Who are the important authors of the first American classic novel?

Ralph Ellison is a key figure. His 'Invisible Man' is a landmark in African - American literature. Ellison was able to capture the complex feelings of African - Americans in a society that often overlooked or misjudged them.

Some important authors include Mark Twain. His works, like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', are landmarks in American literature. Also, F. Scott Fitzgerald, with 'The Great Gatsby', which captured the essence of the Jazz Age.

Ernest Hemingway is a significant figure. His works, like 'The Old Man and the Sea', are known for their spare and powerful prose. Another is F. Scott Fitzgerald, famous for 'The Great Gatsby', which captures the essence of the Jazz Age. Toni Morrison is also important. Her novels, such as 'Beloved', explore the African - American experience with great depth and beauty.

There are quite a few. Zora Neale Hurston is a well - known author. Her works, such as 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', are a great contribution. Ralph Ellison with 'Invisible Man' is also crucial. These authors have each added unique perspectives to the African American novel's history.

Edgar Allan Poe is a very important one. His works like 'The Tell - Tale Heart' are well - known. Ernest Hemingway also stands out. His short stories are full of his unique writing style. F. Scott Fitzgerald is another. His stories often capture the essence of different eras, like the Jazz Age.

There are probably many others. For instance, Herman Melville with 'Moby - Dick', a work that is both a great adventure story and a deep exploration of human nature. And then there's Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose works often deal with themes of sin and morality. These authors, among others, would be important figures to be covered in the 'Oxford History of the American Novel' as they have made significant contributions to the development of the American novel.

Well, it's likely to include Mark Twain. His works like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' are significant in American literature.

Well, there's Murasaki Shikibu. She wrote 'The Tale of Genji', which is often regarded as one of the first novels in history. In Europe, there was also Giovanni Boccaccio. His 'Decameron' was an important early novel. These authors were significant because they explored different themes and narrative styles that would later influence generations of writers.

J.R.R. Tolkien, although not American, has had a profound influence on American fantasy writing. His works like 'The Lord of the Rings' have inspired American authors. American author Stephen King has also dabbled in fantasy elements in some of his works. His unique style of horror - tinged fantasy has been very popular. For example, in 'The Dark Tower' series, there are elements of a post - apocalyptic fantasy world.

Nathaniel Hawthorne is a well - known author of classic American romantic novels. His 'The Scarlet Letter' is a great example. Hawthorne often explored themes of sin and redemption in his works. Another famous author is Edith Wharton. She wrote 'The Age of Innocence' which delved into the upper - class society's love and relationships in a very detailed and poignant way.