Earlier this year, the talk of the music world was how Bob Dylan had managed to score the Nobel Prize in Literature. Not only did this decision cause much controversy, but Dylan was further criticised for his ability to turn up to the ceremony. Now, the speech that he eventually gave while accepting the award is being turned into a very, very expensive book.
When Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize in Literature, may were looking forward to hearing the famously poetic musician make a typically verbose speech upon accepting the lucrative award. After missing the ceremony due to touring commitments, Dylan eventually accepted his award back in April, wearing a black hoodie, and providing a pre-recorded speech, which was mandatory in order to pick up the $900,000 prize that went with the award.
Bob Dylan receives Nobel prize in Stockholm https://t.co/m9v1ZTPUO5 pic.twitter.com/VL0h3knjyg
— The Local Sweden (@TheLocalSweden) April 2, 2017
Then came the controversial theory that Dylan may have actually plagiarised his acceptance speech, much to the dismay of his countless fans. With snippets from Moby-Dick, The Odyssey, and All Quiet on the Western Front appearing within the text, it seemed as though the newest prize-winner for a Nobel Prize in Literature, may have pulled a fast one on us all in the process.
Now, Bob Dylan has decided to package his acceptance speech in a brand new, limited edition book that features a price tag that seems to be affordable only to those who have previously given a speech and accepted a Nobel Prize themselves.
As NME reports, Bob Dylan is set to release The Nobel Lecture soon, which will be limited to 100 copies, individually signed and numbered by Dylan, and will be stored in a protective case. Oh, and the whole thing will set you back $2,500. Considering that the book is only 32 pages long, that’s $78 per page – not exactly easy on the wallet.
Of course, if that’s a little bit out of your price range, there will be a non-limited, non-signed version of the book made available for the bargain basement price of $16.99 (53 cents per page, if you were wondering).
As the publisher’s website points out, Dylan’s speech “reflects on his life and experience with literature, providing both a rare artistic statement and an intimate look at a uniquely American icon.”
“From finding inspiration in the music of Buddy Holly and Leadbelly to the works of literature that helped shape his own approach to writing – The Odyssey, Moby-Dick, and All Quiet on the Western Front – this is Dylan like you’ve never seen him before.”
So there you go, while we now know that Dylan merely referenced the works he was accused of plagiarising, we’ve also now got the chance to own one of the shortest pieces of work that he has ever produced.
If you’re keen to drop a few thousand and score a piece of Bob Dylan history (or if you’re inclined to go for the cheaper option), head along to the book’s website and pre-order your copy now.
Check out Bob Dylan’s newest single, ‘I Could Have Told You’:
