Craig Ferguson books

Craig Ferguson is a Scottish-American comedian, television host, and author who hosted The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson from 2005 to 2014, and wrote the satirical novel Between the Bridge and the River and two memoirs, American on Purpose and Riding the Elephant.

Anthologies

Title Published Buy on Amazon
In Sunlight or In Shadow 2016 Buy
Alive in Shape and Color 2017 Buy

Non-Fiction

Title Published Buy on Amazon
American on Purpose 2009 Buy
Riding the Elephant 2019 Buy

Standalone Novels

Title Published Buy on Amazon
Between the Bridge and the River 2006 Buy

Craig Ferguson was born in Cumbernauld, Scotland, and built his career through stand-up, the sitcom The Drew Carey Show, and eventually a decade hosting The Late Late Show on CBS. His television persona — quick, self-deprecating, willing to go anywhere in a conversation — is present in his writing as well, particularly the memoirs.

American on Purpose (2009) is the more revealing of the two memoirs, covering his alcoholism and the long path to sobriety, his immigration to the United States, and the process of becoming a citizen. It is direct about difficulty in a way that surprised readers who knew Ferguson mainly as a comic performer. Riding the Elephant (2019) is looser and more retrospective, written after leaving late-night television and looking back at a career full of self-invention.

Between the Bridge and the River (2006) is a different kind of book: a satirical novel featuring two Scottish friends whose road trip through America intersects with figures from history and celebrity. It is funnier and stranger than the memoirs, and sits on its own as Ferguson’s only venture into fiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has Craig Ferguson written?

Craig Ferguson has written five books across three series.

What was Craig Ferguson's first book?

Craig Ferguson’s first book is Between the Bridge and the River, published in 2006.

What is Craig Ferguson best known for as an author?

Ferguson is primarily known as a comedian and television personality, but his two memoirs found a wide readership. American on Purpose (2009) covers his journey from working-class Scotland through alcoholism, recovery, and eventual American citizenship. Riding the Elephant (2019), written after leaving The Late Late Show, takes a more reflective tone. Between the Bridge and the River (2006) is a satirical novel and his only fiction, featuring a road trip narrative with historical and celebrity characters woven in.

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