Johnny Depp is not just a movie star; he’s also a big fan of books. His reading list is as cool and varied as the characters he plays on screen. From exciting fiction to thoughtful poetry, Johnny’s favorite books give us a peek into what inspires him off-camera.
We’ve put together a list of books that Johnny has mentioned and recommended in talks and interviews. These aren’t just any books—they’re the kind that make you see the world a little differently. They’re about breaking the rules, finding your own path, and letting your imagination run wild. If you’re curious about what books make Johnny Depp tick, or looking for some awesome new reads, this list is the perfect place to start!
Johnny Depp Favorite Books
Arthur Rimbaud
The Illuminations
"The Illuminations" is a collection of poems by the French poet Arthur Rimbaud. Originally published in a literary magazine, these poems were later compiled into a book by Rimbaud's lover, Paul Verlaine. This edition includes all forty-two poems, most of which are in a prose poem format. While the order of the poems is not universally agreed upon, this edition begins with "Après Le Deluge" or "After the Flood."
Arthur Rimbaud
A Season in Hell
"A Season in Hell" is a poem written by Arthur Rimbaud and published in 1873. It is the only work published by Rimbaud himself and has had a significant impact on later artists and poets, including the Surrealists.
Charles Baudelaire
The Flowers of Evil
"The Flowers of Evil" by Charles Baudelaire is a collection of gritty and provocative poems that express the author's disdain for the mundane aspects of city life. Published in 1857, the book caused a sensation, earning both praise and criticism. Some of the poems were even suppressed by a French court for being offensive, a ruling that was not overturned until many years later. Subsequent editions of the book included new poems that are now considered Baudelaire's greatest works, making it a highly significant and influential piece of poetry from the nineteenth century.
Douglas Brinkley
The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America
"The Wilderness Warrior" by Douglas Brinkley is a groundbreaking biography that explores the life and accomplishments of Theodore Roosevelt, known as our "naturalist president." Brinkley delves into previously unpublished materials to highlight Roosevelt's efforts in preserving over 230 million acres of wild America between 1901 and 1909. Through his conservation initiatives, Roosevelt made protecting the American wilderness a priority, resulting in the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the passage of the Antiquities Act in 1906. His executive orders played a crucial role in saving iconic landmarks such as Devils Tower, the Grand Canyon, and the Petrified Forest.
Hunter S. Thompson
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson is a popular book that tells the wild and crazy story of a road trip filled with drugs and bizarre adventures. It is considered a classic in the genre of gonzo journalism and is known for capturing the essence of a truly unique and strange journey.
Hunter S. Thompson
The Rum Diary
The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson is a captivating love story set in 1950s San Juan, Puerto Rico. The protagonist, journalist Paul Kemp, becomes entangled in a world of corruption and dangerous desires when he falls for a seductive and enigmatic woman. This fast-paced and hilarious novel is a thrilling adventure that showcases Thompson's unique storytelling style, reminiscent of his famous Fear and Loathing books.
J.P. Donleavy
The Ginger Man
"The Ginger Man" by J.P. Donleavy is a captivating novel about Sebastian Dangerfield, an American law student in Dublin. Originally banned in the United States and Ireland, this debut novel is a charming and entertaining portrayal of an adventurous American abroad. Sebastian, eagerly awaiting his father's inheritance, finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of chasing women, dodging bill collectors, and avoiding the dreaded world of steady work.
Jack Kerouac
On the Road
On the Road by Jack Kerouac is a significant and celebrated novel in American literary history. Kerouac wrote the first draft of the novel in 1951, which was later published in 1957. To commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the novel, Viking will publish the original 1951 scroll in a standard book format. The scroll version is slightly longer and has a more vibrant language and explicit tone. It also uses the real names of Kerouac's friends instead of fictional ones. The book includes a critical introduction by Howard Cunnell, Joshua Kupetz, George Mouratidis, and Penny Vlagopoulos, which provides insight into the composition and publication history of On the Road and its historical context.
Jack Kerouac
Big Sur
Big Sur by Jack Kerouac is a deeply personal and introspective book that delves into the author's struggles with fame, alcoholism, and feeling disconnected from nature. Set in Big Sur and San Francisco, the story follows Kerouac's experiences at Lawrence Ferlinghetti's cabin and his interactions with friends like Neal Cassady, Gary Snyder, and Alan Watts. With raw honesty, Kerouac recounts a destructive period of heavy drinking and explores the psychological toll it takes on him. Big Sur showcases Kerouac's exceptional storytelling skills and concludes with a powerful and moving climax. This edition includes helpful annotations, a character key, and a detailed biographical timeline.
James Meek
The People’s Act of Love
"The People's Act of Love" by James Meek is set in 1919 Siberia. The story takes place in a town under military control, anxiously awaiting an attack from Bolsheviks. One night, a stranger named Samarin arrives and claims to have escaped from an Arctic prison, warning that a cannibal is pursuing him. Only Anna, a young widow, believes his tale. As the community becomes consumed by suspicion and fear after a local shaman is found dead, they realize they have their own dark secret to hide.
Mikhail Bulgakov
The Master and Margarita
"The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov is a captivating novel that has been enjoyed by readers worldwide since its publication in 1967. Set during Stalin's reign but suppressed in the Soviet Union for many years, this masterpiece by Bulgakov is a thought-provoking story about power, corruption, good and evil, and the strength of love. The Devil himself pays a visit to Soviet Moscow, accompanied by a witty talking cat named Behemoth. Chaos ensues as the lives of Margarita, a beautiful woman, and the Master, a troubled writer, become intertwined with the Devil's plans. This novel combines elements of fable, fantasy, political satire, and comedy to create an entertaining and unforgettable tale, often regarded as the greatest novel to come out of the Soviet Union.
Nick Tosches
In the Hand of Dante
"In the Hand of Dante" by Nick Tosches is a thrilling story that takes place in the Vatican library. A priest discovers a priceless art object, the manuscript of The Divine Comedy, written by Dante himself. The manuscript then travels from the priest to a mob boss in New York City, where a writer named Nick Tosches is asked to authenticate it. Unable to resist the temptation, Tosches steals the manuscript in a desperate attempt to have it all.
Tom Robbins
Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates
"Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates" by Tom Robbins is a captivating and unconventional tale about Switters, a man who defies expectations at every turn. Despite working for the government, he is an anarchist. He carries a gun despite being a pacifist, and he is a vegetarian who can't resist ham gravy. Switters is a complex character who is both obsessed with innocence and drawn to forbidden relationships. As we follow him across continents, we uncover the "true" Third Secret of Fatima and witness Robbins' masterful storytelling.
William Golding
Lord of the Flies
Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a book about a group of schoolboys who get stranded on an uninhabited island after their plane crashes during the start of a world war. Initially, they enjoy their newfound freedom and lack of adult supervision. However, as chaos ensues and strange noises fill the night, their sense of adventure turns into fear and the hope of being rescued seems distant.
