Disputed
Works whose attribution is contested in the documented record. Entries report the competing claims neutrally and never state a disputed attribution as fact.
6 works, ordered by publication date.
- Disputed
Kesh Temple Hymn
One of the oldest surviving works of literature, a Sumerian hymn praising the temple of Kesh. Tradition links the Temple Hymns to Enheduanna, but this hymn predates her.
- Disputed
Romance of Lust
The four volume Victorian erotic novel of 1873 to 1876, published anonymously. Attributed variously to Edward Sellon or William Simpson Potter; unresolved.
- Disputed
Hypnerotomachia Poliphili
The lavish 1499 Venetian dream romance whose chapter initials spell an acrostic pointing to Francesco Colonna. The identification remains likely but unproven.
- Disputed
The String of Pearls
The 1846 to 1847 penny dreadful that created Sweeney Todd. Authorship is divided by scholars between James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest.
- Disputed
Might is Right
The 1896 social Darwinist tract published as Ragnar Redbeard. Arthur Desmond is the most commonly claimed author, with Jack London also proposed; the question is unsettled.
- Disputed
Josefine Mutzenbacher
The 1906 Viennese erotic novel published anonymously and commonly attributed to Felix Salten, author of Bambi. The attribution has never been confirmed.
Other statuses:Later revealed · Still unknown · Pseudonym known