Roan Press are excited to announce the launch of Visions of Joanna Newsom, a book of essays, poems, and art responding to Joanna Newsom’s evocative, controversial work.
The singer-songwriter, harpist, and composer Joanna Newsom can’t help being controversial. No other artist in recent years has evoked such a range of responses, both positive and negative. Yet her distinctive, often jarring voice and ambitious musical sensibility have attracted a worldwide following whose devotion is both intense and intellectually engaged. Visions of Joanna Newsom–a selection of personal, scholarly, poetic, and artistic responses to her work–reflects this obsession. It is a tribute to a unique talent, but also a testament to the deep reflections and powerful emotions her followers and critics have experienced while under her spell.
“This fascinating, enlightening, and fun book is a study of an artist who has made two masterpieces and been a success both commercially and with unspeakable music snobs. Joanna Newsom’s work will continue to be a must-hear for decades. If for no other reason, get this book because it will be worth a lot of money on eBay one day.”
– Hal Willner, legendary music producer and music supervisor of Saturday Night Live“The exquisite songwriting and ethereal singing of the superb Joanna Newsom are the occasion of this fascinating, celebratory collection of wise essays, astute reflections, and poetic reckonings with this unique artist’s work. This is a book for long-time devotees and new initiates both. Buy this book today.”
– David St. John, professor of creative writing at University of Southern California and author of The Face: A Novella in Verse“Serious without being eggheady, playful without being frivolous, Visions of Joanna Newsom is a passionate investigation into one of America’s most unique living musical forces. In its determination to rescue Newsom from the lost island of ‘quirk,’ this sharp, frequently witty collection digs deep into the too-often unspoken question that drives fans and non-fans alike: What is beautiful?.”
– Katrina Onstad, columnist for Chatelaine Magazine and author of How Happy To Be
Upcoming Readings and Events
April 5, 2010: Contributors to Visions of Joanna Newsom, including Rae Gouirand, Christian Kiefer, Tim Kahl, and Brad Buchanan will read from the volume at the Sacramento Poetry Center, 1719 25th St., Sacramento. 7:30pm.
Order Book:
Pre-order Visions of Joanna Newsom (available for shipping after February 5, 2010) from: Roan Press
Keep an eye on Roan Press for more events