Nik Cohn Releases 'Corner Boy', A Six-Decade Compilation of Nonfiction

Each piece in *Corner Boy* is self-contained and rich in detail, shaped by Cohn's firsthand experiences. The essays are organized chronologically but can be enjoyed independently, often resembling fiction. Cohn’s writing vividly portrays a range of subjects, from personal encounters along Broadway to critical reflections on the Rolling Stones. He noted that during a period when the band was in decline, they “had lost pace and direction” and unlike the Beatles, did not utilize their downtime to improve their music.

Cohn began his writing career at age 18 with *The Observer*, later contributing to *Queen* magazine, before transitioning to book writing. Renowned as one of the original rock critics, he reflected on the challenges of critiquing music today, acknowledging that expressing negative opinions has become increasingly difficult. "That’s depressing," he remarked when discussing the current state of music criticism.

Cohn’s method of writing involves immersing readers in a visual experience from the start, claiming that good nonfiction should feel like storytelling. He emphasized the importance of engaging readers immediately, avoiding typical journalistic throat-clearing.

His recent work, however, feels more like a remix of past writings. With the help of editor Ben Ratliff, Cohn revisited older pieces, infusing them with contemporary relevance while ensuring that the essence of the original work remained intact.

Despite *Corner Boy* being a retrospective look, Cohn is focused on future projects, including two novels from his teens and a nonfiction book about London in 1962. He expressed a desire to reread *In Search of Lost Time* by Proust, noting that it offers new insights with each reading.

Cohn is not inclined toward contemporary music journalism, preferring to engage with classic literature. He will appear with Ratliff at New York's 92nd Street Y on October 27 to discuss his latest book.