Six years ago Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize for literature, and in November of 2022 he will release a new book of essays titled The Philosophy Of Modern Song.
According to a number of sources, Dylan began writing the collection of over 60 essays in 2010. The press release for the book describes it as “a master class on the art and craft of songwriting,” the book will see Dylan break down songs by artists like Stephen Foster, Elvis Costello, Nina Simone, and Hank Williams. The singer-songwriter’s analysis includes “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.”
The Philosophy of Modern Song also contains 150 photos curated by Dylan, as well as a series of “dream-like riffs” that are designed to be taken together as an epic poem. It will be available in audiobook format as well, with Dylan reading a portion and “a mix of other voices” narrating the rest.
“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,” said Jonathan Karp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Simon & Schuster. “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.”
