Review: Bob Dylan: Mixing up the Medicine – Mark Davidson, Parker Fishel

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Several years ago, a treasure trove containing some 6,000 original Bob Dylan manuscripts was revealed to exist. Their destination? Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The documents, as essential as they are intriguing—draft lyrics, notebooks, and diverse ephemera— comprise one of the most important cultural archives...

Several years ago, a treasure trove containing some 6,000 original Bob Dylan manuscripts was revealed to exist. Their destination? Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The documents, as essential as they are intriguing—draft lyrics, notebooks, and diverse ephemera— comprise one of the most important cultural archives in the modern world. Along with countless still and moving images and thousands of hours of riveting studio and live recordings, this priceless collection now resides at The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, just steps away from the archival home of Dylan’s early hero, Woody Guthrie.

Nearly all the materials preserved at The Bob Dylan Center are unique, previously unavailable, and, in many cases, even previously unknown. As the official publication of The Bob Dylan Center, BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE is the first wide-angle look at the Dylan archive, a book that promises to be of vast interest to both the Nobel Laureate’s many musical fans and to a broader national and international audience as well.

Edited by Mark Davidson and Parker Fishel, BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE focuses a close look at the full scope of Dylan’s working life, particularly from the dynamic perspective of his ongoing and shifting creative processes—his earliest home recordings in the mid-1950s right up through Rough and Rowdy Ways (2020), his most recent studio recording, and into the present day.

The centerpiece of BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE is a carefully curated selection of over 600 images including never-before-circulated draft lyrics, writings, photographs, drawings and other ephemera from the Dylan archive.

With an introductory essay by Sean Wilentz and epilogue by Douglas Brinkley, the book features a surprising range of distinguished writers, artists and musicians, including Joy Harjo, Greil Marcus, Michael Ondaatje, Gregory Pardlo, Amanda Petrusich, Tom Piazza, Lee Ranaldo, Alex Ross, Ed Ruscha, Lucy Sante, Greg Tate and many others. After experiencing the collection firsthand in Tulsa, each of the authors was asked to select a single item that beguiled or inspired them. The resulting essays, written specifically for this volume, shed new light on not only Dylan’s creative process, but also their own.

BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE is an unprecedented glimpse into the creative life of one of America’s most groundbreaking, influential and enduring artists.

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As a lifelong fan of Bob Dylan, I was honored to review the digital advanced reader’s copy of “BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE.” It was like receiving a backstage pass to explore the inner sanctum of one of America’s most iconic and enigmatic artists. After reading this treasure trove of a book, I can confidently say that it deserves a well-deserved 5-star rating.

“BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE” takes readers on a remarkable journey into the creative heart of Bob Dylan. The book unveils a treasure trove of over 6,000 original Dylan manuscripts, including draft lyrics, notebooks, and an array of intriguing ephemera. This collection, now housed at The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a cultural archive of immeasurable importance.

Edited by Mark Davidson and Parker Fishel, the book comprehensively explores Dylan’s artistic evolution. Starting with his earliest home recordings in the mid-1950s and concluding with his most recent studio recording, “Rough and Rowdy Ways” (2020), the book offers an illuminating experience that fans and music enthusiasts will cherish.

This book is unique in that it offers rich visual content, with over 600 images gracing its pages, including some that have never been seen before. These images provide a tangible connection to the artist’s inner world and serve as a testament to his artistic genius.

The book features an impressive lineup of contributors, including Sean Wilentz and Douglas Brinkley. Each contributor offers a unique perspective on Dylan’s work, shedding new light on his creative process and the personal impact of his art.

“BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE” is a testament to the enduring legacy of a groundbreaking artist. It provides readers with an unprecedented glimpse into the mind of a musical genius, unveiling the mysteries of his creative process. This book is not only a celebration of Dylan’s immense influence but also an acknowledgment of his profound impact on a global scale.

My review of BOB DYLAN: MIXING UP THE MEDICINE is filled with admiration and gratitude. It’s a remarkable journey through the life and work of a legendary artist, offering unparalleled insight and access. Whether you’re a die-hard Dylan fan or someone who appreciates the power of music and art to inspire and transform, this book is a must-read. It’s a 5-star masterpiece that will undoubtedly stand the test of time, just like the artist it celebrates.

Reviewed by: Orsayor

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