Poetry has been a timeless literary form, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Sumerians, with works such as The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh—the oldest known piece of literature. Over centuries, poetry has evolved across cultures, from Japanese haikus by Matsuo Basho to the Romantic verses of Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Wordsworth, as well as the bold expressions of American poets like Charles Bukowski and Ralph Waldo Emerson and British poets like Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Wordsworth. Let's explore the list down below of ten of the most famous poets of all time whose work influenced their poet peers forever.
| Famous Poet | Number of Works |
|---|---|
| Homer | 24 books |
| William Shakespeare | 154 sonnets and 4 poems |
| John Keats | 54 poems |
| Edgar Allan Poe | 69 short stories and 48 poems |
| Maya Angelou | 167 poems and 7 autobiographies |
| Oscar Wilde | 43 poems and 4 major poem collections |
| Walt Whitman | 160 poems |
| Percy Bysshe Shelley | 43 poems and a few essays and novels |
| John Milton | 1,645 poems |
| T.S. Eliot | 26 poems, 9 plays, and 45 non-fiction works |
1. Homer (8th Century)
Birthplace: Smyrna (modern-day Izmir)
Famous poem: "The Iliad"
Famous quote: "No one alive has ever escaped it, neither brave man nor coward, I tell you - it's born with us the day we are born."
The origins of Homer are so unclear that some scholars describe him as a myth. Many legends about this ancient Greek author circulated; one of the most common is that he was a blind wandering bard from Chios, a city on the Anatolian coast of what is Turkey today.
Even the two major poetry works that are commonly attributed to Homer are a subject of controversy. Some academics think that both texts were written by the same man, a poetry genius, while others consider that the Iliad and the Odyssey are the work and re-writing of many contributors, which eventually were all labelled as belonging to the Homeric tradition.
His fame came after his death and he eventually became one of the most beloved of all English poets. His style was characterized by sensual imagery typical of the Romantic movement. Some of his works became so popular that it ranked amongst the most analyzed piece of English literature.
The 2 oldest and most important works of Greek Literature
24 Books
2. William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)
Birthplace: Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW, United Kingdom
Famous poem: "Sonnet XVIII"
Famous quote: "To be, or not to be, that is the question." Hamlet's Soliloquy
Maybe the most famous author of all English literature, Shakespeare was a poet, playwright, and actor. He is still regarded today as the world’s most eminent dramatist. While he is mainly known by the public for his numerous theater plays, among which Romeo And Juliet, the most famous romantic tragedy of all time, has been adapted countless times.
Still today, Shakespeare rеmains an iconic figurе in thе world of litеraturе. His timеlеss sonnеts and plays, such as "Hamlеt" and "Macbеth" havе transcеndеd cеnturiеs, captivating audiеncеs with thеir profound insights into thе human condition and influencing poets all over the world. Shakеspеarе's unparallеlеd command of languagе, dеpth of charactеrization and еxploration of univеrsal thеmеs havе solidifiеd his lеgacy as a litеrary giant.
154 Sonnets
2 Long Narrative Poems
2 Other Minor Poems
3. John Keats (1795 - 1821)
Birthplace: Moorgate, London, United Kingdom
Famous poem: "Ode to a Nightingale"
Famous quote: "Scenery is fine - but human nature is finer.
John Keats is also amongst the most famous poets in history, despite or maybe because of his short-lived career. Born in 1795, Keats was part of the second wave of Romantic poets, the artistic movement born in Europe towards the end of the 18th century.
Keats died at the age of 25 years old from tuberculosis. Even though critics did not receive his poems very well during his lifetime, his fame came after his death, and he eventually became one of the most beloved of all English poets.
Keats died at the age of 25 years old from tuberculosis. Even though critics did not receive his poems very well during his lifetime, his fame came after his death, and he eventually became one of the most beloved of all English poets.
His poems were published in 3 volumes and a few magazines.
His style was characterized by a sensual imagery typical of the Romantic movement. Some of his works became so popular that it ranked amongst the most analyzed piece of English literature. Of the most famous piece of poetry he wrote, the “Ode to a Nightingale” is probably the most well-known.
4. Edgar Allan Poe (1809 - 1849)
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts
Famous poem: "The Raven"
Famous quote: "All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream."
Maybe one of the most famous American poets, Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston in 1849. Poe was one of the first American writers to try to live solely from his writings. He only succeeded to do so in his late 20’s after joining the Southern Literary Messenger.
Poe had a tumultuous life, abandoned by his father when he was one year old, his mother died a year later. He was adopted by the Allan family with whom he had a rocky relationship. Was it because of his tragic background or because of his Gothic ways? We do not know for sure. Indeed, his work often approached themes such as death, the reanimation of the dead, and mourning.
