Why Bob Dylan Matters

Harvard Classics professor Richard Thomas, a renowned “Dylan-ologist,” expands on his popular freshman seminar on Bob Dylan in this captivating exploration of the cultural impact of the Nobel Prize-winning musician. Thomas’s “Dylan 101” introduces students to Dylan’s work and ignites lively debates on social and political issues. Growing from this class, this book delves deeper into Dylan’s genius, examining his music in relation to current events and modern popular culture. Thomas analyzes Dylan’s creativity, drawing from western literature and classical poets like Homer. He argues that Dylan’s relevance and passion make him a poet for the ages, comparable to T. S. Eliot or Virgil. Throughout, Thomas decodes and interprets Dylan’s lyrics, illuminating their meaning for both long-time fans and newcomers.

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