1. Herman Melville: Renowned for his literary classic "Moby-Dick," which delves into human obsession and the complexities of good and evil.
2. Mark Twain: Celebrated for his witty and insightful works such as "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."
3. Emily Dickinson: A prominent poet whose introspective and deeply personal verses have touched generations of readers.
4. Ernest Hemingway: Known for his distinct writing style and powerful short stories, as well as novels like "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A Farewell to Arms."
5. F. Scott Fitzgerald: Remembered for his vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age and American high society in works such as "The Great Gatsby."
6. William Faulkner: Noted for his exploration of complex narrative forms and exploration of the human condition in novels like "As I Lay Dying" and "Absalom, Absalom!"
7. Toni Morrison: Celebrated for her poignant examination of African-American history and experience, as seen in masterpieces like "Beloved" and "The Bluest Eye."
8. Saul Bellow: Recognized for his insightful depiction of modern individuals navigating moral issues and grappling with life's challenges in works like "Herzog" and "Seize the Day."
9. Ralph Ellison: Known for his powerful novel "Invisible Man," which deftly addressed racial identity and social injustice.
10. John Steinbeck: Celebrated for his compassionate portrayal of human struggles and exploration of social concerns in novels like "Of Mice and Men" and "The Grapes of Wrath."
These writers, among many others, have made extraordinary contributions to American literature and have left a lasting impact on the literary world.