Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius
Ebook
'Leonard Cohen taught us that even in the midst of darkness there is light, in the midst of hatred there is love, with our dying breath we can still sing Hallelujah.' - The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
'Among the finest volumes on Cohen's life and lyrics ... An exploration which would have intrigued and engaged Leonard himself.' - John McKenna, writer and friend of Leonard Cohen
Harry Freedman uncovers the spiritual traditions that lie behind Leonard Cohen's profound and unmistakable lyrics.
The singer and poet Leonard Cohen was deeply learned in Judaism and Christianity, the spiritual traditions that underpinned his self-identity and the way he made sense of the world. In this book Harry Freedman, a leading author of cultural and religious history, explores the mystical and spiritual sources Cohen drew upon, discusses their original context and the stories and ideas behind them.
Cohen's music is studded with allusions to Jewish and Christian tradition, to stories and ideas drawn from the Bible, Talmud and Kabbalah. From his 1967 classic 'Suzanne', through masterpieces like 'Hallelujah' and 'Who by Fire', to his final challenge to the divinity, 'You Want It Darker' he drew on spirituality for inspiration and as a tool to create understanding, clarity and beauty.
Born into a prominent and scholarly Jewish family in Montreal, Canada, Cohen originally aspired to become a poet, before turning to song writing and eventually recording his own compositions. Later, he became immersed in Zen Buddhism, moving in 1990 to a Zen monastery on Mount Baldy, California where he remained for some years. He died, with immaculate timing, on the day before Donald Trump was elected in 2016, leaving behind him a legacy that will be felt for generations to come.
Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius looks deeply into the imagination of one of the greatest singers and lyricists of our time, providing a window on the landscape of his soul. Departing from traditional biographical approaches, Freedman explores song by song how Cohen reworked myths and prayers, legends and allegories with an index of songs at the end of the book for readers to search by their favourites.
By the end the reader will be left with a powerful understanding of Cohen's story, together with a far broader insight into the mystical origins of his inimitable work.
Harry Freedman uncovers the spiritual traditions that lie behind Leonard Cohen's profound and unmistakable lyrics.
Massive worldwide interest in Leonard Cohen. A writer and singer of genuine cultural importance
This book goes beyond traditional biography to provide an insight into the spiritual traditions behind Cohen's powerful lyrics
The book is structured song by song with an index of songs at the end of the book for readers to search by their favourites
Includes an accompanying plate section depicting Cohen at different stages of his life and at key moments
List of Illustrations
Foreword
Introduction
Leonard Cohen's Influences
The Bible as Allegory
Interlude: Leonard Cohen's Religious Education
Ideas from the Bible
Interlude: Kateri Tekakwitha
Heaven and Earth
Interlude: Leonard Cohen's Artwork
Prayer
Interlude: Leonard Cohen the cohen
Epilogue – A Modern-Day Paytan?
Acknowledgements
Permissions
Notes
Index of Song Titles
Index
Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius is the book so many of us have been waiting for. In it, Harry Freedman explores, in an entrancingly original and totally accessible way, the spiritual inspiration that is such an integral part of Leonard's work. Beautifully written, this is among the finest volumes on Cohen's life and lyrics. It's an exploration which would have intrigued and engaged Leonard himself.
Leonard Cohen taught us that even in the midst of darkness there is light, in the midst of hatred there is love, with our dying breath we can still sing Hallelujah.
For those who know and want to know even more, this account of Leonard Cohen's preoccupations and what he made from his knowledge of the religious, is fascinating. A cultural story of a cultural giant.
Freedman's book highlights even further layers of meaning to the songs which speak so profoundly to so many of us, regardless of faith or spiritual background.
An intriguing and specific look at the traditions and stories that influenced a brilliant songwriter.
There have been several books written about Cohen since his death but none of them, until now has gone deep into his soul. This is not a biography of the man but rather a biography of the the landscape of his soul...Freedman explores song by song how Cohen reworked myths and prayers, legends and allegories and leads us to an understanding of Cohen's life as we gain, insight into the man and his music.
Freedman...takes a fresh approach by focusing on Biblical and Torahic references in Cohen's lyrics.
Harry Freedman's workmanlike examination of how Leonard Cohen's spiritual life shaped his songs is rich in detail.
…The Mystical Roots of Genius turned out to be a well-nigh perfect book to read over the High Holy Days… This is a charming and compelling walk through Leonard Cohen's spiritual life.
Described on the flyleaf as “Britain's leading author of popular works of Jewish culture”, Freedman lives up to his billing by expressing sharp scholarship in crisp sentences... [Freedman's] handling of the words is masterly. He leaves you feeling wiser about Leonard Cohen, and Judaism, and life.
Fluidly written…the breadth of Freedman's erudition is impressive. And ultimately he is an insightful guide to the many religious references in Cohen's back catalogue...Freedman has shone a light on the inspiration behind these songs. Much could have remained in darkness without him.
Freedman is a much-published Judaic and Aramaic scholar whose book brims with insight… The content of this book is terrific.
This unique book is a gift to anyone who wishes to be accompanied more deeply into the biblical, Kabbalistic, and Buddhist themes underlying these texts.
The redeeming power of Freedman's book is that it allows his fans to be exposed one more time to Cohen's incredible personality and intelligence and, for that reason, the book is a success.
This book is for people who want to delve deeply into words of songs they may already know, admire and cherish.
Freedman's knowledge of these sources is excellent ... stimulating.
Brims with insight.
Reveals extent of the musician's fascination with scriptures of Judaism and Christianity.
Lucid.
- Title: Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius
- Author: Harry Freedman
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Continuum
- Print Publication Date: 2021
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781472987280, 9781472987273, 1472987276, 1472987284
- Resource ID: LLS:9781472987280
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-15T04:34:03Z
Harry Freedman is Britain's leading author of popular works of Jewish culture and history. His publications include The Talmud: A Biography; Kabbalah: Secrecy, Scandal and the Soul; The Murderous History of Bible Translations; Reason to Believe and The Gospels' Veiled Agenda. He has written for the Guardian, Jewish Chronicle, Jewish Quarterly, Judaism Today and contributed to the Encyclopaedia of Modern Jewish Culture.
harryfreedmanbooks.com
@harryfreedman1