A new collection—20 years in the making—of poetry and original illustrations by the legendary Leonard Cohen
Internationally celebrated for his writing and his music, Leonard Cohen is one of the great writers, performers, and most consistently daring artists of our time. Book of Longing is Leonard Cohen’s eagerly awaited new collection of poems, following his highly acclaimed 1984 title, Book of Mercy, and his hugely successful 1993 publication, Stranger Music. Containing erotic, playful, and provocative original line drawings by the author, this book brings together all the elements that have elevated Leonard Cohen’s artistry with language to worldwide recognition.

He will never untangle

Or upgrade

The circumstances

That fasten him to this loneliness

Or bent down with love

Comprehend the suddent mercy

Which floods the room

And dissolves it now

In the traditional golden light

From “The Tradition”