Dylan Books
@dylanbooks.bsky.social
The best Bob Dylan books - rated, ranked, reviewed. Based on my collection of over 400 (Gerald Michael Smith).
dylanbooks.substack.com
dylanbooks.substack.com
THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOLS 1-18 : YOUR DYLAN BOOKS HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
As a fan, you’re likely to have a valuable Dylan book(let) collection - The Bootleg Series book(let)s of liner notes.
Typically about 60 pages long, the booklets of the standard CD releases are a rich source of Dylaniana.
As a fan, you’re likely to have a valuable Dylan book(let) collection - The Bootleg Series book(let)s of liner notes.
Typically about 60 pages long, the booklets of the standard CD releases are a rich source of Dylaniana.
November 4, 2025 at 7:35 PM
THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOLS 1-18 : YOUR DYLAN BOOKS HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
As a fan, you’re likely to have a valuable Dylan book(let) collection - The Bootleg Series book(let)s of liner notes.
Typically about 60 pages long, the booklets of the standard CD releases are a rich source of Dylaniana.
As a fan, you’re likely to have a valuable Dylan book(let) collection - The Bootleg Series book(let)s of liner notes.
Typically about 60 pages long, the booklets of the standard CD releases are a rich source of Dylaniana.
THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL. 18 (2CD): BRILLIANT MUSIC, DISAPPOINTING BOOK(LET)
I’m loving the new release - a forceful reminder of Dylan’s genius, right from the off. Sheer, unalloyed brillance!
But I’m disappointed by the liner notes book(let) - at 32pp, it’s only half the length previous Vols.
I’m loving the new release - a forceful reminder of Dylan’s genius, right from the off. Sheer, unalloyed brillance!
But I’m disappointed by the liner notes book(let) - at 32pp, it’s only half the length previous Vols.
October 31, 2025 at 4:20 PM
THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL. 18 (2CD): BRILLIANT MUSIC, DISAPPOINTING BOOK(LET)
I’m loving the new release - a forceful reminder of Dylan’s genius, right from the off. Sheer, unalloyed brillance!
But I’m disappointed by the liner notes book(let) - at 32pp, it’s only half the length previous Vols.
I’m loving the new release - a forceful reminder of Dylan’s genius, right from the off. Sheer, unalloyed brillance!
But I’m disappointed by the liner notes book(let) - at 32pp, it’s only half the length previous Vols.
EARLY DYLAN: THE 4 BEST BOOKS ON THE MUSIC OF BOOTLEG SERIES VOL. 18, 1956-63
I don’t possess a single volume dedicated solely to the music of early Dylan, 1956-63.
Fortunately, these four picks - all from my Best 10 Dylan books - will enhance your appreciation of the new TBS Vol. 18.
I don’t possess a single volume dedicated solely to the music of early Dylan, 1956-63.
Fortunately, these four picks - all from my Best 10 Dylan books - will enhance your appreciation of the new TBS Vol. 18.
October 28, 2025 at 5:12 PM
EARLY DYLAN: THE 4 BEST BOOKS ON THE MUSIC OF BOOTLEG SERIES VOL. 18, 1956-63
I don’t possess a single volume dedicated solely to the music of early Dylan, 1956-63.
Fortunately, these four picks - all from my Best 10 Dylan books - will enhance your appreciation of the new TBS Vol. 18.
I don’t possess a single volume dedicated solely to the music of early Dylan, 1956-63.
Fortunately, these four picks - all from my Best 10 Dylan books - will enhance your appreciation of the new TBS Vol. 18.
Why Bob Dylan REALLY matters
Why Dylan Matters, by Harvard’s Richard F Thomas, is invaluable - a well-written, expert analysis of Dylan’s borrowings from Greek and Roman literature. And his intertextuality.
But its title is misleading. Dylan matters for his writing, recording and performing.
Why Dylan Matters, by Harvard’s Richard F Thomas, is invaluable - a well-written, expert analysis of Dylan’s borrowings from Greek and Roman literature. And his intertextuality.
