The Swing Book [Paperback]

Degen Pener (Author), Scotty Morris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 1999

The Swing Book is an energetic primer of all things swing. Originating in 1920s Harlem and popularized by stars like Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, swing exploded across North America, until rock n roll replaced the big band sound. But ten years ago a revival took root in San Francisco, snowballing into todays national resurgence.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

"Degen Pener worked as a staff writer for Entertainment Weekly and as a columnist for the New York Times "Style of the Times." He now contributes to The New Yorker, New York, Wallpaper, and In Style. He lives in Manhattan."

Product Details

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: Back Bay Books (November 4, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316698024
• ISBN-13: 978-0316698023
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,082,718 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Popular

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a fabulous book! A great resource!, July 18, 2000

By 

Erin Welch (Springfield, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Swing Book (Paperback)

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!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As fast and fun as the music itself, and with real substance, October 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Swing Book (Paperback)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A First-Rate Introduction to the World of Swing!!, October 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Swing Book (Paperback)

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!