Club, Cherry
Mavis Gallant Canadian short stories ‘The other Paris’
Maya Angelou American autobiography, poetry ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’
Meg Wolitzer American fiction ‘The Female Persuasion’
Melissa Broder American fiction, non-fiction ‘The Pisces’
Meredith Jaeger American historical fiction ‘The Dressmaker’s Dowry’
Mia Couto Mozambican fiction ‘Sleepwalking Land’
Michael Ondaatje Canadian fiction, non-fiction ‘The English Patient’
Minae Mizumura Japanese fiction ‘A True Novel’

Descriptions

Ma Jian
Ma Jian is a Chinese writer and dissident. He is known for his novels that explore the impact of authoritarian rule and social upheaval in China, often drawing on his own experiences as a political exile.
Mabel Dodge Luhan
Mabel Dodge Luhan was an American writer, art patron, and social activist best known for her role in the artistic community of Taos, New Mexico in the early 20th century. Her memoirs and novels explored themes of identity, sexuality, and social reform.
Mabel Osgood Wright
Mabel Osgood Wright was an American nature writer and novelist best known for her children’s books and non-fiction works exploring the natural world. Her writing promoted environmental conservation and appreciation for birds and other wildlife.
Madame de Lafayette
One of the earliest French female novelists, known for her influential work ‘The Princess of Cleves’, which is considered an early masterpiece of the modern European novel.
Madeleine L’Engle
Madeleine L’Engle was an American author best known for her acclaimed young adult science fiction and fantasy novel ‘A Wrinkle in Time’, which won the Newbery Medal. Her works often explored themes of science, faith, and the power of love and family.
Madeline L’Engle
A pioneering voice in young adult science fiction and fantasy, L’Engle’s imaginative ‘Time Quintet’ series explores themes of individuality, family, and the struggle between good and evil.
Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller is an American novelist and classicist. Her novels reimagine ancient Greek myths and legends, blending historical fiction with lyrical prose to explore themes of love, identity, and the enduring power of the classical world.
Mae Ngai
A historian who has written extensively on immigration, race, and citizenship in the United States, with a focus on the legal and political construction of racial categories.
Maeve Binchy
Renowned for her warmly observant portrayals of Irish life and relationships, Binchy’s novels often explore the complexities of small-town dynamics and the power of community.
Maggie Dove
Maggie Dove is a Scottish mystery writer known for her ‘Maggie Dove’ series set in the Scottish Highlands. Her novels combine elements of traditional British mysteries with vivid depictions of the rugged Scottish landscape and its colorful inhabitants.
Maggie Nelson
An acclaimed writer who blends genres, exploring themes of sexuality, gender, and identity in her lyrical and intellectually rigorous works.
Mai Jia
Mai Jia is a Chinese novelist and former intelligence officer. His novels often explore the world of espionage and the challenges of individuals navigating complex political and social environments.
Maile Meloy
Maile Meloy is an American novelist and short story writer. Her work is known for its nuanced character development and exploration of the complexities of family, relationships, and the human experience.
Mairin Fitzpatrick
Mairin Fitzpatrick is an Irish author of historical fiction novels set in 16th and 17th century Ireland. Her works explore themes of Irish nationalism, religious conflict, and the complex relationships between Irish and English cultures during turbulent periods in Irish history.
Malcolm Lowry
Malcolm Lowry was a British novelist best known for his acclaimed modernist novel ‘Under the Volcano’, which is considered one of the greatest novels of the 20th century. His works often grappled with themes of alcoholism, the human condition, and the search for spiritual meaning.
Malgorzata Szejnert
Malgorzata Szejnert is a Polish non-fiction writer and journalist who has authored several acclaimed books exploring the complex histories and personal narratives of Poland and Eastern Europe in the 20th century.
Malorie Blackman
A prolific and award-winning author of young adult fiction, known for her exploration of social issues and power dynamics through the lens of speculative fiction.
Mandy Robotham
A historical novelist who brings to life lesser-known stories from World War II, with a focus on the experiences of women and their resilience in the face of adversity.
Manjit Thapp
Manjit Thapp is a British graphic novelist and illustrator. Her graphic novels often focus on themes of identity, mental health, and the experiences of marginalized communities.
