Description
Graffin, Greg. Punk Paradox: A Memoir. New York: Hachette Books, 2022. Signed first edition.
Hardcover. White boards with onyx gilt spine, fine in jacket. 8vo, xx, 326pp + 16pp color photo section.
Memoir by the lead singer of pioneering punk band Bad Religion, with a doctorate in zoology. Explores balancing a career in science with four decades fronting one of the most influential punk rock bands.
Graffin helped define the fast, politically-minded sound of early ’80s L.A. punk with Bad Religion. Their progressive lyrics provided a counterpart to self-destructive punk stereotypes, showing how the movement’s intensity and questioning spirit could fuel purpose and creativity.
Profile of an extraordinary life and “positive punk” ethos. Chronicles improbably following one’s passions to forge an ethical identity outside of convention. For readers interested in atheism, freethought, music, science and education. Motivates defining one’s own identity from unlikely pairings of interests.
Shows how artistic fire and reason can coexist when one follows their ideals. Traces Bad Religion’s influential history, articulating how their hopeful brand of punk has endured for 40 years. Graffin’s ability to reconcile seemingly opposed worlds proves following one’s passions and convictions can lead to a cohesive, morally-engaged life, however improbable the combination appears.
A singular punk freethinker’s story of an unconventional life lived with purpose and consequence. Ultimately chronicles forging meaning, identity and ethics on one’s own terms from the improbable and passionate pursuits that ignite one’s imagination and sense of conviction.
Fine in jacket. 326 pages. Signed by Graffin on the title page. $125
