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Jonathan Livingston Seagull: A story [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Richard Bach , Russell Munson
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (154 customer reviews)
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Book Description

4 Aug 2003

Jonathan Livingston Seagull, the most celebrated inspirational fable of our time, tells the story of a bird determined to be more than ordinary. This bestselling modern classic, reissued with a beautiful new cover design, is a story for people who want to follow their dreams and make their own rules and has inspired people for decades.

‘Most gulls don’t bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight – how to get from shore to food and back again,’ writes author Richard Bach in this allegory about a unique bird named Jonathan Livingston Seagull. ‘For most gulls it is not flying that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight.’ Flight is indeed the metaphor that makes this story soar.

This bestselling modern classic is a fable about seeking a higher purpose in life, even if your flock, tribe or neighbourhood finds your ambition threatening (at one point our beloved gull is even banished from his flock). By not compromising his higher vision, Jonathan learns the meaning of love and kindness and gets the ultimate payoff – transcendence.

The dreamy illustrations by Russell Munson provide just the right illustrations for this spirituality classic that has inspired thousands of readers to follow their own path in life and so fulfill their true potential.


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Product details

  • Paperback: 96 pages
  • Publisher: Element; Illustrated edition (Reissue) edition (4 Aug 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0006490344
  • ISBN-13: 978-0006490340
  • Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 17 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (154 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,331 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Amazon Review

"Most gulls don't bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight--how to get from shore to food and back again," writes author Richard Bach, in this allegory about a unique bird named Jonathan Livingston Seagull. "For most gulls it is not flying that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight." Flight is indeed the metaphor that makes the story soar. Ultimately this is a fable about the importance of seeking a higher purpose in life, even if your flock, tribe or neighbourhood finds your ambition threatening. (At one point our beloved gull is even banished from his flock.) By not compromising his higher vision, Jonathan gets the ultimate pay-off: transcendence. Ultimately, he learns the meaning of love and kindness. The dreamy seagull photographs by Russell Munson provide just the right illustrations--although the overall packaging does seem a bit dated (keep in mind that it was first published in 1970). Nonetheless, this is a spirituality classic and an especially engaging parable for adolescents. --Gail Hudson

Review

‘Richard Bach with this book does two things.
He gives me Flight.
He makes me Young.
For both I am deeply grateful.’
RAY BRADBURY


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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. Terence Jones VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
The reason i bought this book was because a famous bodybuilder called Tom Platz who was very succesfull in the late 70's through to the early 90's menetioned it. In a 1980 interview on Arnold's Total Rebuild video he considered bodybuilding to be philosophical and mentioned this book as an influence.

He said "The seagull wanted to do something artistic and out of the ordinary compared to the everyday things that he was supposed to do"

I thought that if it could innfluence an athlete such as him then it would be good for me.

I was right.

Don't get me wrong there are probably more indepth philosophy books and better fable stories but the former are more likely to be "Americanised" using lots of buzz words and phrases with feel good meanings.

The beauty of this book is in it's simplicity - a story of a seagull wanting to do something different and WHY. It's written by a British writer. It isn't very long (about 30 of the 87 pages are photos of seagulls)

THAT IS NOT THE POINT. IT'S THE MESSAGE THE BOOK HAS.

It'll only take an hour to read but it's message may last a lifetime
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35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars superlative, uplifting, genre defining 20 April 2000
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Absolutely superb work by Bach. Extremely short novel, an easy afternoon read. Despite its length it is immensely powerful and has had a deep impact on all the people I know who have read it.

Oh, and it doesn't matter if it doesn't look like it's the kind of thing you would normally read (basically, whatever you normally read, this isn't like it); it seems to have the same effect on everyone, regardless of taste.

I would urge anyone who has a grasp of the English language to read this book.

