European literature encompasses a vast array of written works produced across the continent, reflecting diverse cultures, languages, and historical contexts. It includes notable genres such as poetry, drama, and prose, with significant contributions from countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Throughout history, European literature has produced influential authors such as William Shakespeare, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Virginia Woolf. These writers have shaped literary movements, including Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism, leaving a lasting impact on global literature and thought.