69 Short Stories
48 Poems
Most of his work is considered to be part of the dark romanticism genre, in opposition to transcendentalism, which Poe openly abhorred. During his career, Poe was one of the first American authors to become popular in Europe, especially in France, where his work was translated by another famous poet, Charles Baudelaire.
5. Maya Angelou (1928 - 2014)
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
Famous poem: "On the Pulse of Morning"
Famous quote: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
Maya Angelou has had an extraordinary life. Born in 1928, in Missouri, she recounted her troubled childhood in her autobiography and international best-seller, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, published in 1969. Her book, the first of a seven-volume series, described how she overcame racism and trauma through love and determination.
167 Poems
7 Autobiographies
Angelou mentioned in her autobiographies that she was greatly affected by the work of William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, or Douglas Johnson during her childhood. She, in turned had a huge impact on African American literature, and her poetry influenced modern hip-hop musicians such as Kanye West, Tupac Shakur, and Nicki Minaj.
6. Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)
Birthplace: Westland Row, Dublin, Ireland
Famous Poem: "A Vision"
Famous Quote: "Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about."
Oscar Wilde brings us a variety of phenomenal poetry works. Be it the exemplary novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” or the fairy tales and critical essays; Oscar Wilde has produced some iconic work. His work reflected artistic qualities with wit, emotions, drama, and philosophy as he gained inspiration from Walter Pater and John Ruskin, laying focus on aesthetic intensity in life.
Unfortunately, with time, the flamboyant and witty poet soon fell into controversies for his unmasculine devotion towards the arts. However, he was keen enough to continue his work to widen the scope of his genre. Therefore, he went on to take inspiration from French poets and created “Intentions”. Wilde’s success didn’t stop there; he tried his hand at society comedy and did equally well in that genre.
43 Poems
4 Major Poem Collections
Therefore, according to many, he had finally landed on the highest plane of modern English drama. Furthermore, his writing on Victorian hypocrisies yielded him great success. Then, however, all his work began to be devalued as he was charged for indecency in his works.
Consequently, Wilde was imprisoned for two years. Sadly, after being released, he died in poverty. However, his work has stood the test of time, making him one of the most quotable poets of history. While the private life of Wilde was pretty dramatic, his poetic career brings innumerable contributions to English literature.
7. Walt Whitman (1819 - 1892)
Birthplace: West Hills, New York
Famous Poem: "I Hear America Singing"
Famous Quote: "Be curious, not judgmental."
Walt Whitman was an American and one of the best poets in history – in the mold of Homer and Shakespeare. He developed a love for written words at the tender age of twelve. Initially, Whitman’s work did not seem as promising and reflected low literacy adherence.
However, his written pieces soon gained positive attention, albeit he couldn’t build a phenomenal career with poetry. With his artistic work, the poet celebrated love, friendship, nature, and democracy. Walt’s poetry embraced different aspects of life; the human body, beauty, soul, and the undeniable concept of death.
However, the reason audiences didn’t immediately accept him was because of his unique style. His writing consisted of wit and wisdom, new to America during the 19th century. As a result, he seemed to escape the conventional patterns of poetry and rhyme. Instead, he emphasized the rhetorical strategies of poetry, collecting plaudits for his work with time.
The poet also received some severe criticism for his stylistic innovations and openness toward sex. Regardless, Whitman regularly praised human dignity. However, he was fired when people found out that he was the writer behind “Leaves of Grass”, an explicitly sexual piece of writing. Yet, despite the controversy, he is fondly remembered as a revered part of the poetic fraternity.
8. Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792 - 1822)
Birthplace: Field Place, United Kingdom
Famous Poem: "Ode to the West Wind"
Famous Quote: "A man, to be greatly good, must imagine intensely and comprehensively; he must put himself in the place of another and many others; the pains and pleasures of his species must become his own."
Shelley produced rich literary work with an emphasis on English romanticism. Be it blissful ecstasy or brooding distress, he creates visual imagery in the reader’s minds with her sharp and meticulous use of words. He successfully created a niche for himself with themes such as rebellion, love, nature, and the spirit of freedom.
However, the unique element of Shelley’s work was that his personal life reflected his writings. He was in love with his cousin; however, their relationship was met with disapproval by their families. This narrative often made it into his writings. Shelley began his career at the age of 17. When he entered college, he developed an inclination towards writing.
Unfortunately, like most other famous poets, he also met significant criticism through this poetic journey. His work was often called tales of horror and sentimental absurdity; however, he is unquestionably one of the best poets ever.