Manning Coles
Manning Coles was a British writing duo composed of Adelaide Frances Oke Manning and Cyril Henry Coles. They are best known for their ‘Tommy Hambledon’ series of espionage novels set during World War II and the Cold War era.
Manoj Joshi
Manoj Joshi is an Indian journalist and non-fiction writer. His work explores the geopolitical and strategic dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region, with a particular focus on India’s foreign policy and its relationships with neighboring countries.
Manu Joseph
Manu Joseph is an Indian novelist and journalist. His novels tackle social and political issues in contemporary India, often with a satirical and darkly humorous tone.
Manuel Rivas
Manuel Rivas is a prominent Spanish author known for his novels, short stories, and non-fiction works that often explore the Galician culture and history of northwestern Spain. His writing blends realism, surrealism, and poetic language.
Marcel Proust
Marcel Proust was a French novelist, critic, and essayist. His magnum opus, the seven-volume novel ‘In Search of Lost Time’, is considered one of the most influential works of the 20th century, exploring themes of memory, time, and the human condition.
Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood is a celebrated Canadian author renowned for her dystopian and speculative fiction novels, including the acclaimed ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Her works often examine gender, power, and the human condition through imaginative and thought-provoking narratives.
Margaret Cavendish
Margaret Cavendish was an English philosopher, poet, and novelist who was one of the earliest female science fiction writers. Her fantastical works, such as ‘The Blazing World’, explored themes of gender, power, and the nature of reality.
Margaret Drabble
Margaret Drabble is a prolific British novelist known for her psychologically astute portraits of contemporary middle-class life in Britain. Her works often examine themes of feminism, social change, and the complexities of human relationships.
Margaret Edson
Margaret Edson is an American playwright best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning drama ‘Wit’, which explores themes of illness, mortality, and the human search for meaning through the lens of a university professor diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer.
Margaret Forster
Margaret Forster was a renowned British novelist and biographer whose works often focused on the lives of women and the social constraints they faced. Her novels, such as ‘Georgy Girl’, and non-fiction works explored themes of gender, class, and personal identity.
Margaret Laurence
Laurence’s novels and short stories offer vivid portrayals of life in small-town Manitoba, with a particular focus on the experiences of women and the complexities of personal identity.
Margaret Mahy
Margaret Mahy was a acclaimed New Zealand author of children’s and young adult literature. Her fantastical and imaginative works, such as ‘The Changeover’ and ‘The Tricksters’, combined elements of realism, the supernatural, and whimsical humor to captivate young readers.
Margaret Mitchell
Margaret Mitchell was an American author best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel ‘Gone with the Wind’, a sweeping historical epic set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The novel’s portrayal of the Antebellum South and its enduring popularity have made it a landmark work of 20th century American literature.
Margaret Oliphant
Margaret Oliphant was a prolific Scottish author who wrote extensively in the 19th century, producing over 100 works of fiction as well as biographies, literary criticism, and historical studies. Her novels, such as ‘Miss Marjoribanks’, often focused on the lives of women and the social dynamics of Victorian-era Britain.
Margaret Wander Bonanno
Margaret Wander Bonanno is an American science fiction and fantasy author known for her imaginative and thought-provoking works that explore themes of identity, spirituality, and the human experience. Her novels, such as ‘Preternatural’ and ‘Tranquility Wars’, blend speculative elements with complex, character-driven narratives.
Margery Allingham
Margery Allingham was a British mystery writer best known for her classic detective fiction featuring the gentleman sleuth Albert Campion. Her novels, which include ‘The Tiger in the Smoke’ and ‘Hide My Eyes’, are praised for their intricate plots, vivid characters, and exploration of moral ambiguity.
Margery Sharp
Margery Sharp was a British novelist and children’s writer best known for her ‘Rescuers’ series, which was adapted into the popular Disney animated film ‘The Rescuers’. Her witty, whimsical works often focused on the adventures of unusual characters and the power of friendship.
Marghanita Laski
Marghanita Laski was a British novelist, critic, and broadcaster known for her incisive social commentary. Her novels, such as ‘To Bed with Grand Music’ and ‘The Village’, examined the complexities of relationships, class, and changing social mores in mid-20th century Britain.
Margot Lee Shetterly
An author and historian who brought to light the stories of the African American women mathematicians who played crucial roles in the NASA space program during the Space Race.
