Two typewritten and handwritten pages by Bob Dylan sold for half a million dollars at a Nashville auction, highlighting the enduring allure of the iconic songwriter. The pages, which feature an early and unfinished version of "Mr. Tambourine Man," were auctioned for approximately €483,000 over the weekend.
Richard Thomas, a Harvard professor and Dylan scholar, remarked on the significance of the sale, stating, "It’s absolutely mind-blowing and a confirmation of how a genius operates." The fragile, yellowed pages were preserved by journalist Al Aronowitz, who chronicled the music scene of the 1960s and famously kept everything he collected.
The manuscript was part of Aronowitz’s estate, which was sold by Julien's Auctions after years of cataloging 250 boxes of memorabilia. The pages were rescued from the trash by Aronowitz after Dylan discarded them during a writing session in March 1964.
These documents are crucial for understanding Dylan's creative process, showcasing three versions of the song and significant changes from the first draft to what would become the final version. The final recording was released in January 1965 as part of the album "Bringing It All Back Home."
The auction also featured other notable items from Aronowitz's collection, including a denim jacket worn by Dylan and a signed oil painting, with the total sales exceeding €1.5 million. The biopic "A Complete Unknown," starring Timothée Chalamet, is set to premiere in Portuguese cinemas on January 30.