Jonathan Livingston Seagull
The signature short fable and the clearest introduction to Bach's themes of freedom, self-transcendence, and flight.
Author guide
Richard Bach Books in Order
Richard David Bach is an American author and pilot whose work frequently uses aviation as a metaphor for freedom, self-discovery, spiritual growth, and personal limits. His books include the bestselling fable Jonathan Livingston Seagull, the philosophical novel Illusions, aviation memoirs, relationship memoirs, and the Ferret Chronicles series.
aviation literaturefictionfantasyphilosophical fictionmemoirnonfictionspiritual literature
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah
The best entry point for Bach's philosophical fiction and spiritual ideas.
Stranger to the Ground
A strong starting point for readers primarily interested in Bach's aviation writing and memoir.
Read in order
Books by series
series · completed
Illusions
A philosophical fiction series following encounters with the unconventional messiah Donald Shimoda and his continuing influence.
series · completed
The Ferret Chronicles
A series of fantasy novellas about intelligent ferrets whose adventures explore creativity, courage, work, community, and personal freedom.
- 1
Rescue Ferrets at SeaAmazon ↗Book 1 · novella · 2002
- 2
Air Ferrets AloftAmazon ↗Book 2 · novella · 2002
- 3 Writer Ferrets: Chasing the MuseAmazon ↗
Book 3 · novella · 2002
- 4 Rancher Ferrets on the RangeAmazon ↗
Book 4 · novella · 2003
- 5 The Last War: Detective Ferrets and the Case of the Golden DeedAmazon ↗
Book 5 · novella · 2003
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (8)
- Jonathan Livingston SeagullAmazon ↗
novella · 1970
-
A Gift of WingsAmazon ↗nonfiction · 1974
-
There's No Such Place as Far AwayAmazon ↗novella · 1979
-
OneAmazon ↗novel · 1988
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Running from SafetyAmazon ↗novel · 1994
-
Messiah's Handbook: Reminders for the Advanced SoulAmazon ↗nonfiction · 2004
-
Hypnotizing MariaAmazon ↗novel · 2009
- Life with My Guardian AngelAmazon ↗
novella · 2018
Nonfiction (7)
- Stranger to the GroundAmazon ↗
memoir · 1963
-
BiplaneAmazon ↗memoir · 1966
- Nothing by ChanceAmazon ↗
memoir · 1969
-
The Bridge Across Forever: A True Love StoryAmazon ↗memoir · 1982
- Out of My MindAmazon ↗
memoir · 1999
- Thank Your Wicked Parents: Blessings from a Difficult ChildhoodAmazon ↗
memoir · 2012
-
Travels with Puff: A Gentle Game of Life and DeathAmazon ↗memoir · 2013
Other (1)
- Part-Time Angels: And 75 OthersAmazon ↗
collection · 2015