Wednesday, June 25 - Leibovitz on Leonard!

Tonight on Bibliocracy, 8 PM on KPFK 90.7 FM:  LIEL LEIBOVITZ.  My guest tonight has, like so many, been both a fan and student of the singer-songwriter, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen.  In his new book, Liel Leibovitz writes a fan’s appreciation and a cultural critique of the creative genius whose voice has made such a mark.  In A Broken Hallelujah:  Rock and Roll, Redemption, and the Life of Leonard Cohen, Liel Leibovitz tells both the life story of the artist and helpfully takes apart the lyrics, lines and stories toward understanding Cohen in the bigger picture, culturally, politically, historically.  There’s consideration of life events, gossip, decisions, the unlikely career and, best of all, an argument about Cohen’s singularity as an artist in the context of philosophy and religion and poetry.  Liel Leibovitz is the author or co-author of several books of nonfiction, including, most recently, The Chosen Peoples: America, Israel, and the Ordeals of Divine Election, co-written with Todd Gitlin, as well as been a contributor to newspapers and magazines such as the Los Angeles Times, the Atlantic Monthly, Dissent, and Tablet. Thanks for listening on the radio or online, or as a free download on the KPFK archives.  With broadcast of tonight’s show, I’m taking a break from Bibliocracy, to pursue a couple of writing projects. Stay tuned for news about my excellent replacement hosts and more literary arts programming. I’ll be back on air in spring of next year.