Jazz

World of Art

by Mervyn Cooke

An introduction to jazz covers its history and seminal figures in both the United States and Europe.

Genres: Music, History, Jazz, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Martin]

This is one of my all time favorite books on the history of jazz. Chronicle of jazz is a great introduction to the music and personalities of America’s best music. And not just for someone beginning to listen to jazz. As someone who has been a fan of jazz for decades now COJ has been a pleasure to read. Not only is it a well written (and illustrated) history of the music, it also pays particular attention to the events of the time when the music was composed and played, putting the music in its historical context. This is the book I wish I’d been given when I first started listening to jazz. It’s still a welcome addition to my library now.

[Ben]

Index references for Philip Larkin: 4
Index references for Nina Simone: 0

[Richard Jespers]

An odd but enjoyable book, especially if you are a fan of jazz and want the blank spots filled in for you. The book is divided by single years or periods of years. On each double page, you will read short bios of jazz personalities. You will put it context with a sidebar of World Events. There is a plethora of stunning black-and-white photographs that document, along with the text, the first one hundred years of jazz. But for many, this book may only be the beginning of your studies.

[Paul Butler]

Excellent, year-by-year, review of Jazz from its ragtime origines to the present day. Key artists, records and milestones are emphasised for each year. Richly illustrated.

[Joshua Kennedy]

Outstanding basic overview of the history of jazz...As a relatively new listener, I appreciated the information more than professional jazz critics. Well-written and very informative.

[Signoranimal]

This book takes a fast and easy ride through the history, characters, albums and songs that shaped the most overlooked genre of music

[Mark]

A good overview of the Jazz genre, taking you from African music and spirtituals up through the present day.