But its title is misleading. Dylan matters for his writing, recording and performing.
October 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Why Bob Dylan REALLY matters
Why Dylan Matters, by Harvard’s Richard F Thomas, is invaluable - a well-written, expert analysis of Dylan’s borrowings from Greek and Roman literature. And his intertextuality.
But its title is misleading. Dylan matters for his writing, recording and performing.
Why Dylan Matters, by Harvard’s Richard F Thomas, is invaluable - a well-written, expert analysis of Dylan’s borrowings from Greek and Roman literature. And his intertextuality.
But its title is misleading. Dylan matters for his writing, recording and performing.
DYLAN FOR BEGINNERS - NEW BOOK EXCEEDS MY EXPECTATIONS
I’ve just added to my collection The Story of Bob Dylan, a 130 page “bookazine” published in Aug by Future (Bath, England). It’s editorially broad, richly illustrated and attractively designed. The text I’ve sampled is detailed and lively.
I’ve just added to my collection The Story of Bob Dylan, a 130 page “bookazine” published in Aug by Future (Bath, England). It’s editorially broad, richly illustrated and attractively designed. The text I’ve sampled is detailed and lively.
October 17, 2025 at 11:37 AM
DYLAN FOR BEGINNERS - NEW BOOK EXCEEDS MY EXPECTATIONS
I’ve just added to my collection The Story of Bob Dylan, a 130 page “bookazine” published in Aug by Future (Bath, England). It’s editorially broad, richly illustrated and attractively designed. The text I’ve sampled is detailed and lively.
I’ve just added to my collection The Story of Bob Dylan, a 130 page “bookazine” published in Aug by Future (Bath, England). It’s editorially broad, richly illustrated and attractively designed. The text I’ve sampled is detailed and lively.
DYLAN’s NOBEL LECTURE : A TREASURED MEMENTO
As it’s Nobel Prize time again, here’s a reminder of Dylan’s response to receiving his 2016 award. Bob Dylan The Nobel Lecture is a beautiful little artefact (thank you, Simon & Schuster) and it repays close reading.
My third favourite book by Dylan.
As it’s Nobel Prize time again, here’s a reminder of Dylan’s response to receiving his 2016 award. Bob Dylan The Nobel Lecture is a beautiful little artefact (thank you, Simon & Schuster) and it repays close reading.
My third favourite book by Dylan.
October 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM
DYLAN’s NOBEL LECTURE : A TREASURED MEMENTO
As it’s Nobel Prize time again, here’s a reminder of Dylan’s response to receiving his 2016 award. Bob Dylan The Nobel Lecture is a beautiful little artefact (thank you, Simon & Schuster) and it repays close reading.
My third favourite book by Dylan.
As it’s Nobel Prize time again, here’s a reminder of Dylan’s response to receiving his 2016 award. Bob Dylan The Nobel Lecture is a beautiful little artefact (thank you, Simon & Schuster) and it repays close reading.
My third favourite book by Dylan.
EXCELLENT NEW BOOKLET - RAY PADGETT’S ROLLING THUNDER ‘75 DAY BY DAY
A welcome addition to my DYLAN BOOKS collection. Short chapters on all 31 gigs of Dylan’s tour of NE North America. Setlist changes, contemporary reviews, special guests, extracts from Sloman and Shepard etc. Pbk, 84pp.
A welcome addition to my DYLAN BOOKS collection. Short chapters on all 31 gigs of Dylan’s tour of NE North America. Setlist changes, contemporary reviews, special guests, extracts from Sloman and Shepard etc. Pbk, 84pp.
October 9, 2025 at 12:47 PM
EXCELLENT NEW BOOKLET - RAY PADGETT’S ROLLING THUNDER ‘75 DAY BY DAY
A welcome addition to my DYLAN BOOKS collection. Short chapters on all 31 gigs of Dylan’s tour of NE North America. Setlist changes, contemporary reviews, special guests, extracts from Sloman and Shepard etc. Pbk, 84pp.
