Leonard Cohen, Untold Stories: That's How the Light Gets In, Volume 3

The third and final volume of biographer Michael Posner's series on Leonard Cohen's life, "Untold Stories," covers the last thirty years of his life, including his music career revival, the death of his manager, and a spiritual phase. It includes interviews with family and friends, colleagues, and lovers, revealing the unique and compelling figure of Cohen.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

The extraordinary life of one of the world's greatest music and literary icons, in the words of those who knew him best.

Poet, novelist, singer-songwriter, artist, prophet, icon—there has never been a figure like Leonard Cohen. He was a true giant in contemporary western culture, entertaining and inspiring the world with his work. From his groundbreaking and bestselling novels, The Favourite Game and Beautiful Losers, to timeless songs such as "Suzanne," "Dance Me to the End of Love," and "Hallelujah," Cohen is one of the world's most cherished artists. His death in 2016 was felt around the world by the many fans and followers who would miss his warmth, humor, intellect, and piercing insights.

Leonard Cohen, Untold Stories chronicles the full breadth of his extraordinary life. This third and final volume in biographer Michael Posner's sweeping series of Cohen's life—That's How the Light Gets In—explores the last thirty years of his life, starting with the late 1980s revival of his music career with the successful albums I'm Your Man and The Future. It covers the death of his manager, Marty Machat, and the appointment of another who would ultimately be accused of stealing more than five million dollars from Cohen.

Personally, Cohen suffers the traumatic end of his long relationship with French photographer Dominique Issermann and begins a public romance with actress Rebecca De Mornay. When that relationship ends in 1993, as Cohen is about to turn sixty years old, he begins a deeply spiritual phase, entering the Mount Baldy monastery under the tutelage of Zen master Joshu Sasaki Roshi—arguably the most important relationship in Cohen's life. Ever the seeker, he then goes to Mumbai in 1999, the first of half a dozen trips to India to investigate Advaita Vedanta Hindu.

Cohen's life was marked by a series of profound transformations and spiritual awakenings. He was a seeker of truth and meaning, constantly exploring new ideas and philosophies. His music was a reflection of his inner journey, with songs that spoke of love, loss, spirituality, and the human condition.

In the final years of his life, Cohen continued to write and perform, releasing his final album, You Want It Darker, in 2016. The album was a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. It was a fitting end to a remarkable life, one that will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.

In conclusion, Leonard Cohen was a true visionary and a cultural icon. His life was a testament to the power of art and the human spirit to transcend boundaries and inspire change. Through his music, novels, and spiritual journey, Cohen touched the hearts of millions of people around the world and left a lasting legacy that will continue to be celebrated and explored for years to come.

Weight: 655g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982176921