Bob Dylan

Keith Negus addresses both the novice Dylan fan and the longtime listener in his new book, Bob Dylan. Negus first approaches the man as a mythical cultural figure before situating the music within the larger folk and blues tradition. He then examines the beginning of Dylan's career as a protest singer, his role as a performer, and his impact on popular music, concluding with an overall assessment of Dylan as an artist. Chapters titled "Surroundings," "Chronologies," "Traditions," "Lyrics," and "Music" take up the various aspects of Dylan's career, making for a smooth exploration of its overall yet unfinished trajectory. Negus also includes a complete discography as of 2007.

Keith Negus addresses both the novice Dylan fan and the longtime listener in his new book, Bob Dylan. Negus first approaches the man as a mythical, cultural figure before situating the music within the larger folk and blues tradition. He then examines the beginning of Dylan's career as a protest singer, his role as a performer, and his impact on popular music, concluding with an overall assessment of Dylan as an artist.

Choice

. . . an informed scholar and an avid Dylan fan. . . . [Negus] offers a brief, basic introduction to Dylan's life and music . . . . Recommended.

Keith Negus is Professor in the Department of Music at Goldsmiths College, University of London. His books include Producing Pop, Popular Music in Theory, Music Genres and Corporate Cultures, and Popular Music Studies (edited with David Hesmondhalgh). He lives in London, England.