Bob Dylan Publishing First Book In 18 Years

Bob Dylan's first new book in 18 years, titled, The Philosophy Of Modern Song, will be published on November 8th, according to Rolling Stone. The new non-fiction work follows his 2004 autobiography, Chronicles: Volume One — but will not be the longg awaited second volume of memoirs, but instead will feature 60 essays featuring Dylan's musings on other popular musicians — including Stephen Foster, Elvis Costello, Hank Williams, and Nina Simone. Dylan has been working on the manuscript for the past decade.

According to the book's official press release:

Bob Dylan analyzes what he calls the trap of easy rhymes, breaks down how the addition of a single syllable can diminish a song, and even explains how bluegrass relates to heavy metal. These essays are written in Dylan’s unique prose. They are mysterious and mercurial, poignant and profound, and often laugh-out-loud funny.

And while they are ostensibly about music, they are really meditations and reflections on the human condition. Running throughout the book are nearly 150 carefully curated photos as well as a series of dream-like riffs that, taken together, resemble an epic poem and add to the work’s transcendence.

Jonathan Karp, the President and CEO of publishers Simon & Schuster said in a statement, “The publication of Bob Dylan’s kaleidoscopically brilliant work will be an international celebration of songs by 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 conveys his deep appreciation and understanding of songs, the people who bring those songs to life, and what songs mean to all of us.”

During a chat a while back with CBS' 60 Minutes, Bob Dylan was asked why he continues to write, record, and tour: “Well, it goes back to that destiny thing. Y'know, I made a bargain with it, y'know, a long time ago, to get where I am now. I'm holdin' up my end.” SOUNDUE