In today's world, many people are losing the sense of what a true and beautiful work of literature really is. It is rare to find someone who enjoys reading for their own pleasure. It's even rarer to find someone who enjoys reading classics, like the plays of Shakespeare or prose written by Edgar Allan Poe. Some of the oldest tales have greatly influenced the world as we know it in many ways. Some famous people from history who have had a positive impact on the world of literature are Aesop, Dante Alighieri and Charles Dickens. Some will say that Aesop is infamous for the life he led more than 2000 years ago and especially for the hundreds of fables. which have since been attributed to his name. It is said that he was born a slave, but was eventually freed by his master through his education and spirit. Not much is known about his life, such as where and when he was born. Due to this lack of knowledge, many people, like Martin Luther, deny its existence. Even with these doubts about its existence, Aesop's fables have reached the lives of many generations. We get the saying “survival of the fittest” from his tale The Oak and the Reeds. The use of primarily animal characters makes the story more appealing to younger audiences. Popular around the world, his tales still inspire numerous plays and films. His fables have had an impact not only on literature, but also on daily life with the morals that are woven into each tale. Another great man from the wide world of literature is Dante Alighieri. Dante was born in Florence, Italy in 1265. His mother died when he was seven years old. His father made his living by lending money and renting properties. Dante married Gemma Donati in 1285, but his ideal wife and inspiration ...... middle of paper ...... Christmas, and giving us a better understanding of the Victorian world. Literature throughout the ages has been shaped and molded by the works of these renowned authors and poets. Aesop, Dante Alighieri, and Charles Dickens have all influenced the world of literature in one way or another. Many contemporary authors look to such eminent writers for advice and inspiration. Although they have had a great impact on the literary world, they also influence many aspects of our lives. Like Aesop, he teaches us important moral lessons through his use of animal protagonists. Dickens gives us a greater insight into the Victorian world and changes the way we celebrate Christmas. Dante, with his few but very descriptive works on all things heaven and hell, gives us a probable glimpse into a world outside our own. These writers are the world's most beautiful literature.