<div>Van Morrison is one of a handful of truly iconic twentieth century artists. Along with Bob Dylan, he was one of the first contemporary lyricists to infuse a serious poetic sensibility into popular music. A colossal influence on a wide range of fellow musicians, he has been a singular beacon of artistic integrity, soulful conviction and musical excellence.<br><BR>One of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, Morrison has been following his muse in an uncompromising way since the early Sixties. He has explored soul, jazz, blues, rhythm & blues, rock and roll, Celtic folk, pop balladry and more, forging a distinctive amalgam that has Morrison’s unvarnished passion at its core. He has referred to his music as ?Caledonia soul,” reflecting his deep immersion in American roots music and Ulster-Scots.<BR><BR>This personal selection of what Morrison himself has judged to be his most important and enduring lyrical work will stand as a landmark public statement from an otherwise intensely private artist, an intimate and very intentional view onto what Morrison himself esteems as his creative contribution. <br><BR>The introduction by Eamonn Hughes, of Queen’s University, Belfast, gives a career-long overview of the creative influences Morrison has absorbed and channeled through the years, and a Foreword by poet David Meltzer provides an appreciation of the writer’s craft demonstrated in Morrison’s evocative, timeless lyrics.<br><BR>A must for any fan, and a solid introduction to this singular, iconic talent.<BR><BR> "'Tupelo Honey' has always existed and Van Morrison was merely the vessel and the earthly vehicle for it."?Bob Dylan<BR><BR>"Greil Marcus is not alone in believing that Van has pop music's richest and most expressive voice since Elvis Presley."?Russell Leadbetter, The Herald, Scotland<BR><BR>"I know of no music that is more lucid, feelable, hearable, seeable, touchable, no music you can experience more intensely than this. Not just moments, but extended . . . periods of experience which convey the feel of what films could be: a form or perception which no longer burls itself blindly on meanings and definitions, but allows the sensuous to take over and grow . . . where indeed something does become indescribable."?Wim Wenders, filmmaker<BR><BR>"One of the few originals left in rock."?Jon Landau, Rolling Stone<BR></div>