The Greatest American Author: Melville, Poe, Steinbeck, or Hemingway?

There are numerous debates about the greatest American author among literary scholars and enthusiasts, each having their own interpretations and preferences. In recent times, Edgar Allan Poe has been considered the most influential among American writers, particularly due to his extensive international influence. However, other writers such as Herman Melville, John Steinbeck, and Ernest Hemingway also have strong claims to the title of the greatest American author.

Poe: The Most Influential American Writer

Edgar Allan Poe is often regarded as the most influential American writer due to his significant impact on literature, particularly in the areas of detective fiction. Poe virtually invented the detective genre as we know it today, and his character, Dupin, inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. This broad influence extends not just to English speakers but also to a global audience, with French literary figures like Charles Baudelaire, and even composers like Maurice Ravel, being inspired by Poe.

Despite his global influence, Poe has been less appreciated in the United States, especially within the academic and literary communities, from a purely literary perspective.

Melville: Master of the Sentence and Moby-Dick

Herman Melville is widely considered the greatest American writer in terms of literary craftsmanship and ambition. His work, Moby-Dick, stands as a canonical masterpiece, reflecting his profound literary skills and persuasive storytelling. While in terms of sheer readability and popular appeal, John Steinbeck stands out, Herman Melville's influence on subsequent generations of writers is profound.

Melville's intellectual power, extensive writings, curvature of English language, literary ambitions, versatility, and his unparalleled influence on poets and novelists alike make him the standout choice for the title of the greatest American writer. His works, especially Moby-Dick, are not only linguistically rich but thematically deep, and continue to inspire writers and artists around the world.

Steinbeck: The Reader's Choice

John Steinbeck's novels, such as The Grapes of Wrath and Cannery Row, are known for their easy readability and compelling narratives. In many respects, if pure readability is your criterion, Steinbeck stands out.

Interestingly, while Steinbeck's writings are accessible and have achieved massive popularity, he is not often viewed alongside other prominent writers like James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Marcel Proust. This places Steinbeck in a unique position, where his influence on a broad audience contrasts with the depth and lasting impact of other literary giants.

The Influence of Poe and Melville

Between Edgar Allan Poe and Herman Melville, it's clear that Poe has had a global reach, particularly inspiring writers across different languages and cultural boundaries. Melville's influence, however, is deeply rooted in the American literary tradition, particularly through his seminal work Moby-Dick.

Both Poe and Melville are pivotal figures, especially Cormac McCarthy, who cited Blood Meridian as a significant influence and who cited Moby-Dick as a foundational work in his own career.

Ultimately, the debate over the greatest American writer is subjective, and the answer may vary based on the criteria used to evaluate their works. While Poe's international influence is undeniable, Melville's masterful storytelling and thematic depth place him at the top of the list for many literary critics.

Whichever American author one chooses to claim as the greatest, their contributions to American literature and the world of literature in general are immeasurable. Each writer has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, shaping the narratives and themes that continue to resonate in modern times.