5. Piers Anthony
Easily one of the most prodigious authors of all time regardless of genre Piers Anthony is without a doubt one of the most significant contributors to fantasy literature since its beginning. His books range from the light-hearted Xanth series to the more dark and sinister Firefly. There are few authors who could manage to put out as many books as Piers Anthony did and even fewer who could maintain the same level of quality through every page.
4. Anne McCaffery
Another very prolific author, Anne McCaffery penned the enormously popular Pern series and several others. What makes McCaffery’s appearance on this list a bit weird is that her books actually fit just as well under the science fiction genre as fantasy. The reason she is on this list though is that the Pern books read more like fantasy, and that several established fantasy authors found their wings and voice under her tutelage.
3. J.K. Rowling
Fantasy purists will gripe about Rowling’s inclusion on this list because of her use of the modern world as the launch point of her universe. Yet, the argument can be made that fantasy is about the fantastic and the world of Harry Potter is definitely fantastical. While it is true that she has not contributed the same amount of work to the genre as other authors on this list, she did bring fantasy fiction to the fore front of readers both young and old and for that she needs to be recognized.
2. George R.R. Martin
If any fantasy author has made a case that this genre should be considered real literature, it is George R.R. Martin. Yes, his worlds are pure fantasy, but his story telling is just as gripping as anything penned by anyone else. Martin’s books are dense and extremely detailed drawing you into his world like only a true master of the craft can. When you turn the last page of any of his novels you find yourself almost lost because you were so immersed in his world. Be warned, if you want to tackle his Song of Ice and Fire series you will need to be ready for some of the most gut-wrenching but amazing writing you have ever experienced.
1. J.R.R. Tolkien
No list about fantasy Authors can be complete without at least a mention of the grandfather of the genre. J.R.R. Tolkien brought the fantasy genre out of pulp and kicked it on its way to becoming a legitimate force in the literary world. He didn’t do this on purpose and he most likely would disagree that his work was truly that significant. Whatever Tolkien’s opinions may have been there is absolutely no denying his contribution to not only fantasy but to literature as a whole. His work about hobbits, elves, dwarves and the rise of mankind in Middle Earth, is what made ever other entry on this list possible.
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