A welcome addition to my DYLAN BOOKS collection. Short chapters on all 31 gigs of Dylan’s tour of NE North America. Setlist changes, contemporary reviews, special guests, extracts from Sloman and Shepard etc. Pbk, 84pp.
THE BEST BOB DYLAN BOOK (not written by Dylan) is…
… in my opinion, Anthony Varesi’s The Bob Dylan Albums (Guernica Editions, 2nd ed 2022, pbk, 523pp - also in Kindle).
It’s comprehensive, detailed and up-to-date, as well as independent-minded, knowledgeable, insightful, nuanced and stylish.
… in my opinion, Anthony Varesi’s The Bob Dylan Albums (Guernica Editions, 2nd ed 2022, pbk, 523pp - also in Kindle).
It’s comprehensive, detailed and up-to-date, as well as independent-minded, knowledgeable, insightful, nuanced and stylish.
September 29, 2025 at 5:06 PM
THE BEST BOB DYLAN BOOK (not written by Dylan) is…
… in my opinion, Anthony Varesi’s The Bob Dylan Albums (Guernica Editions, 2nd ed 2022, pbk, 523pp - also in Kindle).
It’s comprehensive, detailed and up-to-date, as well as independent-minded, knowledgeable, insightful, nuanced and stylish.
… in my opinion, Anthony Varesi’s The Bob Dylan Albums (Guernica Editions, 2nd ed 2022, pbk, 523pp - also in Kindle).
It’s comprehensive, detailed and up-to-date, as well as independent-minded, knowledgeable, insightful, nuanced and stylish.
LATEST DYLAN ART BOOK - POINT BLANK (QUICK STUDIES)
I’m enjoying Point Blank, bought in May. It’s an intriguing set of charcoal/pencil sketches of people and objects. Though it’s one of the lesser titles in my collection of about 30 Dylan art books, it’s certainly worth having.
I’m enjoying Point Blank, bought in May. It’s an intriguing set of charcoal/pencil sketches of people and objects. Though it’s one of the lesser titles in my collection of about 30 Dylan art books, it’s certainly worth having.
September 26, 2025 at 4:31 PM
LATEST DYLAN ART BOOK - POINT BLANK (QUICK STUDIES)
I’m enjoying Point Blank, bought in May. It’s an intriguing set of charcoal/pencil sketches of people and objects. Though it’s one of the lesser titles in my collection of about 30 Dylan art books, it’s certainly worth having.
I’m enjoying Point Blank, bought in May. It’s an intriguing set of charcoal/pencil sketches of people and objects. Though it’s one of the lesser titles in my collection of about 30 Dylan art books, it’s certainly worth having.
PEAK DYLAN SHOWS (AND BOOTLEGS)? 25th ANNIVERSARY TODAY
Dylan’s Europe 2000 tour is widely regarded as one of his best. I saw the 24 and 25 September shows in Portsmouth, England - exactly a quarter of a century ago today (and tomorrow).
I stood just under Dylan’s mic for two perfect gigs.
Dylan’s Europe 2000 tour is widely regarded as one of his best. I saw the 24 and 25 September shows in Portsmouth, England - exactly a quarter of a century ago today (and tomorrow).
I stood just under Dylan’s mic for two perfect gigs.
September 24, 2025 at 3:50 PM
PEAK DYLAN SHOWS (AND BOOTLEGS)? 25th ANNIVERSARY TODAY
Dylan’s Europe 2000 tour is widely regarded as one of his best. I saw the 24 and 25 September shows in Portsmouth, England - exactly a quarter of a century ago today (and tomorrow).
I stood just under Dylan’s mic for two perfect gigs.
Dylan’s Europe 2000 tour is widely regarded as one of his best. I saw the 24 and 25 September shows in Portsmouth, England - exactly a quarter of a century ago today (and tomorrow).
I stood just under Dylan’s mic for two perfect gigs.
DYLAN MOJO COVERS - FROM THE VERY FIRST ISSUE
No surprise to see Dylan fronting the new MOJO. The English rock monthly has always championed Dylan. Its Nov 1993 launch issue has Bob on the cover with John Lennon.
