British music and literary author and writer Chris Gregory is set to publish the second volume of his Bob Dylan music development trilogy of books titled Picasso of Song. The trilogy’s first volume, Determined to Stand, was praised for its unique ability to combine academic depth with an accessible, fan-friendly narrative.
Now, Gregory is coming up with the second volume in this series titled Minstrel Boy: The Metamorphoses of Bob Dylan, which is set to offer “a definitive exploration of Dylan’s artistic evolution from 1967 to 1990.” The release date is set for October 2025.
According to the publisher:
Minstrel Boy dives into three pivotal eras in Dylan’s career:
- Retreat (1967–1973): A period of introspection and country-tinged reinvention.
- Return (1974–1978): A powerful resurgence with some of Dylan’s most celebrated tours and recordings.
- Rebirth (1979–1990): From his spiritual conversion to new creative pivots, Dylan remains endlessly surprising.
Alongside sharp analysis, Chris infuses the book with cultural references from William Blake to gospel music, and brings Dylan’s live performances vividly to life. His previous work has been hailed by critics for its insight, depth, and human touch.
Some pre-release copies of Minstrel Boy: The Metamorphoses of Bob Dylan are available here.
