The Kingdom of Swing [Hardcover]

Benny Goodman (Author), Irving Kolodin (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Reprint Services Corp (January 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0685148688
• ISBN-13: 978-0685148686
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,427,414 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A second rate reproduction of a must have book for BG fans, July 23, 2004

By 

T. Givens (Virginia , USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Kingdom of Swing (Hardcover)

Five stars for content, but not this particular edition's print quality.

This version of the book looks like it was printed on a photocopy machine, especially the photos. They are on paper, and grainy, not like the glossy plates of the original publisher. At this price, this should be a much better reproduction than it is.

I don't recommend this version, unless you just can't find an original printing at a similar price, or prefer this being a new and less fragile copy. I traded this for other books, and found a used copy.

Used copies can be a bit hard to find, and pricey. I lucked onto a good condition 1940 second printing with jacket, two years ago for $25. Watch all the used book sources to find a copy in your budget.

You can't be a BG fan without this book. It only relates his life up through 1938, since it was published in '39. It's a shame he didn't write later and could tell more.

I was a bit surprised how humble and occaisionally self-deprecating he can be here. I think he really meant this to be a true account of his life; however, it is basic in most details.