American Lonesome: The Work of Bruce Springsteen

American Lonesome: The Work of Bruce Springsteen by Gavin Cologne-Brookes explores the musician's life and work, examining how his music offers a way out of emotional solitude and the potential lonesomeness of modern life. He proposes that pragmatism provides a lens for understanding the diversity of perspectives and emotions encountered in Springsteen's songs and performances, and discusses the difference between escapist and pragmatic romanticism, multiple selves, and the impact of performances.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2022
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

The captivating journey of Bruce Springsteen's artistic odyssey is unveiled in Gavin Cologne-Brookes' groundbreaking exploration, American Lonesome. From the serene shores of the Jersey Shore to a profound contemplation on his global impact, this book delves into the essence of Springsteen's writing, music, and performances. Through a seamless blend of scholarship and personal reflection, Cologne-Brookes offers an academic examination of Springsteen's work while also providing a poignant account of how it offers solace from emotional isolation and the potential lonesomeness of modern life.

In his innovative study, Cologne-Brookes proposes that the American philosophical tradition of pragmatism, which assesses the value of ideas and arguments based on their practical applications, provides a valuable lens for understanding the diverse range of perspectives and emotions found in Springsteen's songs and performances. Drawing on pragmatist philosophy from renowned thinkers such as William James and Richard Rorty, Cologne-Brookes delves into Springsteen's formative environment and outsider psychology, exploring how his confessed tendency toward self-reliance creates a tension between lonesomeness and community within his artistic expression.

Cologne-Brookes examines Springsteen's portrayals of solitude in the context of classic and contemporary American writers, spanning from Frederick Douglass and Nathaniel Hawthorne to Richard Wright, Flannery O Connor, and Joyce Carol Oates. He explores the difference between escapist and pragmatic romanticism, the concept of multiple selves as portrayed in Springsteen's work and in our perception of him, and the profound impact of both recorded and live performances. Through his own experiences witnessing Springsteen's electrifying performances, including tours showcasing the album The River in 1981 and 2016, Cologne-Brookes crafts a book that delves into the intimate relationship between the artist and his audience.

American Lonesome is a testament to Cologne-Brookes' deep admiration for Springsteen and his ability to capture the essence of his artistic brilliance. It is a must-read for fans, scholars, and anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of Bruce Springsteen's music and legacy on American culture and beyond.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807178591