Bob Dylan Performing Artist I: The Early Years 1960-1973

There are endless debates among fans of Bob Dylan, but one thing many seem to agree upon is that no one writes about Dylan's performances better than Paul Williams. His style is analytical and wildly enthusiastic, and admittedly not for everyone. But those who delve into Dylan's work, especially the fanatics who are always seeking out live-concert tapes, will find his exuberant analysis of Dylan's onstage career riveting. This first book in the Bob Dylan Performing Artist series (a second volume, Bob Dylan Performing Artist 1974-1986: The Middle Years is also recommended) concentrates on Dylan's formative years, and of particular interest (especially now that Dylan's legendary 1966 Manchester, England, show has been officially released) is the critical analysis Williams gives to Dylan's mercurial and confrontational mid-'60s shows. Williams's infectious verve makes reading his Dylan books similar to watching baseball with a friend who really knows the game: your eyes are opened and you find yourself appreciating some brilliant nuances you hadn't been noticing before. --Robert McNamara