Taylor's Version

Taylor Swift treats her own life as worthy of artistic obsession and grandeur; Stephanie Burt treats her oeuvre as worthy of academic and poetic attention. In Taylor's Version, Burt not only articulates the force of Swift's songwriting genius, but - perhaps more importantly - makes the case for her place in the literary tradition. A provocative, sharp, well-argued book for any Taylor Swift fan - or skeptic -- Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking tour of all things Taylor Swift, Stephanie Burt deftly balances the perspectives of fan and critic, diving deeply into each of Swift's albums, and tracing her remarkable evolution as an artist and cultural icon. Whether you're a diehard Swiftie or a casual listener, this insightful and illuminating book will send you back to the songs themselves with a fresh appreciation for where they came from, how they work, and why they mean so much to so many people -- Tom Perotta, New York Times-bestselling author of LITTLE CHILDREN Depending on your feelings toward Ms. Swift, you may or may not want to like this book. Too bad, it's going to make you like it, and see the phenomenon in a way you never have before -- Catherynne M. Valente, New York Times-bestselling author of THE GIRL WHO CIRCUMNAVIGATED FAIRYLAND IN A SHIP OF HER OWN MAKING Taylor Swift is lucky to have a fan, a listener, and a writer as open to her music and as acute to its internal and emotional rhythms, Swift's craft and her audience's response, as Stephanie Burt. With unfailing lucidity, empathy, and wit, she takes a reader through the songs, until you can hear, all over again, how they really work -- Greil Marcus, music journalist An outstanding look at one of the world's most beloved entertainers . . . a smart, incisive look at the singer-songwriter who has captured the world's imagination -- Kirkus (starred)