Why Bob Dylan Matters
Why Bob Dylan Matters by Richard F. Thomas, published by HarperCollins on October 9, 2018, is a reprint edition comprising 368 pages. This book addresses the significance of Bob Dylan, particularly in light of his Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016, which sparked widespread debate about the intersection of music and literature. Richard F. Thomas, a Harvard professor and expert in Classical poetry, explores the cultural and academic implications of Dylan’s work, positioning him within the broader context of literary history.
In this insightful volume, Thomas distills the essence of his popular course on Bob Dylan, often referred to as “Dylan 101.” He presents a thoughtful examination of Dylan’s lyrics, arguing for their place alongside classical poetry. The book invites readers to consider what constitutes a classic and highlights the modern relevance of Dylan’s contributions to music and culture. Through a blend of personal reflection and scholarly analysis, Why Bob Dylan Matters offers a comprehensive look at the artist’s impact, appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans of Dylan’s work.
Official synopsis Publisher
“The coolest class on campus” – The New York Times
When the Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Bob Dylan in 2016, a debate raged. Some celebrated, while many others questioned the choice. How could the world’s most prestigious book prize be awarded to a famously cantankerous singer-songwriter who wouldn’t even deign to attend the medal ceremony?
In Why Bob Dylan Matters, Harvard Professor Richard F. Thomas answers this question with magisterial erudition. A world expert on Classical poetry, Thomas was initially ridiculed by his colleagues for teaching a course on Bob Dylan alongside his traditional seminars on Homer, Virgil, and Ovid. Dylan’s Nobel Prize brought him vindication, and he immediately found himself thrust into the spotlight as a leading academic voice in all matters Dylanological. Today, through his wildly popular Dylan seminar—affectionately dubbed “Dylan 101″—Thomas is introducing a new generation of fans and scholars to the revered bard’s work.
This witty, personal volume is a distillation of Thomas’s famous course, and makes a compelling case for moving Dylan out of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and into the pantheon of Classical poets. Asking us to reflect on the question, “What makes a classic?”, Thomas offers an eloquent argument for Dylan’s modern relevance, while interpreting and decoding Dylan’s lyrics for readers. The most original and compelling volume on Dylan in decades, Why Bob Dylan Matters will illuminate Dylan’s work for the Dylan neophyte and the seasoned fanatic alike. You’ll never think about Bob Dylan in the same way again.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Why Bob Dylan Matters” about?
Who is the author of “Why Bob Dylan Matters”?
When was “Why Bob Dylan Matters” published?
What is the ISBN for “Why Bob Dylan Matters”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