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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A review for my father 18 May 2001
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
My father gave me this book to read when i was just 15. He inscribed the front with "Fly Free and Be Happy". I know JLS had an amazing effect on me and him both, I just hope younger people are able to see past the obscure to the true meaning of the tale. Now my father is flying free and I hope he is happy and at his funeral pages 46 - 47 were read for him - a fitting tribute I think.
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57 of 62 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Twenty four copies later ... 21 Nov 1999
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I have just ordered my twenty-fourth copy of this book! Having read it so many times over 15 years, I have worn out most copies - the rest I have bought for other people. It was the book that changed my life. Whenever circumstances in my life have led me to ponder life itself, this book has been my 'bible' of inspiration. Sometimes it will inspire, sometimes it will make you cry - releasing the grief and stress of your life. Whatever it does to you, one day this book will hit you between the eyes. You might read it at the wrong time of your life and it may mean nothing, but I guarantee that one day, this book will make sense and change your total outlook on life forever. After that, it's just good to re-read to top-up with the positive vibes. Read, absorb and move forward. Re-read, rise higher and fly free.
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43 of 47 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Self development - a Seagull's perspective! 8 Jun 2010
Format:Paperback
This is a timeless fictional story about a non-conforming seagull named Jonathan Livingston Seagull. It is an unusual little book as it is a story from a seagull's point of view.

The book was written by Richard Bach (b. 1936). A former US Air Force pilot, many of his books contain flight references. The book is very short - about 100 pages - many of which comprise photographs of gulls. It caused quite a stir when it was first published in 1970. This best seller is a classic and is still on many schools' reading lists.

The story is about Jonathan's passion to fly like no other seagull against all odds. He is different from other gulls who exist merely to eat and survive. He wants to learn to fly higher and faster than anyone else. He constantly improves by teaching himself new techniques. Each time he `fails' he moves to a higher level of awareness.

He eventually reaches a plane where he finds many gulls with the same mindset. He is encouraged and motivated to continue to excel and ultimately learns to fly beyond his wildest expectations. His self development and personal growth keep him focused on his search for a higher purpose, and through persistence and perseverance he finally achieves his goal.

As his reputation builds so does a `following' but he remains humble, speaking of simple things, such as "the right for a gull to fly" and "freedom." His followers consider him "special and gifted and divine, above all other birds." He explains to them that they all are. There are some great phrases like:

"The gull who sees farthest who flies highest".
"Everything that limits us we have to put aside".
"You need to keep finding yourself, a little more each day...".
"...
... Read more ›
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply profound. A must read for anyone. 25 Aug 1999
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Richard Bach manages to touch on a subject that is typically dealt with in a very heavy handed way. He manages to send a profound message in a thoroughly insightful way. How can so much wisdom be condensed into so few words?
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22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful flight to understanding 28 Oct 2002
By Mr. R. N. Lock VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
This book is a wonderful experience and one I will never forget. I loved this book so much and everytime I re-read it, another jewel of wisdom presents itself to me. From a simple story of a seagull, Richard Bach has produced a masterpiece. My last words are fly with Jonathon and you will see more clearly beyond your horizon. Brilliant !
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars What a beautiful book
This is a soul searching and beautiful book. I give this to every social work student I train providing they are good and I am certain they will go out there and make the world a... Read more
Published 3 days ago by Zanybabe04
5.0 out of 5 stars Anything is possible..
What a truly inspiration little book! I had no idea the impact a seagull named Jonathan could have on me. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Kate S
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring!
After being recommended this book several times, I decided to buy it and it is one of my best investments. The story of the seagul is a true inspiration for anyone who reads. Read more
Published 12 days ago by 786bukhari
5.0 out of 5 stars Jonathan is a lifelong winner
I am continuously buying this important booklet and rereading it, and delivering it as a present to work collegues, friends, neigghbours, and family. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Stein Smaaland
5.0 out of 5 stars Interested? READ IT!
What to say. One of the books you really enjoy. Inspires and gives a wider perspective. Great for kids and adulys alike !!!
Published 1 month ago by 00lorenz
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
I read a it a very long time ago and I read it now and again when I feel for it. It is my favorite book so I have bought some copies to to use as gifts to special friends.
Published 1 month ago by Per ÿke Grelsson
4.0 out of 5 stars Kindle
Bought this on recommendation of hairdresser! Unfortunately it does not make me like seagulls more than before. The story is good though.
Published 1 month ago by Elizabeth L. Berry
4.0 out of 5 stars Awww...
Life affirming philosophy from a bloke from the mid-west, told through the eyes of a seagull. Not what I'd have down as my first choice of book, but I enjoyed it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by A. Jolliffe
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect holiday companion
Book arrived in 1st class condition + ideal to take on my hand luggage only holiday as such a compact size. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Partigirl
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
I'd heard about the Jonathan Livingston Seagull story for a long time, and there have always been people that raved about it. So, I recently decided to buy it. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Roger
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