Leonard Cohen

Author Harry Freedman
Narrator Ben Onwukwe
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing
Run Time 7 hours and 28 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Biography and non-fiction prose, Biography: arts and entertainment, Christianity, Composers and songwriters, Judaism, Music, Musicians, singers, bands and groups, The Arts, Traditional and folk music.

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What to expect

'Leonard Cohen taught us that even in the midst of darkness there is light, in the midst of hatred there is love, with our dying breath we can still sing Hallelujah.' - The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

'Among the finest volumes on Cohen’s life and lyrics ... An exploration which would have intrigued and engaged Leonard himself.' - John McKenna, writer and friend of Leonard Cohen

Harry Freedman uncovers the spiritual traditions that lie behind Leonard Cohen's profound and unmistakable lyrics.

The singer and poet Leonard Cohen was deeply learned in Judaism and Christianity, the spiritual traditions that underpinned his self-identity and the way he made sense of the world. In this book Harry Freedman, a leading author of cultural and religious history, explores the mystical and spiritual sources Cohen drew upon, discusses their original context and the stories and ideas behind them.

Cohen’s music is studded with allusions to Jewish and Christian tradition, to stories and ideas drawn from the Bible, Talmud and Kabbalah. From his 1967 classic ‘Suzanne’, through masterpieces like ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Who by Fire’, to his final challenge to the divinity, ‘You Want It Darker’ he drew on spirituality for inspiration and as a tool to create understanding, clarity and beauty.

Born into a prominent and scholarly Jewish family in Montreal, Canada, Cohen originally aspired to become a poet, before turning to song writing and eventually recording his own compositions. Later, he became immersed in Zen Buddhism, moving in 1990 to a Zen monastery on Mount Baldy, California where he remained for some years. He died, with immaculate timing, on the day before Donald Trump was elected in 2016, leaving behind him a legacy that will be felt for generations to come.

Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius looks deeply into the imagination of one of the greatest singers and lyricists of our time, providing a window on the landscape of his soul. Departing from traditional biographical approaches, Freedman explores song by song how Cohen reworked myths and prayers, legends and allegories with an index of songs at the end of the book for readers to search by their favourites.

By the end the reader will be left with a powerful understanding of Cohen’s story, together with a far broader insight into the mystical origins of his inimitable work.

Critics Review

Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius is the book so many of us have been waiting for. In it, Harry Freedman explores, in an entrancingly original and totally accessible way, the spiritual inspiration that is such an integral part of Leonard’s work. Beautifully written, this is among the finest volumes on Cohen’s life and lyrics. It’s an exploration which would have intrigued and engaged Leonard himself.
writer and friend of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen taught us that even in the midst of darkness there is light, in the midst of hatred there is love, with our dying breath we can still sing Hallelujah.
The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
For those who know and want to know even more, this account of Leonard Cohen’s preoccupations and what he made from his knowledge of the religious, is fascinating. A cultural story of a cultural giant.
psychotherapist and author
Freedman’s book highlights even further layers of meaning to the songs which speak so profoundly to so many of us, regardless of faith or spiritual background.
National Herald
An intriguing and specific look at the traditions and stories that influenced a brilliant songwriter.
Library Journal
There have been several books written about Cohen since his death but none of them, until now has gone deep into his soul. This is not a biography of the man but rather a biography of the the landscape of his soul…Freedman explores song by song how Cohen reworked myths and prayers, legends and allegories and leads us to an understanding of Cohen’s life as we gain, insight into the man and his music.
Reviews by Amos Lassen
Freedman…takes a fresh approach by focusing on Biblical and Torahic references in Cohen’s lyrics.
Library Journal
Harry Freedman’s workmanlike examination of how Leonard Cohen’s spiritual life shaped his songs is rich in detail.
The Observer New Review
…The Mystical Roots of Genius turned out to be a well-nigh perfect book to read over the High Holy Days… This is a charming and compelling walk through Leonard Cohen’s spiritual life.
Jewish Chronicle
Described on the flyleaf as “Britain’s leading author of popular works of Jewish culture”, Freedman lives up to his billing by expressing sharp scholarship in crisp sentences… [Freedman’s] handling of the words is masterly. He leaves you feeling wiser about Leonard Cohen, and Judaism, and life.
Tablet
Fluidly written…the breadth of Freedman’s erudition is impressive. And ultimately he is an insightful guide to the many religious references in Cohen’s back catalogue…Freedman has shone a light on the inspiration behind these songs. Much could have remained in darkness without him.
Irish Independent
Freedman is a much-published Judaic and Aramaic scholar whose book brims with insight… The content of this book is terrific.
Independent (app edition)
This unique book is a gift to anyone who wishes to be accompanied more deeply into the biblical, Kabbalistic, and Buddhist themes underlying these texts.
Church Times
The redeeming power of Freedman’s book is that it allows his fans to be exposed one more time to Cohen’s incredible personality and intelligence and, for that reason, the book is a success.
New York Journal of Books
This book is for people who want to delve deeply into words of songs they may already know, admire and cherish.
Jewish Libraries Reviews
Freedman’s knowledge of these sources is excellent … stimulating.
Spirituality & Practice
Brims with insight.
Washington Post
Reveals extent of the musician’s fascination with scriptures of Judaism and Christianity.
Observer
Lucid.
Guardian

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