Description
Book SynopsisBoth Dylan and Cohen have been a presence on the music and poetry landscape spanning six decades. This book begins with a discussion of their contemporary importance, and how they have sustained their enduring appeal as performers and recording artists. The authors argue that both Dylan and Cohen shared early aspirations that mirrored the Beat Generation. They sought to achieve the fame of Dylan Thomas, who proved a bohemian poet could thrive outside the academy, and to live his life of unconditional social irresponsibility. While Dylan's and Cohen's fame fluctuated over the decades, it was sustained by self-consciously adopted personas used to distance themselves from their public selves. This separation of self requires an exploration of the artists' relation to religion as an avenue to find and preserve inner identity. The relationship between their lyrics and poetry is explored in the context of Federico García Lorca's concept of the poetry of inspiration and the emotional depths o
Trade ReviewA] volume full of information and thought-provoking insight and ideas ... It is a very worthwhile read. * Americana UK *
RouteNote's "Top 10 new music books in 2021 – so far" * RouteNote *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Dying to Get Back Home 2. The Road Back 3. Redemption Men 4. Starting Out: Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, The Beat Generation and Dylan Thomas 5. The Masked Crusader: Bob Dylan 6. The Lone Ranger: Leonard Cohen 7. Poetry and Song 8. The Spirit of Duende 9. Mine’ve Been Like Verlaine’s and Rimbaud
Conclusion Acknowledgments Index
