Bluegrass: A HISTORY 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Music in American Life)
Rosenberg's book is the publisher's second excellent bluegrass history in two years. Robert Cantwell's Bluegrass Breakdown ( LJ 5/15/84) was a scholarly study of the music and its cultural roots, while this one expands the reader's appreciation by focusing on the performers. There is considerable overlap, of course, as both authors describe Bill Monroe's founding influence and the contributions of pioneers such as the Stanley Brothers and Flatt and Scruggs. Rosenberg offers many more biographical details, however, and discusses the musical impact of many more persons than does Cantwell. Fans as well as scholars will find much to like in this well-researched, well-indexed work. William Hepfer, SUNY at Buffalo Libs.Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.