Nine classic books mentioned in Seinfeld episodes

For a show that was promoted as being about nothing, the sitcom Seinfeld I’m sure he touched on a lot of different topics. The best-known themes involved relationship problems, problems with co-workers, and learning to live in peace among the many eccentric citizens of New York City.

One of the often overlooked features of the show was its literary emphasis, a rare component in most modern sitcoms. The main character was a comedian, and was occasionally shown at his table trying to write new material.

Her friend and ex-lover Elaine (played by Julia Louis Dreyfuss) works for a publishing company, where her main job is reading manuscripts. Her father was also involved in the world of books, having authored several works.

In addition to the literary ties implied by their various occupations, the characters often directly mention or allude to famous books. Here are nine of those titles and the episodes they’re referenced in.

Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

This controversial novel mentioned in the episode “The Library” was the one that Jerry thought caused a visit from the book cop, Mr. Bookman, who was investigating about a novel Seinfeld had read when he was in high school.

Tropic of Capricorn by Henry Miller

At the end of “The Library”, an old girlfriend reveals that it was this novel by the same author that Jerry had borrowed, and the book is shown among the possessions of his former, but now homeless, PE teacher.

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

The 1994 episode “The Marine Biologist” is memorable for George (played by Jason Alexander) pretending to be in that profession, but Elaine gets in trouble with her employers when she claims this Russian classic was originally titled War, what is it good for?

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote

After joining a book club in the 1994 episode “The Couch,” George finds he can’t get by with this American classic. He ends up inviting himself to see the play with the family that had rented the only print of the film.

French Impressionists

So literary was the sitcom that it not only used the library as its title, but in 1998 also named another one “The Bookstore.” George takes this book into the bathroom, but the store forces him to buy it and prevents him from selling it or even giving it away.

Falconer by John Cheever

Susan’s father is accused of having an affair with the American author in a 1992 episode called “The Cheever Letters” after Kramer found some love letters between the two men. This book is the only work directly mentioned in the show, although the writers could have chosen from a large number in Cheever’s anthology.

The Great Game by Daniel O’Brien

In a 1992 episode called “The Limo”, George and Jerry pretend to be this author and his friend, even though neither had heard of the book that was the focus of the discussion on the limo ride.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

This classic novel about children stranded on a secluded island is mentioned in the 1991 episode with the aptly titled “The Library.”

Cape Fear by John D. McDonald

Elaine mentions this title in the 1991 episode “The Red Dot”, shortly before discovering the small crimson mark on the sweater George had given her.