Rare Bob Dylan Draft Lyrics Discovered in Allen Ginsberg Book

A significant find in the world of music memorabilia has emerged with the discovery of a torn page containing a draft of Bob Dylan's lyrics for "I’m Not There." This page was found tucked inside a first-edition paperback of Allen Ginsberg’s *Ankor Wat*, which was previously owned by Sally Grossman, the wife of Dylan's first manager, Albert Grossman. The draft is believed to have been written during the summer of 1967, a prolific period for Dylan when he composed over 100 songs with his backing group, The Band. Although "I’m Not There" was not released until the soundtrack of Todd Haynes’ 2007 film of the same name, it has since gained recognition as one of Dylan's most esteemed works.

The Guardian

The page of lyrics is set to be auctioned in April, with estimates suggesting it could fetch between £20,000 and £40,000 (approximately US$26,400 to US$52,800). Omega Auctions, the auction house handling the sale, has described the draft as an "extremely rare working lyric draft" of a song regarded as one of Dylan's greatest. The book containing the lyrics was gifted to Sally Grossman by Ginsberg in 1969 and remained undetected for years until it was discovered by the current seller while browsing through the book.

The Guardian

The significance of this discovery is underscored by the historical relationship between Dylan and Ginsberg, both pivotal figures in the cultural landscape of the 1960s. Ginsberg's influence on Dylan is well-documented, and the two shared a close friendship. The auction of this draft is part of a larger sale that includes 60 items from the personal collection of music journalist Al Aronowitz, who is known for introducing Dylan to the Beatles in 1964.

The Guardian

The auction not only highlights the enduring legacy of Bob Dylan's work but also reflects the growing market for music memorabilia. In 2025, two typewritten drafts for Dylan’s 1965 hit "Mr Tambourine Man" sold for a remarkable US$508,000 (£417,000), indicating a robust interest in artifacts from music history.

The Guardian

While the auction is anticipated to attract significant interest, some critics argue that the commercialization of such personal artifacts can detract from the artistic integrity of the works themselves. They contend that the focus on monetary value may overshadow the cultural significance of the music.

The Guardian

• “After discussions with notable Dylan collectors, it is believed that this is an extremely rare working lyric draft of what is regarded as one of Dylan’s greatest pieces of songwriting,” — Omega Auctions

The Guardian

This discovery of Bob Dylan's draft lyrics not only enriches the narrative of his artistic journey but also serves as a reminder of the profound connections between artists and their contemporaries, as well as the lasting impact of their work on future generations.

The Guardian