Gregory’s second movement in a trilogy issued in reverse reads like a map of the maze: Minstrel Boy treats Dylan’s “years of struggle” (1967–1990) as metamorphosis rather than muddle. The architecture—Retreat, Return, Rebirth—keeps the canvas taut, while the analysis drills down to lyrical nuance, session context, and live reconfiguration.
Blood on the Tracks receives a particularly exacting reconsideration, yet the gospel-era chapters supply the quiet shock. Throughout, Gregory’s method is rigorous but welcoming, allowing multiple readings to stand in productive tension.
The result is comprehensive without bloat, scholarly without jargon. Publication: October 8. Pre-order on the author’s site (chris@chrisgregory.org) and amazon.co.uk; amazon.com listing to follow.