43 Poems
A Few Essays and Novels
9. John Milton (1608 - 1674)
Birthplace: Bread Street, London, United Kingdom
Famous Poem: "Paradise Lost"
Famous Quote: "All is not lost; the unconquerable Will, And study of revenge, immortal hate, And courage never to submit or yield."
The writer of the widely known poem, "Paradise Lost", has earned the rank of one of the best male poets in history. His work majorly consisted of political philosophy while opposing tyranny and the state-sanctioned religion. However, the most significant part of his career is when his writings began to influence the French revolution.
Furthermore, Milton also worked on theology, expressing the value of conscience. He shed light on the importance of scriptures concerning faith and religious tolerance for dissidents. Upon returning to England in 1639, he was considered aptly educated. By that time, he had learned several languages, making him an adept translator and versatile poet.
Furthermore, Milton also worked on theology, expressing the value of conscience. He shed light on the importance of scriptures concerning faith and religious tolerance for dissidents. Upon returning to England in 1639, he was considered aptly educated. By that time, he had learned several languages, making him an adept translator and versatile poet.
He had great regard for Shakespeare and took inspiration from him. So even the work of Milton has a lot to do with the literature produced by Shakespeare. For example, while Shakespeare talks about daytime, Milton celebrates the sound and emotions of darkness.
Moreover, while Shakespeare focused on liveliness and positive thoughts, Milton’s writings embrace melancholy and pensive temperaments. The poet breathed his last in 1674, after which his rich poetry gained widespread popularity and applause.
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10. T.S Eliot (1888 - 1965)
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
Famous Poem: "The Waste Land"
Famous Quote: "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
T.S Eliot is among the most versatile poets in the history of English literature. Be it modern literature, poetry, literary criticism, drama, editing, or publishing, the writer has embraced all fields beautifully. He has written several poems that count as milestones in the history of literature. Designing unique themes, he offered readers an escape from the generic 19th century English literature.
26 Poems
9 Plays
45 Non-Fiction Works
Eliot had a unique writing style inspired by Dante, John Webster, and the French writer Jules Laforgue. Moreover, his anti-romantic sentiments seem to mirror the thoughts of Babbitt. He is one of the most intellectual and witty poets of his time, and he has been responsible for producing several masterpieces.
Eliot even created his theory of poetry, namely “objective correlative”. This theory referred to the vagueness in Victorian rhetoric. Moreover, he talked about changes in English poetry over time, bringing about an uplift in the interest around poetry from the 17th century. Sadly, Eliot passed away in London in 1965, leaving behind monumental written pieces.
How to Write Poetry: Do You Want to Learn Poetry and Become a Famous Poet?
Reading about some of the best poets ever must have intrigued you to write poetry, even if you have the slightest interest in the discipline. However, getting the necessary guidance is paramount if you want to make a name for yourself. And when you derive inspiration from any great poet, an online poetry class can help you do even better.
To gain access to literary masters who would pave your way towards a successful career, you must get in touch with us at Superprof. Your tutor will use exciting techniques to help you go beyond your first drafts and build flawless and inspirational poems. To learn more about what a professional poetry tutor could do for you, connect with Superprof today!
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Replace Maya Angelou by a real poet like Dante
Agree
Totally agree. JIMTRUSCOTT
Wonderful sum up of great poets
Thanks for the lovely introduction to legendary poets of our history.
Good luCk in your endeavours to tutor the next generation of poets on the wings.
Thank you very much! It’s a big help for my lesson.
How is it possible that Alexander Pope, the second most quoted poet in the English language, does not make this list?
hello ,so first our article was so nice i enjoy of it but i have question where is Saadi or Ferdoosi or Molavi? these are old and valuable poets no?
Hello Navid, thank you for the comment! Yes, they are also great poets, however, we couldn’t fit everyone in the list. I would love to hear your favorite poets in the comments!
I like how William Shakespeare talks
Very informative.
Thank you for your comment, Patricia!
So where is Hafez, Saadi and Ferdousi?
Thank you for your comment! Unfortunately, we couldn’t add all of the best poets in the article, but I would love to see more of your favorites in the comments.
i love the poets people make
We’re happy you enjoyed the poems and article! Thank you for the comment!
Maya Angelou herself would probably say that Robert Burns (writer of the second most recognisable song in the world after Happy Birthday), or Hafez should be in her place.
Helpful informative..
Thank you for the comment. I’m happy you enjoyed the article, Salim!
Where is Rumi , Saadi , Ferdosi , Hafez ????????why they are not in your list
Hello Mehrad! Unfortunately, we could not name every poet, but we will keep them in mind when we update the article.
What place. Kabiguru Rabindranath takes in the world as a poet