The Book of Exodus

The Making and Meaning of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Album of the Century

By: Vivien Goldman

Narrated by: Vivien Goldman

Here is an unforgettable portrait of Bob Marley and an acutely perceptive appreciation of his musical and spiritual legacy.

Reggae superstar Bob Marley is one of the world’s most important and influential artists. Exodus, named by Time magazine as “Album of the Century,” is Bob Marley’s masterpiece of spiritual exploration. Recorded in London after an assassination attempt on his life sent Marley into exile from Jamaica, Exodus is the most lasting testament to his social conscience.

Vivien Goldman was the first journalist to introduce mass white audiences to the Rasta sounds of Bob Marley. Throughout the late 1970s, Goldman was a fly on the wall as she watched reggae grow and evolve, and she charted the careers of many of its superstars, especially Bob Marley. So close was Vivien to Bob and the Wailers that she was a guest at his Kingston home just days before gunmen came in a rush to kill “The Skip.” Now, in The Book of Exodus, Goldman chronicles the making of this album, from its conception in Jamaica to the raucous but intense all-night studio sessions in London.

But The Book of Exodusis so much more than a making-of-a-record story. This remarkable book takes us through the history of Jamaican music and Marley’s own personal journey from the Trench Town ghetto to his status as global superstar, as well as Marley’s deep spiritual practice of Rastafari and the roots of this religion. Goldman also traces the biblical themes of the Exodus story and its practical relevance to us today, through various other art forms, leading up to and culminating with Exodus.

Never before has there been such an intimate, first-hand portrait of Marley’s spirituality, his political involvement, and his life in exile in London, leading up to his triumphant return to the stage in Jamaica at the Peace Concert of 1978.

©2006, 2007 Vivien Goldman (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Spirited!

VB's passion for the music, the culture & Bro. Nesta's visions gave me chills & tears of a brother gone too soon, but never forgotten. Her friendship with Bob makes her a authentic voice & not just a opertunist book as many other authors/busy bodies who never knew him. Vivian your is one Bob's grandchildren & his good friends treasure. Give thanks sis. ❣️☮️

Excellent deep dive, fun reading

She was there and brings a depth to the back story and the analysis/synthesis of it all into meaningful narrative. Great book, bravo and thank you

Extremely Well Done!

I found it very thorough and appreciated the passion in the narrator's voice. Good Vibrations! Thank you Ms. Goldman!

Excellent story; tough performance

The overdramatic reading didn’t help, but it’s a good book for sure. I’ve read (or listened to) several books on Marley, and this one stands up.