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Gil Scott-Heron

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Now And Then Paperback – May 1, 2000

by Gil Scott-Heron (Author)

4.8 118 ratings

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One glance at Now and Then and it becomes evident that this is not merely a collection of a songwriter's lyrics. The song-poems of this undisputed "bluesologist" triumphantly stand on their own, evoking the rhythm and urgency which have distinguished Gil Scott-Heron's career.

This, the first ever collection of his poems to be published in Britain, carries the reader from the global topics of political hypocrisy and the dangers posed by capitalist culture to painfully personal themes and the realities of modern day life. His message is black, political, historically accurate, urgent, uncompromising and mature and as relevant now as it was when he started, back in the early seventies.

Print length

144 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Canongate Books
Publication date

May 1, 2000
Dimensions

5.31 x 0.39 x 8.43 inches
ISBN-10

086241900X
ISBN-13

978-0862419004
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Editorial Reviews

Review

A poet and polemicist whose lyrics have inspired and galvanised generations. (GQ)

Accessible, intelligent, rhythmic writing which makes poetry seem worthwhile again (The List)

Some of the funniest and most literate lyrics in all music . . . From deadpan attacks on racism to withering sarcasm about the Great Society; from Chomskian rants to parodies of media shallowness - every line comes coated in a sardonically witty turn of phrase. (Time Out)

About the Author

GIL SCOTT-HERON was born in Chicago in 1949. He has been opening eyes, minds and souls for thirty years. A highly influential and widely admired singer, proto-rapper, jazz pianist, published poet, novelist and socio-political commentator, Scott-Heron was a unique and major figure in global music. With over fifteen albums to his name, his politically charged output has won him an international following. His work illuminates a philosophy of life that holds human affection as well as political and artistic responsibility as the underlying factors that inspire his writing. He died in 2011.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Canongate Books; Main edition (May 1, 2000)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 086241900X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0862419004
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.39 x 8.43 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,982,447 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,271 in Black & African American Poetry (Books)
- #34,241 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction
- #112,897 in Literary Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.8 118 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5

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Amazon Customer

Powerful

Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2022

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I recommend this volume of poems as the words resonate today as they did when first written and spoken. A definite reread.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

The *LYRICS* to the *Revolutionary* Songs.

Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2009

Verified Purchase

NOW AND THEN: THE POEMS OF GIL SCOTT-HERON is a more or less a complete collection of poems to Scott-Heron's most popular works.

Profound, caustic and eye-opening, Scott-Heron takes a honest look at his environment and the world around him (at the time, but still very relevant) and it's definitely reflected in the songs and poems contained in this book.

It's great to have the words to some of the poems that were turned into songs like "B Movie," "Whitey On The Moon," "Lady Day and John Coltrane," "Pieces Of A Man," and of course, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."

Highly recommend it especially if you're into street poetry or poetry in general. Or if you rather hear the recorded versions of some of the more famous works I suggest: Small Talk at 125th and Lenox and Pieces of a Man .

9 people found this helpful

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Anita Preer

Prophetic. Totally relevant now.

Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2020

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I read and re-read these poems. He is a remarkable poet and his work speaks to us all now.

3 people found this helpful

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Dee Bell

Now and Then

Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2013

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These words are timeless!! They are as true now as they were back when they were written. Sadly most of the truth tellers have been silenced by Satan the father of lies, whose fate is sealed, but who is determined to wreak as much destruction, death and discord on this earth as he can in the time he has left. Five stars!! Thank you Gil!

2 people found this helpful

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Music Heals

The Genius

Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2015

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Gil Scott-Heron a marvelous human who was gifted with the ability to create words of poetic wisdom and apply them to music so elegantly. There is a lot to be learned from this man. He was ahead of his time.

5 people found this helpful

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sarah333

Very nice

Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2013

Verified Purchase

I like Gil Scott herons works. Very poetic and insightful. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Just saying.

2 people found this helpful

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Alvin L Spencer

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2016

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This book is very powerful

2 people found this helpful

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Angela Witherspoon

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2015

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He was a prophet! We miss you Gil!!!

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Top reviews from other countries

Lynn Edwards

Gil to the Rescue!

Reviewed in Canada on May 29, 2017

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It lives up to his usual excellence. He is an amazing writer and poet. This book combines 2 sets of poetry so it's a great deal

pete shields

WORDS ARE FOR THE MIND

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 31, 2011

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Gil Scott Heron ( R.I.P ) was a teacher and a spiritual messenger.

An artist of the highest order who understood the power of words.

I first heard " The Bottle " when I was a young teenager and it was, instantly, a favourite song.

I bought the album " Winter In America " so that I had a copy of this great song and soon became a huge Gil Scott Heron fan.

I have always been anti-racist and hated the way America treated the black man ( I adored Muhammad Ali from being a very young boy and always understood his stance on racial equality )

Here, in Gil Scott Heron, was a true poet using art and music to address the same kind of message.

Songs of life in the ghetto.

" We Beg Your Pardon America " " H2O Gate ( Watergate ) Blues " " The Bottle " " Winter In America " " Whitey On The Moon " " Coming From A Broken Home " are all here, along with many more.

Anyone who adores poetry will cherish this collection.

Anyone who is a compassionate human being will cherish this collection.

Everyone SHOULD cherish this collection.

7 people found this helpful