No surprise to see Dylan fronting the new MOJO. The English rock monthly has always championed Dylan. Its Nov 1993 launch issue has Bob on the cover with John Lennon.
September 23, 2025 at 5:44 PM
DYLAN MOJO COVERS - FROM THE VERY FIRST ISSUE
No surprise to see Dylan fronting the new MOJO. The English rock monthly has always championed Dylan. Its Nov 1993 launch issue has Bob on the cover with John Lennon.
No surprise to see Dylan fronting the new MOJO. The English rock monthly has always championed Dylan. Its Nov 1993 launch issue has Bob on the cover with John Lennon.
NEW BOOTLEG SERIES (vol 18) - COVER OF NEW MOJO, OUT TODAY
An 11 page feature article on Dylan 1956-63 plus 15 track cover-mount CD, The Best of Greenwich Village 1959-65. Excellent package.
An 11 page feature article on Dylan 1956-63 plus 15 track cover-mount CD, The Best of Greenwich Village 1959-65. Excellent package.
September 16, 2025 at 3:41 PM
NEW BOOTLEG SERIES (vol 18) - COVER OF NEW MOJO, OUT TODAY
An 11 page feature article on Dylan 1956-63 plus 15 track cover-mount CD, The Best of Greenwich Village 1959-65. Excellent package.
An 11 page feature article on Dylan 1956-63 plus 15 track cover-mount CD, The Best of Greenwich Village 1959-65. Excellent package.
THE 10 BEST BOB DYLAN BOOKS:
NEW, REVISED RANKING - CHRONICLES AND RAY PADGETT ADDED
Ranks the key titles in the key areas - writing by Dylan, critiques, lyrics, bio, live and insights.
The pile in the video is arranged in rank order, from 10 Chronicles on top, to 1 Lyrics at the bottom.
NEW, REVISED RANKING - CHRONICLES AND RAY PADGETT ADDED
Ranks the key titles in the key areas - writing by Dylan, critiques, lyrics, bio, live and insights.
The pile in the video is arranged in rank order, from 10 Chronicles on top, to 1 Lyrics at the bottom.
September 9, 2025 at 11:24 AM
THE 10 BEST BOB DYLAN BOOKS:
NEW, REVISED RANKING - CHRONICLES AND RAY PADGETT ADDED
Ranks the key titles in the key areas - writing by Dylan, critiques, lyrics, bio, live and insights.
The pile in the video is arranged in rank order, from 10 Chronicles on top, to 1 Lyrics at the bottom.
NEW, REVISED RANKING - CHRONICLES AND RAY PADGETT ADDED
Ranks the key titles in the key areas - writing by Dylan, critiques, lyrics, bio, live and insights.
The pile in the video is arranged in rank order, from 10 Chronicles on top, to 1 Lyrics at the bottom.
IMPRESSIVE 1978 (“BUDOKAN”) WORLD TOUR BROCHURE
The Australian leg of the 1978 tour had a very impressive brochure.
It’s a precious memento. I bought it at the remarkable 1 April Sydney Showground gig.
The ace setlist had 30 songs!
Full article in Substack - link above.
#bobdylanaustralia
The Australian leg of the 1978 tour had a very impressive brochure.
It’s a precious memento. I bought it at the remarkable 1 April Sydney Showground gig.
The ace setlist had 30 songs!
Full article in Substack - link above.
#bobdylanaustralia
August 7, 2025 at 12:12 PM
IMPRESSIVE 1978 (“BUDOKAN”) WORLD TOUR BROCHURE
The Australian leg of the 1978 tour had a very impressive brochure.
It’s a precious memento. I bought it at the remarkable 1 April Sydney Showground gig.
The ace setlist had 30 songs!
Full article in Substack - link above.
#bobdylanaustralia
The Australian leg of the 1978 tour had a very impressive brochure.
It’s a precious memento. I bought it at the remarkable 1 April Sydney Showground gig.
The ace setlist had 30 songs!
