Tarantula was written in 1966 by Bob Dylan, a songwriter. However, it was not to be released in its entirety until 1971. The book is a collection of experimental prose poetry that speaks eloquently of the volatile 1960s in which it was produced. The book also includes a passage in which Dylan mimics Lead Belly's classic song Black Betty. According to several critics, the book is somewhat comparable to his music's notes. Scribner published Tarantula, and a revised edition was released in 2004. It is published in paperback. Key characteristics include: Dylan has frequently maintained that it was never his goal to write a book and that his manager, Albert Grossman, had encouraged him to do so.