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Preface Welcome to the second edition of Writing Dylan: The Songs of a Lonesome Trav- eler. It’s been a long time since 2005. So many things have happened over the past 13 years: new songs, revealing interviews and commentaries, hundreds of performances, and a Nobel Prize to name but a few. The albums Mod- ern Times, Together through Life, and Tempest join comprehensive boxed sets capturing the Basement Tapes, the 1966 Tour, studio outtakes from 1965 to 1966, the gospel years, and so much more to advance our knowledge of Bob Dylan’s historic career. Dylan’s speeches for the 2015 MusiCares “Per- son of the Year” award and in response to the 2016 Nobel Prize in Litera- ture complement assorted interviews to deepen our understanding of this uniquely American artist. So much has transpired that a second edition is surely warranted. But one thing hasn’t changed. Just as I opened the first edition by prais- ing Eric Levy’s invaluable contributions, I begin this effort with more of the same. This time, however, I cut to the chase and dedicate the work to Eric. It’s simple, friends. This book would not be here without Eric Levy. Every- body needs a Book Whisperer—and I have mine. Thanks, Eric! While this second edition sticks to the first installment’s argument that Bob Dylan orchestrated seven independent missions across his career, the pre- sentation of that framework has changed, I hope, for the better. The original portrayal of the Dylan persona in terms of distinct components (e.g., “Bobby Zimmerman,” “Bob Dillon,” and “Bob Dylan,” etc.) has been removed. The idea remains but the expression is simplified for the sake of clarity. Much of the material pertaining to Dylan’s working method has been moved from the original closing chapter to its own section that is presented before the life- work. By having that information up front, I think you’ll be better prepared for the unfolding story. It also provides a template through which we may engage the songwriting. Not only has the book been updated with all of the post-2005 material, a new chapter has been added that specifically addresses