Richard F. Thomas

Like Professor Thomas, I am a Dylan fanboy, but I don't go as far as he does, so I was skeptical about his claim that Dylan's songs are not only classics but reference some surprising authors like Homer, Virgil and Ovid. After reading this book, I have been persuaded. Dr. Thomas convincingly demonstrates how Dylan quotes or "steals" passages from classical authors (as well as more obscure ones like the poet Henry Timrod) to create his layered lyrics. Did I mention that Thomas even persuaded me to listen again to Dylan's covers of standards better known from the work of pop singers like Frank Sinatra? I read a library copy, but as soon as I can I am adding this book to my library.… (más)

https://msarki.tumblr.com/post/167583763153/why-bob-dylan-matters-by-richard-f-t...

Of all the many books regarding the life and work of Bob Dylan this one ranks at the top when it comes to being scholarly. Part of a long-standing Harvard class taught by Thomas, this distillation dissects no few examples of Dylan’s now-classic role in producing great works by stealing from others. More importantly, however, Bob Dylan makes what he steals his own. No small task and something only a very few distinctive artists can pull of successfully. But the great ones in fact do exactly that. What interests me most is Dylan’s process of creation based on the studies, experience, and knowledge of the professor’s obsession with great Classic art. It is no stretch to state that Dylan is one of the best in the business and well-deserving of his 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature.… (más)