Morgan Freeman names his five favourite books of all time: “Some of the best writers are women”

Morgan Freeman is undoubtedly among the most respected actors in the world. Revered for his performances in classic films such as Street Smart and relatively recent collaborations with directors like Christopher Nolan and David Fincher, Freeman’s work has inspired multiple generations of young artists. But, like all great and influential artists, he wasn’t immaculately created in a vision of creativity but trawled the oceans of influence just like anyone else.

Born in 1937, Freeman was involved in theatrical productions during his school years. However, he turned down the opportunity to study drama at university and chose to enter the Air Force instead. Eventually, he re-entered the world of acting and slowly established himself as one of the most talented figures in the industry. It’s a position he has stood strong in ever since, rarely losing his place at the top of the Hollywood mantel.

When such careers unfurl, it is difficult not to think of them as bright and shining towers of independent thought, built using only the bricks and mortar of the personality who created them. However, the truth is, like every human, these figures are built up of countless moments in time whereby music, movies, culture and literature shaped and inspired them.

During an interview with the New York Post, Freeman was asked to name some books that had a definitive impact on his life. The Bible was his first pick, revealing that Genesis was his favourite part of the religious book. The actor also included the classic Black Beauty as a significant work which broadened his imagination.

“It was the first book I read,” Freeman revealed. “I don’t recall if it was a librarian who [suggested it] or if I just stumbled on it, but the idea of reading a book – not a comic book – was part of it. This was in the ’40s, when all we had for entertainment was radio and the movies, so reading was a big deal”.

Freeman also considers Herman Melville’s seminal masterpiece Moby Dick among his all-time favourite books. He claimed that the book sparked his obsession with the nautical world. While talking about the work, Freeman commented: “This classic instilled an interest in sailing and began my lifelong love of the sea”. The book would stoke a fire in Freeman that would see him cast his own line into the ocean of culture, hoping to catch himself a big fish or two.

Alongside these esteemed classics, Freeman included Barbara Kingsolver’s 1998 best-selling book, The Poisonwood Bible. A fascinating allegory about religion and colonialism, it follows an American missionary family and their journey to a village in Congo.

After citing Kingsolver’s acclaimed work, Freeman pointed out that many female literary figures do not get due recognition. He said: “Some of the best writers are women writers – Barbara Kingsolver, Joyce Carol Oates. They just don’t get enough play”. Reading these five books may not guarantee you a career like Morgan Freeman’s. However, it will give you a real insight into the man behind that impressive resume and filmography.

Morgan Freeman’s favourite books:

• The Bible
• Black Beauty – Anna Sewell
• At Play in the Fields of the Lord – Peter Matthiessen
• Moby Dick – Herman Melville
• The Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver

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