Margot Livesey
Livesey’s novels are celebrated for their psychological depth, nuanced character studies, and exploration of the complexities of human relationships and personal growth.
Maria Edgeworth
Maria Edgeworth was an Anglo-Irish author known for her novels and short stories that explored themes of education, social class, and the rights of women in 19th century Ireland and Britain. Her works, such as ‘Castle Rackrent’ and ‘Belinda’, were influential in the development of the regional novel.
Maria Mazziotti Gillan
Maria Mazziotti Gillan is an acclaimed American poet and educator known for her lyrical explorations of Italian American identity, family, and the immigrant experience. Her collections, including ‘Italian American’ and ‘Things My Mother Never Told Me’, draw on her personal history to create evocative, poignant portraits of cultural heritage.
Maria Rooth
Maria Rooth is a Swedish novelist whose works often explore themes of female identity, mental health, and the complexities of human relationships. Her novels, such as ‘The Summer Guest’ and ‘The Glass Woman’, have been praised for their nuanced character development and atmospheric settings.
Maria Semple
A novelist known for her sharp wit, satirical social commentary, and quirky, character-driven narratives that often explore the complexities of modern life.
Mariam Toews
A Canadian novelist acclaimed for her honest and compassionate portrayals of Mennonite communities, addressing themes of trauma, family, and the human condition.
Marieke Lucas Rijneveld
Marieke Lucas Rijneveld is a Dutch author known for their debut novel ‘The Discomfort of Evening’, which won the International Booker Prize. Their works blend elements of realism and the surreal to grapple with themes of grief, sexuality, and the challenges of growing up in a devoutly religious rural community.
Marilyn French
Marilyn French was an American author and prominent feminist scholar best known for her groundbreaking novel ‘The Women’s Room’, which explored the lived experiences of women in 1950s America and the societal constraints they faced. Her non-fiction works also examined the history and role of women in society.
Marilyn Hacker
Marilyn Hacker is an acclaimed American poet known for her formally innovative and politically engaged works that explore themes of gender, sexuality, and social justice. Her collections, such as ‘Love, Death, and the Changing of the Seasons’ and ‘Winter Numbers’, have earned numerous awards and accolades.
Marilyn Robinson
A Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose novels are renowned for their meditative, lyrical style and exploration of faith, community, and the human experience.
Marilynne Robinson
Marilynne Robinson is an American novelist celebrated for her poetic, introspective works that examine themes of faith, family, and the human experience. Her novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning ‘Gilead’ and the acclaimed ‘Housekeeping’, are praised for their lyrical prose and meditative exploration of the complexities of the human condition.
Marina Fiorato
Marina Fiorato is a British historical fiction author known for her richly detailed novels that transport readers to Italy’s past. Her works, such as ‘The Glassblower of Murano’ and ‘The Botticelli Secret’, blend fact and fiction to shed light on the lives of artists, artisans, and influential figures from Italy’s cultural heritage.
Marina Lewycka
Marina Lewycka is a British novelist known for her darkly comedic and insightful works that explore themes of family, migration, and the immigrant experience. Her novels, including ‘A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian’ and ‘Two Caravans’, have been praised for their sharp social commentary and memorable characters.
Marion Bradley
Marion Zimmer Bradley was an American author best known for her acclaimed fantasy novel ‘The Mists of Avalon’, a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspectives of the female characters. Her works often explored themes of feminism, mythology, and the complexities of human relationships.
Marion Zimmer Bradley
Marion Zimmer Bradley was an American author best known for her acclaimed fantasy novel ‘The Mists of Avalon’, a retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspectives of the female characters. Her works often explored themes of feminism, mythology, and the complexities of human relationships.
Marjane Satrapi
Marjane Satrapi is an Iranian-born French author and illustrator known for her acclaimed graphic novels, including the autobiographical ‘Persepolis’ and the historical ‘Chicken with Plums’. Her works explore the complexities of Iranian identity, the impact of political upheaval, and the universal human experience.
Marjorie Garber
Marjorie Garber is an American scholar and cultural critic known for her insightful works of non-fiction and literary criticism. Her books, such as ‘Vested Interests’ and ‘Shakespeare After All’, examine topics ranging from gender and sexuality to the enduring influence of Shakespeare’s works.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was an American author best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel ‘The Yearling’, a coming-of-age story set in the rural Florida backwoods. Her works often explored themes of nature, family, and the challenges of life in the American South during the early 20th century.
