Among his other accomplishments, Alan Watts (1915-1973) was foremost a master of communications. During his lifetime he wrote more than twenty books on philosophy, psychology of religion, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Zen. Many posthumous collections of his work have also been published. His radio programs and recorded lectures continue to be popular to this day. Since Alan Watts lived and worked on the ferryboat Vallejo in Sausalito in the sixties, his name is usually linked with Sausalito’s sixties counterculture and the artist Jean Varda.

Alan Watts Lectures on CD

The Sausalito Public Library has a large collection of Alan Watts lectures on CD available to check out.

Within the spoken word arena, Alan Watts lectured to a specific audience. Large collegiate audiences amused Alan Watts, and in that context, he described himself as a "philosophical entertainer." In contrast, the Alan Watts seminars were weekend events occurring at someone’s home or studio, usually with 20 or 30 students in attendance.

Complete List of Alan Watts Lectures on CD

Books by Alan Watts

The Sausalito Library owns many works written by or about Alan Watts, published during and after his lifetime, including LPs, CDs, and ephemera. Thanks to a generous grant from the Friends of Sausalito Library, our Alan Watts collection is growing! Check back periodically to see what's new. Some of the items in our collection are rare or fragile and thus are deemed "library use only." You may request these items at the circulation desk.

Browse the Alan Watts Collection 

Alan Watts E-Books, E-Audiobooks, and E-Videos

A number of works by Alan Watts are available within the Library's e-book, e-audiobook, and downloadable video collections. A MARINet library card and PIN are necessary to log into the collections. Video collections are available to Sausalito residents only. Please call 289-4123 for assistance -- or send email to jjackson@sausalito.gov.

Alan Watts E-Books
Alan Watts E-Audiobooks
Alan Watts on Hoopla

Alan Watts Resources on the Web

Alan Watts Org An authoritative source of downloads and streaming lecture series.