The 100 Most Influential Authors of the 20th Century
This list celebrates one hundred of the most widely read authors whose work shaped — and continues to shape — the literary landscape of the 20th century. It reflects a broad and inclusive perspective, recognising storytellers from across the globe and across genres, languages, and lived experiences.
From Nobel laureates to genre pioneers, from voices of revolution and exile to icons of popular fiction, these authors have reached millions of readers — sometimes across generations — through powerful ideas, unforgettable characters, and enduring narratives.
This is not a list of the “greatest” or “most awarded” writers, but rather those whose words found lasting audiences worldwide. It honours the diversity of 20th-century literature and invites you to explore signed editions of their works, now treasured by collectors and readers alike.
Click the name of the author to see signed works for sale:
Signed works by James Baldwin on eBay
SIGNED Franklin Library GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN James Baldwin LEATHER 1979
🇺🇸 Price: US $466.19
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Go Tell It On the Mountain by James Baldwin - Signed, Franklin Library
🇺🇸 Price: US $750.00
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Signed-First Edition Later Printing-On James Baldwin by Colm Toibin-New
🇺🇸 Price: US $60.21
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SIGNED JAMES BALDWIN "If Beale Street Could Talk" PB 1st SIGNET Edition
🇺🇸 Price: US $750.00
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James Baldwin. The Fire Next Time. Photographs by Steve Schapiro. (SIGNED)#246
🇺🇸 Price: US $350.00
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1963 Another Country by James Baldwin Dell Paperback Gay Interest SIGNED READ
🇺🇸 Price: US $250.00
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Just Above My Head James Baldwin SIGNED LTD 1979 1st Edition HC NEAR FINE
🇺🇸 Price: US $1,500.00
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Just Above My Head ~ SIGNED by JAMES BALDWIN ~ Limited First Edition ~ 1979
🇺🇸 Price: US $2,500.00
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The Fire Next Time, James Baldwin (1963) True First Edition, SIGNED
🇺🇸 Price: US $1,500.00
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Therman O'Daniel-JAMES BALDWIN: A CRITICAL EVALUATION-1981-1ST SIGNED
🇺🇸 Price: US $250.00
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Signed 4-volume book set of James Baldwin's solo sailing circumnavigations
🇺🇸 Price: US $40.00
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The Jonah by James Herbert SIGNED LIMITED EDITION 292 of 300 CENTIPEDE PRESS
🇺🇸 Price: US $149.99
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The Fire Next Time ~ SIGNED by JAMES BALDWIN ~ First Edition ~ 1st Printing 1963
🇺🇸 Price: US $9,500.00
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James Baldwin SIGNED & dedicated First Edition of Just Above My Head 1979
🇺🇸 Price: US $2,675.80
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James Baldwin BLUES FOR MISTER CHARLIE Signed 1st Edition 1st Printing
🇺🇸 Price: US $6,184.95
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