The books of Taylor Swift are a fascinating intersection of her own creative mind and the literary world. Beyond the numerous biographies, fan books, and song anthologies written about her, there’s a rich landscape of literature that has directly and indirectly shaped her artistry. From classic novels referenced in her lyrics to modern works she’s publicly recommended, these books offer a new way to understand her narrative songwriting and the themes that permeate her music. By exploring these literary connections, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the layers of meaning embedded in her discography.
The Literary Books That Inspired Taylor Swift’s Songs
Taylor Swift’s songwriting is renowned for its storytelling, often drawing from real-life experiences but also from a diverse range of literary sources. She seamlessly weaves these influences into her work, creating lyrical “Easter eggs” for her most observant fans.
Classic Novels and Plays:
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: This is perhaps her most famous literary reference, serving as the entire premise for her early hit “Love Story.” While she subverts the tragic ending, the core themes of forbidden love and youthful defiance remain.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Swift has referenced Fitzgerald’s masterpiece multiple times, from the direct mention in “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” to the more subtle allusions to Daisy Buchanan and the symbolic green light in “happiness” and “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: Fans have noted strong parallels between the novel’s themes of a tightly-wound “invisible string” of fate and the lyrics of her song “invisible string” from the album folklore. The novel’s portrayal of a “mad woman” has also been linked to her song of the same name.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: Swift has confirmed she was inspired by this Gothic novel, which led to the creation of the song “tolerate it.” The themes of a woman trying to win over a man who is merely tolerating her are a direct echo of the book’s central conflict.
Modern Books and Poems:
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: Swift loved this novel so much that she wrote and performed an original song, “Carolina,” for its film adaptation. The themes of a lonely, misunderstood young woman in the wilderness clearly resonated with her.
Normal People by Sally Rooney: Swift has mentioned being a fan of Sally Rooney’s work, appreciating the raw, authentic way she writes about human relationships. The psychological depth of Rooney’s characters aligns with Swift’s own lyrical focus on complex emotions and internal monologues.
The works of Emily Dickinson and Dylan Thomas: Swift’s album The Tortured Poets Department is a veritable literary treasure trove, with direct references to these poets. The album’s title and themes of emotional turmoil and artistic identity are heavily influenced by the “tortured poet” archetype, a persona often associated with writers like Dickinson and Thomas.
Books Written About Taylor Swift
The immense popularity and cultural impact of Taylor Swift have given rise to a vast collection of books dedicated to her life, career, and influence. These range from biographical accounts to fan-focused collections and scholarly analyses of her work.
Biographies and Scholarly Works:
Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs by Annie Zaleski: This book provides a detailed look at the creation and meaning behind her extensive discography, offering fans a deep dive into her creative process.
Taylor Swift by the Book: The Literature Behind the Lyrics, from Fairy Tales to Tortured Poets by Rachel Feder and Tiffany Tatreau: A recent and highly relevant publication (as of 2025), this book meticulously connects each of Swift’s “eras” to a corresponding literary era, from the “fairy tale” of Fearless to the “post-modernist” themes of The Tortured Poets Department.
Fan Guides and Activity Books:
Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography: A popular children’s book that introduces young readers to her life and career in an accessible, illustrated format.
The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book: This highly sought-after publication serves as both a tour souvenir and a comprehensive guide to the spectacle of her record-breaking tour.
How to Explore the Books of Taylor Swift
For fans looking to dive deeper into Swift’s literary world, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Start with the Source Material: Begin by reading a book she’s directly referenced in a song, such as The Great Gatsby or Rebecca. This provides the most direct connection to her work.
Follow Her Recommendations: Look for interviews or social media posts where she mentions a book she’s currently reading. This offers insight into her current interests and potential future influences.
Read the Scholarly Analyses: Books like Taylor Swift by the Book offer an academic perspective on her artistry, providing context for the literary allusions you may have missed.
Connect with the Community: Join online forums or book clubs dedicated to Swift’s literary influences. Sharing insights and theories with fellow “Swifties” can uncover new layers of meaning and appreciation.
FAQs
Has Taylor Swift ever written a book herself?
As of late 2025, Taylor Swift has not written a full-length novel or memoir. She has, however, written and published the lyrics to her songs and the forewords to some of her fan-related books.
Which book inspired the song “cardigan”?
While there is no single book that inspired “cardigan,” fans have theorized that the song’s themes of a young love and a forgotten, vulnerable protagonist could be linked to J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, specifically the character of Wendy.
Are there any books about Taylor Swift’s poetry?
Yes, books like Taylor Swift by the Book and other scholarly works analyze her lyrics as poetry, dissecting her use of literary devices and allusions. She has also categorized her own songwriting styles into “Quill,” “Fountain Pen,” and “Glitter Gel Pen” in an official capacity, highlighting her poetic approach.
What is the most popular book about Taylor Swift?
The official tour book for The Eras Tour is extremely popular, and biographies like Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography and The Stories Behind the Songs are also fan favorites, often making bestseller lists.
What are the recent trends in books about Taylor Swift as of 2025?
Recent trends include a focus on her album The Tortured Poets Department and its literary influences, as well as a rise in academic and scholarly books that analyze her work through a literary lens. There is also a continued demand for biographies that cover her record-breaking tours and recent career milestones.
Final Thoughts
The books of Taylor Swift are a testament to her depth as a writer and her profound engagement with literature. They are not merely an afterthought but a central part of her artistic identity. By exploring the novels, poems, and biographies that have shaped her, fans can move beyond a surface-level appreciation of her music and into a more meaningful understanding of her storytelling. The conversation around her literary influences will only continue to grow, proving that her legacy is as much about the written word as it is about the melodies.
To read more, Click here