Full article in Substack - link above.
#bobdylanaustralia
ANOTHER MUST-HAVE DYLAN BOOK FROM TULSA, OK
Mark Davidson and Parker Fishel (eds), Bob Dylan: Mixing Up The Medicine, Callaway, 2023, hbk, 608pp.
It’s magnificent…
Full article - Substack DYLAN BOOKS - link above.
Mark Davidson and Parker Fishel (eds), Bob Dylan: Mixing Up The Medicine, Callaway, 2023, hbk, 608pp.
It’s magnificent…
Full article - Substack DYLAN BOOKS - link above.
July 31, 2025 at 12:30 PM
ANOTHER MUST-HAVE DYLAN BOOK FROM TULSA, OK
Mark Davidson and Parker Fishel (eds), Bob Dylan: Mixing Up The Medicine, Callaway, 2023, hbk, 608pp.
It’s magnificent…
Full article - Substack DYLAN BOOKS - link above.
Mark Davidson and Parker Fishel (eds), Bob Dylan: Mixing Up The Medicine, Callaway, 2023, hbk, 608pp.
It’s magnificent…
Full article - Substack DYLAN BOOKS - link above.
NEW DYLAN BOOK : Bob Dylan: Jewish Roots, American Soil
Just how Jewish, how American, is Bob Dylan’s work?
Just how Jewish, how American, is Bob Dylan’s work?
July 15, 2025 at 9:24 PM
NEW DYLAN BOOK : Bob Dylan: Jewish Roots, American Soil
Just how Jewish, how American, is Bob Dylan’s work?
Just how Jewish, how American, is Bob Dylan’s work?
MORE WONDERFUL DYLAN BOOKS HIDING ON YOUR MUSIC SHELVES
The Bootleg Series delivers over 800 excellent pages of text and photos in mini-book format, by formidable writers. Here’s what you have in the standard CD releases of vols 11-17:
… full text in DYLAN BOOKS on SUBSTACK - link above
The Bootleg Series delivers over 800 excellent pages of text and photos in mini-book format, by formidable writers. Here’s what you have in the standard CD releases of vols 11-17:
… full text in DYLAN BOOKS on SUBSTACK - link above
July 7, 2025 at 10:44 AM
MORE WONDERFUL DYLAN BOOKS HIDING ON YOUR MUSIC SHELVES
The Bootleg Series delivers over 800 excellent pages of text and photos in mini-book format, by formidable writers. Here’s what you have in the standard CD releases of vols 11-17:
… full text in DYLAN BOOKS on SUBSTACK - link above
The Bootleg Series delivers over 800 excellent pages of text and photos in mini-book format, by formidable writers. Here’s what you have in the standard CD releases of vols 11-17:
… full text in DYLAN BOOKS on SUBSTACK - link above
JUST HOW JEWISH AND HOW AMERICAN IS DYLAN’s WORK?
I hope to find out from Harry Freedman’s intriguing new book, Bob Dylan: Jewish Roots, American Soil, Bloomsbury Continuum, 2025, hbk, 256pp.
Freedman wrote a revelatory similar Leonard Cohen book in 2021.
I hope to find out from Harry Freedman’s intriguing new book, Bob Dylan: Jewish Roots, American Soil, Bloomsbury Continuum, 2025, hbk, 256pp.
Freedman wrote a revelatory similar Leonard Cohen book in 2021.
June 26, 2025 at 10:32 AM
JUST HOW JEWISH AND HOW AMERICAN IS DYLAN’s WORK?
I hope to find out from Harry Freedman’s intriguing new book, Bob Dylan: Jewish Roots, American Soil, Bloomsbury Continuum, 2025, hbk, 256pp.
Freedman wrote a revelatory similar Leonard Cohen book in 2021.
I hope to find out from Harry Freedman’s intriguing new book, Bob Dylan: Jewish Roots, American Soil, Bloomsbury Continuum, 2025, hbk, 256pp.
Freedman wrote a revelatory similar Leonard Cohen book in 2021.