Synopses & Reviews
The ultimate collection for every Bob Dylan fan: A beautiful, comprehensive volume of Dylan’s lyrics, from the beginning of his career through the present day.
As it was well put by Al Kooper (the man behind the organ on “Like a Rolling Stone”), “Bob is the equivalent of William Shakespeare. What Shakespeare did in his time, Bob does in his time.” Christopher Ricks, editor of T.S. Eliot, Samuel Beckett, Tennyson, and The Oxford Book of English Verse, has no argument with Mr. Kooper’s assessment, and Dylan well worth celebrating and studying in this authoritative edition of his lyrics. Ricks says: “For fifty years, all the world has delighted in Bob Dylan’s books of words and more than words: provocative, mysterious, touching, baffling, not-to-be-pinned-down, intriguing, and a reminder that genius is free to do as it chooses. And, again and again, these are not the words that he sings on the initially released albums.”
This collection changes things, giving us the words from officially released studio and live recordings, as well as selected variant lyrics and revisions to these, recent revisions and retrospective ones; and, from the archives, words that, till now, have not been published. The Lyrics, edited with diligence by leading Dylan scholars, is the ultimate, definitive source for unpacking Dylan’s enormous, varied, and rich lyrical catalog. As set down, as sung, and as sung again.
Synopsis
A major publishing event—for the first time, a beautiful, comprehensive collection of lyrics of music legend and poet Bob Dylan, complete with in-depth annotations by Christopher Ricks.
This definitive collection brings together the entire catalogue of lyrics by Bob Dylan, one of the most legendary songwriters in history. From his early protest songs, like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a Changing” to his revolutionary “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and “Like a Rolling Stone,” Dylan’s music has entertained and inspired generations and influenced such artists as John Lennon, Paul Simon, and Neil Young. This is the ultimate volume for any Dylan fan, containing the entire Dylan canon, a wide array of original album art, and in-depth commentary and annotations from literary critic and acclaimed Dylan expert Christopher Ricks.
The Complete Annotated Lyrics marks a major publishing event, perfect for Dylan devotees of course, but also a unique gift for anyone interested in poetry or visually stunning books.
About the Author
Bob Dylan is one of the most celebrated songwriters and performers of all time. He has released thirty-five studio albums with hits ranging from “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Like a Rolling Stone” to “All Along the Watchtower,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” and “Make You Feel My Love.” He has been awarded the French Legion of Honor, a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor. His memoir, Chronicles: Volume One, spent a year on the New York Times bestseller list.