Books about Leonards relationship with sex/religion

[samincornwall]

Hi guys, I lurk here but rarely post. I will try to keep this brief.

I am currently working towards an English degree and have been given free reign for my mini dissertation in my second year. I want to write on Leonard as I am really interested in the way he expresses himself and let's face it, being able to listen to his music/read his works and call it studying is alright by me.

I am undecided as to whether to explore his relationship with sex or with religion. I cannot do both as I don't have enough words, but I would definitely like to do one as he clearly discusses both subjects at length in his work.

My question is this, can anybody recommend me any books which look at Leonards lyrics in relation to either of the subjects above? I am looking for analysis with which to compare my own. Or even just any books that discuss him as a person and the way he deals with sex or religion in his life. I have biographies etc, but cannot really afford to buy lots of books in the hope they will contain the right information. I am a poor student after all!

Thanks alot in advance guys, it will be a big help. And just out of interest which subject would you choose given the opportunity?

Sam

[John Etherington]

Hi Sam,

Since sex and religion are so interwoven in Leonard's work, I would think it is almost impossible to write about one or the other in isolation. I can't think of any book that specifically focuses on these subjects in Leonard's songs, though I would hope you've got a copy of Ira Nadel's biography "Various Positions". The article http://www.tinymixtapes.com/features/ki ... art-1-nsfw focuses on BDSM imagery in Cohen's writing, but this is just one aspect of sexuality in his work.

All good things, John E

[Tony]

I realise that this doesn''t answer your question as you specifically refer to books but, having seen a number of his interviews over the years, there are several references to sex and religion made by him. It may not be that easy to locate them, although I am sure they must be around. However, they may not be sufficient for what you want. Just a thought and I hope it is of help to you.

[sirgouda]

Hi there!

Just registered, I was looking for some materials to my MA thesis (just starting to work on that) on LC's religious pilgrimages in his writings, i.e. religion in his works.
Already found this: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=21054&start=0&hilit ... e%E2%80%A6
Haven't read it yet, going to. If I find anything interesting I'll hand it over. Still didn't find good books on LC, only have a Polish version of Book of Longing, which obviously doesn't help much as I'm on American Literature seminar...

I guess, though, that some books on literary criticism might include LC & the whole religion aspect. Research still to be done. As for sex - can't help you much. Nothing interesting went past me

Cheers!

[Mabeanie1]

Hi there!

Just registered, I was looking for some materials to my MA thesis (just starting to work on that) on LC's religious pilgrimages in his writings, i.e. religion in his works ..... I'm on American Literature seminar...

Cheers!

Silly question time (sorry): is LC a suitable subject if you're on an American Lit course????

Wendy

[sirgouda]

Silly question time (sorry): is LC a suitable subject if you're on an American Lit course????

Actually yes, as my dept divides literature into British & American - and that doesn't only mean the USA, but North America in general. Besides, (I'm not a specialist so it's only a suspicion of mind), Cohen's works form a beautiful comparison field for American literature/poetry/songwriting and will probably be treated as such. Anyway, a thorough study on cultural background of LC + analysis of Canadian literature trends & literary criticism shall be performed to avoid simply throwing him into a basket with all of the US writers.

My thesis supervisor said it's alright and he's in charge so I'll try to do my best with it. One more thing - it's less a cultural study, but if I was to write about cultural aspects, LC would be a perfect topic either.

Jedrzej