Why Bob Dylan matters

When the Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Bob Dylan in 2016, a debate raged. Some celebrated, while many others questioned the choice. How could the world's most prestigious book prize be awarded to a famously cantankerous singer-songwriter who wouldn't even deign to attend the medal ceremony? In 'Why Bob Dylan matters', Harvard Professor Richard F. Thomas answers this question with magisterial erudition. A world expert on Classical poetry, Thomas was initially ridiculed by his colleagues for teaching a course on Bob Dylan alongside his traditional seminars on Homer, Virgil, and Ovid. Dylan's Nobel Prize brought him vindication, and he immediately found himself thrust into the spotlight as a leading academic voice in all matters Dylanological. Today, through his wildly popular Dylan seminar - affectionately dubbed "Dylan 101"--Thomas is introducing a new generation of fans and scholars to the revered bard's work. This witty, personal volume is a distillation of Thomas's famous course, and makes a compelling case for moving Dylan out of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and into the pantheon of Classical poets.

Bob Dylan's discography -- Why does Dylan matter to us? -- Together through life -- Dylan and ancient Rome: "That's where I was born" -- "Vibrations in the universe": Dylan tells his own story -- The early thefts: "Mine've been like Verlaine's and Rimbaud's" -- "The gift was given back": Time Out of Mind and beyond -- Mature poets steal: Virgil, Dylan, and the making of a classic -- Modern Times and the world's ancient light: becoming Homer -- The show's the thing: Dylan in performance -- Conclusion: Speechless in Stockholm.