The Swing Book

by Mark Schleifstein and Degen Pener

Book Overview

Documents the history of swing music and dancing, covering the important artists, style and fashion, albums, and dance moves of swing.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316698024
• ISBN13: 9780316698023
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Back Bay Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.7" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

What a fabulous book! A great resource!

What a fabulous book! It appealed to the dancer in me at once. I bought it on a whim, even though I was afraid of getting just another superficial treatment of swing. Pener proved me wrong; this book is killer-diller! I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of research Pener did for the book; any history major (which I am) would be proud of this one. Well-written, well-researched, with tons of addresses, web sites, and CD recommendations, this book is a gem. I thought knew quite a bit about the history and development of swing--I was wrong. A great resource for dancers who want to learn more swing history, culture and fashions. Every dancer, music historian, and swing lover should own this book!

A must have for any music fan!

The book which ( ) is the stuff! I love swing music and this book only enhanced my views and liking of the topic and music. It is a must buy book. Also, I met Scotty Morris ata show and thanked him for such a great foward. Hoppin job by Degen!

Swing from A-Z!

Degen Pener has really done his homework on this one. A fine book which treats its subject with respect. With the exception of a few books, Swing is usually given a brief glance in books on music and Jazz and those books often put the music and the dancers down. Pener really seems to like his subject and gives great recommendations on music to buy if you're just starting a collection. Top it all off with a reasonable price and you've got a book that Jazz lovers, Swing music lovers, and Swing dancers should clear space for on their book shelf.

As fast and fun as the music itself, and with real substance

More than just a valentine to swing, THE SWING BOOK is highly informative and entertaining. It really all is in here, in a fast and fun way with so many original interviews. Some real research and reporting went into this book, and it shows. Pener does a great job tracing the history of swing back in the day, and the social history of its recent comeback, with great quotes from the people who made it happen. All the experts weigh in, on dancing, on fashion, on tracking down the perfect find (whether it's a full suit or outfit, a small accessory, or the right album with the right performance of the right song), and on the history and artists both then and now. Makes you want to get out there and dance, or at least run to your record store.

A First-Rate Introduction to the World of Swing!!

Degen Pener has written a wonderful guide/history of the culture of swing music. Starting with the greats like Duke Ellington and Louis Prima, Pener tells the story of swing in the richest of detail. The guides to dress and dance are also extremely thorough and quite interesting to learn about. Very readable, entertaining, and informative. A five star book!