Taylor Swift by the Book The Literature Behind the Lyrics, from Fairy Tales to Tortured Poets

“Even the most obsessive Swiftie will discover new Easter eggs in these pages.” —Oprah Daily

Calling all Swifties, English majors, and anyone who has ever scribbled lyrics into the margins of a notebook. This one’s for you.

From a Robert Frost poem nestled into her debut album to the myth of Cassandra haunting The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift’s lyrics are a treasure trove of literary references. And this delightful guide, co-written by a literature professor and a musical theater artist, helps you catch every single one.

Wander through the Taylor Swift canon as it intersects with Shakespeare, the Brontë sisters, Daphne du Maurier, Emily Dickinson, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. You’ll discover:

• What “New Romantics” has to do with the old Romantics
• The Gothic monsters lurking inside Midnights
• Taylor’s many Great Gatsby references
• What Taylor and Emily Dickinson have in common
• Your new favorite tortured poet

Packed with fun facts, sharp analysis, and literary-themed playlists, Taylor Swift by the Book turns Swifties into Swift scholars. Full-color illustrations bring the literary eras of Dr. Swift (yes, she has an honorary PhD) to glorious life.

It’s the perfect gift for the Swiftie in your life, or a treat for yourself to linger over on a rainy afternoon. We can picture it now: a cup of tea, the sound of waves rolling into the cove, and a whole new way to hear your favorite songs.

Stop by the shop and grab a copy. You’ll never listen the same way again.

Additional information