First excerpts from the Dylan autobiography

Dare I say having finished it today the book is astounding.

After reading it seemed every other book about Dylan somehow caged the art,this just busts everything wide open.

Remarkable,succint,wise and a trap in there for Dylanologists everywhere with what seems to me to be a fake section.

Funny as hell and without doubt the best book about Dylan.

My book came to roost here on Sunday. I'm finding it a pretty darn good read although his memory is either photographic or he has taken some liberty in describing places in exacting detail to give the reader a feel for what it was like. Based upon the "recommended" reading list scattered throughout the first part of the book I suspect the later. Passion and a developing tunnel vision are common characterists of genius artists. Dylan may not be the myth that shaped his persona for the audience but he is most certainly a genius.

Patrick I think you are dead right with your remarks regarding his photographic memory-I think he is trying to evoke both the feel and importance of what he was going through.

Similarly I think the book could be subtitled Catalysts as the theme of this first volume is very much about certain periods where outside factors influenced his work.

His golden periods (arguably-64-66 and 74-76)are probably more self generated.

This IS a great read!! And it is now #8 selling non-fiction book in the US (according to Publishers Weekly)!