Who were the popular authors of early ghost stories?

One of the well - known authors was William Shakespeare. Although not all of his works were strictly ghost stories, plays like 'Hamlet' had very famous ghost scenes that were quite influential in the genre. The ghost in 'Hamlet' sets off the whole plot with its appearance and message to Hamlet.

Jane Austen was a very popular author of early romance novels. Her works like 'Pride and Prejudice' are well - known. Another was Charlotte Bronte with 'Jane Eyre' which also had strong romantic elements.

Bram Stoker is a standout in the realm of early vampire novels. His 'Dracula' introduced many of the classic vampire traits that are still associated with the genre today. John Polidori also made his mark with 'The Vampyre'. These authors not only created engaging stories but also influenced the evolution of the vampire as a literary and cultural figure. Their works often delved into the psychological aspects of the vampire, as well as the horror and mystery associated with them.

One of the popular authors was Reki Kawahara. He is well - known for his 'Sword Art Online' series which had a big impact in the early days of light novels.

Henry James was also well - known for his ghost story 'The Turn of the Screw'. His writing was complex and full of psychological depth, making the ghostly elements even more chilling. Another popular author was Sheridan Le Fanu. He wrote 'Carmilla', which was a precursor to the modern vampire story. His works were full of gothic elements and a sense of unease.

The Marquis de Sade also wrote works that could be considered in this category. However, his works were extremely controversial and often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in terms of sexual and violent content. His works were more about exploring extreme desires and the darker side of human nature within a so - called 'romantic' context.

There were many, but some of the more well - known ones were those who had a deep understanding of the source material. They could be avid fans who just started writing. It's hard to pinpoint specific names as it was a very grassroots movement in the beginning.

James Fenimore Cooper was quite renowned for his contributions to early American romance novels. His novels combined adventure with romantic elements. For instance, in 'The Pioneers', he depicted the life in early American settlements and the romances that blossomed there. Catharine Maria Sedgwick was also popular. Her works delved into the social and romantic lives of early Americans. She was known for her ability to portray the nuances of relationships in that era. Additionally, Lydia Maria Child wrote some works that could be considered early American romance novels, with her stories often dealing with love and the changing American society.

J.M. Barrie was a popular author with his 'Peter Pan'. His story of the magical boy and his adventures in Neverland has charmed generations. Another was L. Frank Baum with 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'. His creation of the Oz universe is widely loved.

Edna Ferber was an author who had some works in the early 1900s that contained elements of romance. Her stories often delved into the relationships between characters against the backdrop of different American landscapes. Frances Hodgson Burnett also wrote some romance - tinged works during this time. Her most famous work, 'The Secret Garden', had some elements of budding relationships and the power of love to heal, even if it wasn't a pure - form romance novel.