This is the book I always wanted to write, but now I can't. Hampton is incredibly knowledgeable in identifying and interpreting Dylan's use, abuse, and departures from song and literary traditions. Far more than I, Hampton also understands musical form and shows how Dylan uses it with and against his lyrics. Hampton puts a long career in perspective, and in my eyes completely justifies Dylan's Nobel Prize in Literature. Fortunately, Bob Dylan is not done yet. This is by far the best book to get inside the songs of Dylan, which is really what's important. Douglas Leonard
