Gershwin: A Biography
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 (18981937), 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.\ \ Includes a new critical discography.\
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"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" 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. (September 18)
Preface1The New American Gershvins12From Tin Pan Alley ...153... to Broadway404"Experiment in Modern Music"6151924776Modern Romantic917Interlude and Preludes1178Hits and Misses1389Americans in Paris15310Transition: Broadway to Hollywood18211Manhattan Rhapsody21112Song Book22913Porgy and Bess25014The Goldwyn Coast292Epilogue: The Myths of Ira Gershwin327Compositions by George and Ira Gershwin372Bibliography393Notes on Sources396Acknowledgments400An Informal Discography and Videography (1998 Edition)402Index421
\ Publishers Weekly - Publisher's 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. (September 18)\ \ \ \ \ Library JournalA 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\ \ \ BooknewsReprint of the 1988 Doubleday original with a new critical discography. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.\ \
