Top 10 Writers Accused of Plagiarism

Plagiarism, the literary crime of stealing someone else’s work, has unfortunately stained the reputations of several renowned authors throughout history. In this article, we will delve into the controversial stories of 10 writers who faced accusations of stealing their greatest works from other authors.

1. J.K. Rowling: The Wizarding Controversy

Rowling, celebrated for the Harry Potter series, faced plagiarism claims regarding similarities to works like Adrian Jacobs’ “The Adventures of Willy the Wizard.” Legal battles ensued, but Rowling maintained her originality.

2. Dan Brown: Decoding the Accusations

Known for “The Da Vinci Code,” Brown faced accusations from authors like Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh, who claimed he stole ideas from their non-fiction book “The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail.”

3. Shakespeare: The Bard’s Betrayal?

Controversy surrounds Shakespeare’s originality, with theories suggesting he might have borrowed heavily from Christopher Marlowe and others. Scholars debate whether the Bard was a masterful plagiarist or a victim of conspiracies.

4. H.P. Lovecraft: Cosmic Conundrums

Lovecraft’s cosmic horror stories faced allegations of borrowing elements from other writers, such as Lord Dunsany. Critics argue whether it was homage or blatant theft.

5. Helen Keller: A Different Kind of Silence

Keller, admired for overcoming immense challenges, was accused of plagiarizing her story from her teacher, Anne Sullivan. The controversy raises questions about the narrative of Keller’s life.

6. Harper Lee: To Kill a Mockingbird Redux?

Lee faced accusations that she borrowed from Truman Capote, her childhood friend, in crafting “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Some speculate about the true extent of Capote’s influence on Lee’s work.

7. Alex Haley: Roots of Controversy

The celebrated author of “Roots” faced accusations of plagiarizing large portions from Harold Courlander’s novel “The African.” The legal fallout led to financial settlements and tarnished Haley’s reputation.

8. E.L. James: Shades of Plagiarism?

The “Fifty Shades of Grey” author was criticized for similarities between her work and Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series. Some argue it was fan fiction turned mainstream, while others see it as outright theft.

9. Kaavya Viswanathan: The YA Deception

Viswanathan’s debut novel, “How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life,” faced allegations of borrowing extensively from Megan McCafferty’s books. The scandal led to a public apology and a revised edition.

10. T.S. Eliot: The Waste(land) of Originality?

Eliot’s masterpiece “The Waste Land” raised suspicions of borrowing from other poets like Jessie Weston and Charles Baudelaire. The debate over Eliot’s sources continues among literary scholars.