Marjorie Liu
Marjorie Liu is an acclaimed American writer known for her work in comics and graphic novels. She is the author of the critically acclaimed ‘Monstress’ series, which blends elements of fantasy, horror, and steampunk to explore themes of trauma, identity, and the power of female relationships.
Marjorie Sandor
Marjorie Sandor is an American author known for her short stories and fiction that often explore the complexities of family, memory, and the human experience. Her works, such as ‘The Night Gardener’ and ‘Portrait of My Mother, Who Posed Nude in Wartime’, have been praised for their nuanced character studies and evocative language.
Marjorie Spruill Wheeler
Marjorie Spruill Wheeler was an American historian and scholar known for her works on the history of women’s suffrage and the development of feminist thought in the American South. Her non-fiction books, such as ‘New Women of the New South’ and ‘One Woman, One Vote’, have made significant contributions to the understanding of gender and politics in the 20th century.
Markus Zusak
Markus Zusak is an Australian author best known for his critically acclaimed young adult novels ‘The Book Thief’ and ‘I Am the Messenger’. His works blend historical fiction, coming-of-age narratives, and magical realism to explore themes of morality, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
Marlon James
James’s work is known for its bold, uncompromising style and its exploration of complex themes, including violence, power, and the legacy of colonialism in the Caribbean and beyond.
Martha Gellhorn
Martha Gellhorn was an American journalist, novelist, and travel writer known for her vivid reportage from the frontlines of major 20th century conflicts, including the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Her non-fiction works, such as ‘The Face of War’, as well as her fiction, offered insightful perspectives on war, politics, and the human condition.
Martha Grimes
Martha Grimes is an American author best known for her acclaimed Inspector Richard Jury mystery series, which blends classic British detective fiction with nuanced character studies and evocative descriptions of the English countryside. Her novels, such as ‘The Old Fox Deceiv’d’ and ‘The Horse You Came In On’, have earned her a reputation as a master of the modern mystery genre.
Martha Hale Shackford
Martha Hale Shackford was an American poet of the early 20th century whose works explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience. Her collections, such as ‘Poems’ and ‘Gall of the World’, were praised for their lyrical quality and thoughtful meditations on the complexities of life.
Martha Hall Kelly
A novelist who brings to life extraordinary stories from history, often focusing on the experiences of women and the impact of major historical events on their lives.
Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot)
Mary Ann Evans, better known by her pen name George Eliot, was a renowned British novelist of the 19th century. Her acclaimed works, including the epic ‘Middlemarch’ and the coming-of-age novel ‘The Mill on the Floss’, are celebrated for their psychological depth, social commentary, and masterful storytelling.
Mary Carr
Mary Carr is an acclaimed American memoirist known for her vivid, unflinching accounts of her dysfunctional family and difficult upbringing in East Texas. Her memoirs, such as ‘The Liars’ Club’ and ‘Cherry’, have been praised for their raw emotional honesty and poetic language.
Mavis Gallant
A celebrated Canadian short story writer whose work is renowned for its psychological insights, elegant prose, and nuanced exploration of the human condition.
Maya Angelou
A prolific and acclaimed author, poet, and civil rights activist, known for her powerful memoirs that explore themes of identity, resilience, and the African American experience.
Meg Wolitzer
A novelist who offers incisive social commentary and character-driven narratives that delve into the complexities of relationships, gender dynamics, and the human experience.
Melissa Broder
A contemporary author who writes across genres, exploring themes of mental health, sexuality, and the human condition with a unique and often darkly humorous voice.
Meredith Jaeger
A historical novelist who researches little-known stories from the past, weaving them into captivating tales that shed light on the lives of marginalized or forgotten women.
Mia Couto
A prominent Mozambican novelist and short story writer whose work is renowned for its poetic language, magical realism, and exploration of the complexities of post-colonial African identity.
Michael Ondaatje
A celebrated Canadian author known for his lyrical, genre-blending works that often explore themes of identity, memory, and the human experience in the wake of historical trauma.
Minae Mizumura
A contemporary Japanese novelist whose works often explore the intersection of Japanese and Western cultures, as well as the complexities of identity and belonging.

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