Hymns to the Silence: Inside the Music and Lyrics of Van Morrison

Mills (media and popular culture, Leeds Metropolitan U., the UK), who clearly holds Morrison in the highest esteem and shows an exhaustive knowledge of the singer's body of work, has written an analysis of interest to academics in the field as well as any devoted fan. The complexities of Morrison's oeuvre are made visible in discussion that encompasses his vocal style; his use of jazz, gospel, folk, and blues; and the meaning and possible symbolism of repeated poetic themes and places in his music. In addition to lines from the songs, many quotations from interviews with Morrison are included. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)