David Lynch Reading List
- September Herrin
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
As a fan of the late David Lynch, I’ve been finding more and more creative ways to mourn the auteur’s death earlier this year. Beyond drinking copious amounts of coffee and rewatching his films, I’ve recently been delighted to peek into the mind of the visionary who has informed much of my appreciation for surrealism and experimental art. How better to understand the workings of a great artist than to feed my own brain with the same stuff?
Earlier this summer, over 450 items from David Lynch’s personal collection were sold in partnership with Turner Classic Movies. Myriad memorabilia and personal effects comprise Lynch’s collection: film and photography equipment, music gear, furniture, band saws, taxidermy deer heads, dozens of props and collectibles from his films.
Following this auction was wild to say the least. Lynch’s director’s chair went to the highest bidder at a whopping $70,000. A variety of scripts fetched six figures each. One of his Mr. Coffee coffeemakers garnered $4500.
The list of items in the auction was mind-boggling. To peruse them feels voyeuristic and healing at once, as getting a glimpse into the interests and obsessions of a great artist I admire is truly a gift. Although I couldn’t dream of competing to purchase the items on auction—which, by the way, brought in an impressive $4.25 million for the David Lynch Estate—I can use this public display to peer into the late auteur’s mind.
Included in the auction were sixty-four lots of books. These lots were organized by topics such as art, photography, film, erotica, meditation, and—our favorite—literature. I’ve sifted through the hundreds of titles so you don’t have to. Below you’ll find my curated reading list from David Lynch’s personal library. This is not exhaustive, as I’ve included strictly fiction. Many of these books bear a "Studio David Lynch" stamp, a sure treat for the winning bidders. This selection of books brought in over $10,000, but you don’t need deep pockets to experience their value.
Check out some of these titles from your local library or purchase them from an indie bookstore near you. I’ll be doing the same!
Consumed David Cronenberg
This 2014 debut thriller from the famed filmmaker and pioneer of body horror has received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Rumor has it Cronenberg is currently adapting the novel for film.
This collection is likely on the shelves of many of our readers, as it should be. Kafka sets a high bar for the allegorical and grotesque. For a glimpse into a truly brilliant and soberly disturbing mind, I highly recommend this nearly comprehensive collection.
The Crying Of Lot 49 Thomas Pynchon
I picked up a beat-up paperback of Pynchon’s oft-touted ‘most accessible’ novel a few years ago, and I read from it often for both inspiration and frustration. I was delighted, and not at all surprised, to see this one in Lynch’s library. I like to imagine Lynch and Pynchon discussing the novel over coffee and cigarettes, or other romanticized happening. Regardless, this book’s weird af, so read it.
The national epic of Finland, the Kalevala is a highly significant work of Finnish and Karelian folklore. Its stories helped define the Finnish national identity and have informed great works from across the globe. Tolkien’s middle-earth mythology is said to be directly influenced by tales from the Kalevala.
The Up-Down Barry Gifford
I’ll admit, I was unfamiliar with Barry Gifford before perusing Lynch’s library. Described as a novel of “violence, love, and introspection” The Up-Down sounds like a good introduction. Lynch was clearly a fan as he owned much of Gifford’s works and even supplied the publisher with this bit of praise:
“The Up-Down is so beautifully written. It's Barry Gifford poetry. It's right next door to perfection.” – David Lynch
To view more of Lynch’s library and the dizzying assortment of items from his personal collection, check out the Julien’s auction page while it’s still on display.
