Warren Zevon and Philosophy: Beyond Reptile Wisdom

Warren Zevon and Philosophy is a collection of chapters on Zevon's life and music, authored by philosophers who are also Zevon fans, providing new and exciting insights into Zevon's thinking, cynical lyrics, and the cruel ironies of his roller-coaster life and career. Since his death in 2003, his following has grown, and seven books on Zevon have appeared in the last few years, with more in the works.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Carus Books

Warren Zevon and Philosophy is a captivating collection of chapters that delve into the life and music of the renowned singer-songwriter, authored by philosophers who are also ardent fans of Zevon. These philosophical perspectives offer fresh and intriguing insights into Zevon's thought processes, his cynical lyrics, and the poignant ironies that characterized his remarkable roller-coaster life and career.

Since his passing in 2003 at the age of fifty-six, Warren Zevon's following has experienced a significant surge, and in the past few years, seven books dedicated to his legacy have emerged, with more in the pipeline. The enduring allure of Zevon's legend stems from the exceptional quality of his best songs and the poignant trajectory of his life. Novelist Carl Hiaasen aptly describes Zevon as "a wildly intelligent and captivating body of music."

Warren Zevon, an American rock and roll singer-songwriter, was born in Chicago but is closely associated with the music scene in Los Angeles. His early albums, Warren Zevon (1976) and Excitable Boy (1978), garnered a loyal fan base and enthusiastic critical acclaim. As a young talent on the rise, Zevon had the privilege of encountering notable figures, including the legendary Igor Stravinsky. However, his descent into alcoholism, along with his debauched lifestyle, took a toll on his performances, which were disturbingly captured in his ex-wife Crystal Zevon's memoir, Ill Sleep When Im Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon (2008).

In the final years of his life, Zevon made a concerted effort to rehabilitate himself, and his artistic output saw a remarkable resurgence. His final albums, Life'll Kill Ya (2000), My Rides Here (2002), and The Wind (2003), have left a lasting impact. Notably, the song "Disorder in the House," performed by Zevon in collaboration with Bruce Springsteen, received the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

Warren Zevon's legacy continues to resonate with music enthusiasts and fans alike, thanks to his exceptional talent, poignant lyrics, and the enduring resonance of his life story. His music remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring influence of a truly unique artist.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781637700280