One of the well - known authors is H. P. Lovecraft. His works, while he was American, had a profound impact on European horror. In addition, Algernon Blackwood was a significant figure. His stories often delved into the supernatural and the unknown. And then there's Mary Shelley, who wrote 'Frankenstein', which is a fundamental work in the horror genre that influenced European horror writing as well. Her exploration of science and horror was quite revolutionary.
There's M. R. James. He was famous for his ghost stories that were set in European settings. His use of old English architecture and folklore made his horror stories really engaging. Also, E. T. A. Hoffmann was a great author of European horror. His works often had a strange blend of the real and the supernatural, with a touch of psychological horror that was quite ahead of its time.
Anton Chekhov, from Russia, is also well - known for his short stories. His stories are known for their psychological depth and ability to capture the essence of human nature. For example, 'The Lady with the Dog' is a great exploration of love and human relationships.
Guy de Maupassant from France is very famous. His short stories are known for their sharp observations of human nature and unexpected endings. For example, 'The Necklace' is a well - known story that shows how pride can lead to unexpected consequences.
One of the most famous is Leo Tolstoy from Russia. His works like 'Anna Karenina' and 'War and Peace' are world - renowned. Then there's Charles Dickens from England, known for 'Oliver Twist' and 'Great Expectations'. Also, Victor Hugo from France, with 'Les Misérables' and 'The Hunchback of Notre - Dame' being very popular.
One cannot forget about Victor Hugo. Although he is known for his other works as well, 'The Hunchback of Notre - Dame' has elements of romance within it. Set in Paris, it shows the complex relationships between the characters against the backdrop of the cathedral. Also, Alexandre Dumas, with his works like 'The Count of Monte Cristo' which has a strong romantic sub - plot intertwined with themes of revenge and justice.
Agatha Christie from the UK is a household name. She created iconic characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Her stories are full of twists and turns, and she was a master of the whodunit genre. Her settings, whether it was a grand English manor or an exotic location, added to the allure of her crime stories.
One famous European horror story is 'Dracula'. It was created by Bram Stoker. The story features the vampire Dracula who travels from Transylvania to England, preying on the living. Another is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson. It tells of a man who can transform into a more evil version of himself. And 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is also well - known. It's about a scientist who creates a monster.
Edgar Allan Poe is a classic horror story author. His tales such as 'The Raven' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart' are still highly regarded. Another notable one is Anne Rice, known for her vampire-themed horror novels.
John le Carré is a very famous author of European spy novels. His works like 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' and 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' are highly regarded. Ian Fleming is also well - known for creating James Bond in novels such as 'Casino Royale'.
Anne Rice is renowned for her horror fiction, especially her Vampire Chronicles. She gives a new and in - depth take on the vampire mythos. Clive Barker is another great horror author. His works, like 'The Hellbound Heart', are full of grotesque and terrifying imagery that really push the boundaries of horror.
Edgar Allan Poe is a very well - known author of American horror stories. His works like 'The Tell - Tale Heart' and 'The Fall of the House of Usher' are classics. His use of psychological horror and his vivid descriptions are remarkable. Another is H. P. Lovecraft. His stories often involve cosmic horror, with themes of unknowable entities from outer space or other dimensions. His works such as 'The Call of Cthulhu' have had a huge influence on modern horror.