Graeme Gibson (1934–2019) was one of Canada’s most respected literary figures — not only as the lifelong partner of Margaret Atwood, but as a celebrated novelist, non-fiction writer, and passionate environmental advocate. His elegant prose, deep ecological awareness, and sharp observations of human (and avian) behavior have earned him a devoted readership.
Whether you’re discovering Gibson for the first time or you’re a longtime admirer looking to read (or re-read) his works chronologically, this complete Graeme Gibson books-in-order guide has you covered.
List Of Graeme Gibson Books in Order by Year
List of Graeme Gibson Books in Order by Year offers a complete timeline of his celebrated works. Discover publication years, reading sequence, and insights into his influential novels and non-fiction. Perfect for literature lovers wanting to explore Gibson’s writing journey, this guide helps you start with the right book and appreciate his contributions to Canadian literature.
| # | Year | Title | Type/Genre | Series/Standalone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1969 | Five Legs | Experimental Novel | Standalone | Debut novel, Canadian postmodern classic |
| 2 | 1971 | Communion | Experimental Novel | Standalone (loose companion to Five Legs) | |
| 3 | 1973 | Eleven Canadian Novelists | Non-fiction / Literary Interviews | Standalone | Interviews with Atwood, Munro, Richler, etc. |
| 4 | 1982 | Perpetual Motion | Historical Novel | Standalone | Governor General’s Award shortlist |
| 5 | 1993 | Gentleman Death | Literary Fiction | Standalone | Widely considered his finest novel |
| 6 | 2005 | The Bedside Book of Birds | Anthology / Nature Writing | Bedside Book #1 | International bestseller |
| 7 | 2009 | The Bedside Book of Beasts | Anthology / Nature Writing | Bedside Book #2 | Companion to Birds |
| 8 | 2021 | The Graeme Gibson Reader | Essays, Speeches, Excerpts | Standalone (posthumous) | Edited by Margaret Atwood & others |
Graeme Gibson Books in Publication Order
1. Five Legs (1969)
Gibson’s groundbreaking debut novel and a landmark of Canadian postmodernism. Told through fragmented perspectives, it follows two university professors and their students in a surreal, darkly comic exploration of identity and power. → Often cited alongside works by Leonard Cohen and Hubert Aquin.
2. Communion (1971)
A bolder experimental follow-up to Five Legs. The novel dives into themes of illness, mortality, and metamorphosis, with a protagonist who believes he’s turning into an animal. → Considered by many critics to be Gibson’s most daring literary work.
3. Perpetual Motion (1982)
A historical novel set in 19th-century Ontario. It follows the obsessive quest of Robert Fraser to build a “perpetual motion” machine — a rich, tragicomic portrait of ambition, madness, and the Canadian frontier. → Shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award.
4. Gentleman Death (1993)
Gibson’s most autobiographical novel. A successful writer in mid-life grapples with his father’s death, his own mortality, and the seductive pull of fame. Lyrical, introspective, and deeply moving. → Widely regarded as his masterpiece of fiction.
5. The Bedside Book of Birds (2005)
A gorgeous anthology blending literature, mythology, art, and natural history — all centered on birds. Features writings from Homer to Emily Dickinson, paired with stunning illustrations. → A surprise international bestseller and a love letter to the avian world.
6. The Bedside Book of Beasts (2009)
The companion volume to Birds. This time Gibson explores humanity’s complex relationship with predators — from lions and wolves to sharks and dragons — through stories, poems, and artwork. → Another beautiful gift book that doubles as profound nature writing.
Non-Fiction & Other Notable Works
- Eleven Canadian Novelists (1973) – Interviews with Alice Munro, Margaret Atwood, Mordecai Richler, and others. A snapshot of Canadian literature in the 1970s.
- To See Our World Anew (1982) – Editor; environmental essays.
- The Graeme Gibson Reader (2021) – Posthumous collection of essays, speeches, and excerpts curated by Margaret Atwood and others.
Recommended Reading Orders
For first-time readers:
- Perpetual Motion (most accessible novel)
- Gentleman Death (his most emotionally resonant)
- The Bedside Book of Birds (perfect entry into his non-fiction)
- Five Legs or Communion (if you love experimental fiction)
Chronological order (publication):
- Five Legs (1969)
- Communion (1971)
- Perpetual Motion (1982)
- Gentleman Death (1993)
- The Bedside Book of Birds (2005)
- The Bedside Book of Beasts (2009)
Themed order (nature lovers):
- The Bedside Book of Birds
- The Bedside Book of Beasts
- Perpetual Motion (early industrial impact on nature)
- Gentleman Death (personal reflection and mortality)
Where to Buy Graeme Gibson Books Today
Most of Gibson titles are available in handsome paperback editions from House of Anansi Press (his longtime Canadian publisher). The Bedside books are widely available in beautiful hardcover editions perfect for gifting.
Used bookstores often have vintage copies of Five Legs and Communion — treasures for collectors.
Final Thoughts
Graeme Gibson’s body of work is smaller than some Canadian giants, but every book is meticulously crafted and deeply felt. His fiction explores the fragility of the self; his nature anthologies remind us of our ancient, ongoing conversation with the wild.
Whether you’re drawn to literary experimentation, historical fiction, or the poetry of the natural world, there’s a Graeme Gibson book waiting to surprise and move you.
Happy reading — and keep an eye on the sky; Gibson taught us that birds have stories too. 🐦
Which Graeme Gibson book are you planning to read first? Let me know in the comments!
