This is a list of books and publications related to the
hippie subculture. It includes books written at the time about the
counterculture of the 1960s and early 1970s, books that influenced the culture, and books published after its heyday that document or analyze the culture and period. The list includes both nonfiction and fictional works, with the fictional works including novels about the period. Each work is notable for its relation to the culture, in addition to any other notability it has.
Walden by
Henry David Thoreau, 1854. Promoted the idea of simple living and self-sufficiency, emphasizing the importance of being in touch with nature and rejecting materialism. The book's message of individualism, non-conformity, and living in harmony with nature inspired many members of the hippie movement to reject mainstream values and embrace a more sustainable, back-to-the-land lifestyle.[1]
Demian by
Hermann Hesse, 1919. Explored themes of self-discovery, spirituality, and the rejection of societal norms and conventions. The book's journey of self-realization and its rejection of traditional values inspired a countercultural movement that emphasized individuality and spiritual growth, resonating with many members of the hippie generation.[2]
Siddhartha by
Herman Hesse, 1922. Explored the journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment, inspiring a countercultural movement focused on rejecting materialism and embracing Eastern philosophy, mindfulness, and alternative lifestyles.[3]
Steppenwolf, by Hermann Hesse, 1927, another cult novel.
On the Road by
Jack Kerouac, 1957. Promoted a spirit of adventure, freedom, and non-conformity, as well as celebrating the Beat generation's rejection of mainstream values and embrace of jazz, drugs, and alternative lifestyles. The book's depiction of a cross-country journey and the search for meaning and purpose resonated with many members of the hippie generation and inspired a sense of wanderlust and liberation.[7][8][9]
Naked Lunch by
William S. Burroughs, 1959. Pushed the boundaries of traditional literary norms and conventions, challenging societal norms and values, and exploring themes of counterculture, drug use, sexuality, and the nature of reality, inspiring a non-conformist and rebellious spirit among the hippie movement.[11]
A Clockwork Orange by
Anthony Burgess, 1962. Explored themes of free will, morality, and the nature of good and evil, as well as commenting on the state of society and government control. The book's ultra-violent, futuristic setting and its depiction of youthful rebellion inspired a spirit of resistance and individualism among the hippie generation.[12]
Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me by
Richard Fariña, 1966. An autobiographical novel by
Richard Fariña about the early sixties and the transition from
beatniks to
hippies. Depicts a countercultural lifestyle that was filled with experimentation, non-conformity, and a rejection of societal norms, inspiring a sense of freedom and individuality among the hippie movement. The book also tackled themes of youth rebellion, education, and the search for meaning and purpose, resonating with many members of the hippie generation.[13]
The Left Hand of Darkness by
Ursula K. Le Guin, 1969. Challenged traditional gender roles and norms, promoting gender fluidity and sexual liberation, and encouraging a new understanding of individuality and societal expectations.[14]
The Doors of Perception by
Aldous Huxley, 1954. Encouraged the exploration of spirituality, consciousness, and psychoactive drug use, fostering a new perspective on the human mind and its potential.[16]
Drumming at the Edge of Magic: A Journey into the Spirit of Percussion, by
Mickey Hart, 1990.
The McDonaldization of Society, by
George Ritzer, 1993. An excellent sociological analysis of how modern society is sacrificing quality and diversity for convenience and standardization.[17]