This book looks at each of Dylan's records, including 2001's triumphant "Love and Theft". Without getting bogged down in the convoluted lyric analysis that some other Dylan studies suffer from, the book provides a concise, engaging guide to Dylan's remarkable recording career. The reader gains a depper appreciation for Dylan's words and Dylan's music.
There are more than a few pearls in this collection; for instance, rightly recognizing "Greatest Hits, vol. II" as "the best introduction to Bob Dylan's work" and heralding such overlooked gems as "In the Summertime" and the albums "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" and "Hard Rain". Varesi provides an even hand throughout, as he is not afraid to criticise such blunders as "Self Portrait", "Renaldo and Clara" and some of Dylan's more mediocre live offerings.
Ultimately, the accessible album-by-album approach will have the reader going back to the music and then returning to the book for the commentary.