Bob Dylan is about to release his first book since 2004’s Chronicle Volume One and his first book since winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016. The new volume, scheduled for release in November, is called Philosophy of Modern Song. release describes it like this:
Dylan, who began writing The Philosophy of Contemporary Song in 2010, offers a masterclass in the art of songwriting. He writes over 60 essays on songs by artists ranging from Stephen Foster to Elvis Costello and from Hank Williams to Nina Simone. He analyzes what he calls the simple rhyme trap, explains how adding one syllable can make a song smaller, and even explains how bluegrass is related to heavy metal. These essays are written in Dylan’s unique prose. They are mysterious and changeable, poignant and profound, and often laughable. And although they are supposedly about music, in fact they are meditations and reflections on the human condition. Throughout the book, you’ll find around 150 carefully selected photographs, as well as a series of dreamlike riffs that, taken together, are reminiscent of an epic poem and add transcendence to the piece.
Simon & Schuster President and CEO Jonathan Karp also shared this statement:
The publication of Bob Dylan’s kaleidoscope-brilliant work will be an international celebration of the songs of one of the greatest artists of our time. The Philosophy of Modern Song could only have been written by Bob Dylan. His voice is unique and his work reflects his deep appreciation and understanding of songs, the people who bring those songs to life, and what songs mean to all of us.
A project like this risks revealing the mystery of Dylan’s songwriting, but if six decades of creative work continues, I feel that his thoughts on music will raise at least as many questions as answers. I wonder what he thinks of Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar?
The Philosophy of Modern Song releases November 8 via Simon & Schuster.