Various (Anderson, Doug; Beckwith, Francis J.; Biletzki, Anat; Brake, Elizabeth; Chiariello, Michael; Danieli, Ruvik; Dylan, Bob; Furtak, Rick Anthony; Goldblatt, David; Gracyk, Theodore; Klagge, James C.; Kolers, Avery; Krein, Kevin; Levin, Abigail; Lulewicz, Paul; Necarsulmer IV, Edward; Rocheleau, Jordy; Spiegel, James S.; Stoeher, Kevin L.; Van Hees, Martin; Vernezze, Peter et al.)

Bob Dylan and Philosophy: It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Thinking)

Chicago, IL: Open Court, 2006. First Printing. Softcover. Ah, Dylanologists…a uniquely contentious, labyrinth-loving breed of scholar, to be sure. What better things are there to argue over than what, precisely is meant by “the ghost of electricity howls in the bones of her face,” that infamous line from “Visions of Johanna”? “Bob Dylan and Philosophy: It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Thinking)” is essentially a gateway drug into the spirited, wonderful world of Dylanology — the musico-philosophical equivalent of some forgotten, Hermetic wisdom school that the untamable contrarian within “just has to look into.” We say this because the special brand of integrated philosophizing native to Dylanology is here in evidence from the get. The typical format involves ushering in an established framework which itself bears little relation to the hyperlocal reportage (e.g., a given song’s “characters,” as well as the milieu from which it emerged & unfurls) which is then brought to bear on a central question, or thesis. Consider, for example, the boa-length title of the book’s 6th essay, “’Far Between Sundown’s Finish An’ Midnight’s Broken Toll’: Enlightenment and Postmodernism in Dylan’s Social Criticism.” The ferocity of Dylanologists—for those with a similar thirst or penchant—ultimately charming; and their lust for the arcane, frequently remarkable. Lovingly edited by Peter Vernezze and Carl J. Porter, both of whom also contribute critical essays to the volume. [ISBN: 0-8126-9592-5]. Trade-format softcover original: stated First Printing, as indicated on copyright page (“First Printing, 2006”). In very fine condition with only slight-to-moderate shelf-wear, bumping to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers & spine-edge of same; some yellowing/spotting freckling the text block; lone, mild bump-crease of slightly greater definition present at bottom left-hand corner of back cover, else quite clean. Fine. [Item #5304]

Price: $20.00