Gershwin [Hardcover]

Edward Jablonski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 1987

This still unrivaled biography portrays with precision and insight the tragically brief life—from the Brooklyn tenements to Broadway, Hollywood, and Carnegie Hall—of George Gershwin (1898–1937), a man whose music (Lady Be Good, Of Thee I Sing, Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, An American in Paris, Porgy and Bess) and career—like F. Scott Fitzgerald's—embodied the glamorous success and lost possibilities of the Jazz Age.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A self-confessed modern romantic, "a man without traditions," George Gershwin wrote hundreds of lively, expressive, perfectly crafted songs, the opera Porgy and Bess and longer, more pretentious works that, 50 years after his death, remain in the repetory. Arguably, he is the most popular American composer of all time. In describing Gershwin's life and career, this long book, by a prolific writer on American music and military aviation, lists the highlights, repeats many familiar anecdotes and, curiously, does not include in the bibliography the Charles Schwartz biography that for some 15 years has been regarded as the standard work. For many readers, the most interesting part of this book will be the epilogue describing the later career of Ira Gershwin, who died in 1983, after "he had just enjoyed some of his favorite chocolates." Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

A well-timed biography, since this year marks the 50th anniversary of George Gershwin's death. Jablonski is thorough and obviously a fan, but concentrates mainly on social and career history, giving little insight into Gershwin or his work. He rarely offers either detailed musical analysis or glimpses into Gershwin's personal life. The book that might have been is revealed in the later chapters, particulary the one on Porgy and Bess , rich with anecdotes and details of the opera's creation. He makes some pointed observations about the conflict others saw between "jazz" and "highbrow," but tries too hard as an apologist. Finally, a curious 45-page epilogue is devoted to lyricist Ira Gershwin's life and career after his brother's death. A fair biography, but not the definitive one Gershwin deserves. Mark H. Sullivan, Univ. of North Carolina Lib., Charlotte
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 436 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1st edition (August 18, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385194315
• ISBN-13: 978-0385194310
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,025,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Thorough but academic, December 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Gershwin (Paperback)

This is probably the best Gershwin biography out there at the moment. It is very factual and academic. I wish that the author wrote in a more lively manner, though. Here we have one of the most fascinating figures of the twentieth century; an incredibly talented composer and pianist; a man who worked on Broadway, in the concert halls, in Hollywood; a man who knew many of the most fascinating figures in entertainment. You would think a biography of his life would be a spell binding page turner. No. This one drags in many places.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Chock Full of Information, May 26, 2005

By 

Theseus "theseus" (US of A) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gershwin (Hardcover)

This is pretty dreary read. It records an immense amount of information but doesn't deliver a picture of the man. Stil, there's a lot of value here -- particularly with the supplemental material on Ira after George's death, the list of the Gershwin brothers' collaborations, and a thoughtful discography.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good information, but poorly written, April 5, 2005

By 

Bryan Higgins (Albany, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gershwin a Biography (Hardcover)

Surprisingly poorly written. Much of the book seems like it was thrown together from various notes without the benefit of a rewrite or an editor. A person will be introduced in one paragraph as so-and-so's friend who did such-and-such, only to be reintroduced again the same way a couple of paragraphs later.

Conversely, though less often, someone will be referred to by last name only with no introduction, prompting the reader to rescan the preceding paragraphs, thinking he missed something.

The result is that many of the stories the author tells are murky and confusing. It's also clear that he doesn't know a lot about music, though that may be OK if that's not the approach you're looking for. On the plus side, the book seems well-researched and contains a lot of detail. It's a shame he didn't go the extra step of having a cowriter or at least a good editor.