The myth of popular culture from Dante to Dylan

the long version

In this examination of popular culture, esteemed cultural critic Perry Meisel shatters conventionally held notions about the division between "high" and "low" culture with the provocative theory that popular culture has sustained dialectical rhythms. Meisel's deft critical analysis of three enduring cultural traditions -- the American novel, Hollywood, and British and American rock music -- leads us to question the very concept of the division between "high" and "low" culture. Meisel begins his engaging discussion by refuting philosopher Theodor Adorno's assertion that "high" culture is "dialectical" and "pop" is not, showing that popular culture does indeed have a conversation both with its sources and with cultural authority as a whole. In the final section, Meisel turns his attention to Bob Dylan, a figure who, more than any other, shows what it means to synthesize and revise all traditions -- music, poetry, iconography and transform them completely. - Jacket.