Since the mid-1980s Richard Sexton has been a committed author of photographically illustrated books. His approach is descended from the tradition of the photo essay as embodied by the major picture magazines of the mid-20th century. He is the author or co-author/photographer of the following titles:

Terra Incognita: Photographs of America's Third Coast (2007)

Rosemary Beach (2007)

Gardens of New Orleans: Exquisite Excess (2000)

Vestiges of Grandeur: The Plantations of Louisiana's River Road (1999)

Parallel Utopias: The Quest for Community (1995)

New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence (1993)

In the Victorian Style (1991)

The Cottage Book (1989)

American Style: Classic Product Design from Airstream to Zippo (1987)