SONGS OF THE 20TH CENTURY Often we hear songs and are curious to know who wrote them. This
book attempts to satisfy that curiosity with a goldmine of information.
The main section is devoted to the songs themselves-who wrote them,
when and why they were written as well as the shows and films in
which they have been heard. The second and third sections are
devoted to biographical details of the composers and lyricists
respectively. Some other songs of theirs which are deemed unsuitable
for the main content are mentioned.
Although it is a book of popular song, references are made to many
classical composers from Bartok to Mozart and from Debussy to
Stravinsky. References are also made to eminent literary figures from
Bertolt Brecht to James Joyce and from Thomas Mann to Mark Twain.
'Songs' is a reference book for anyone interested in American popular
song in particular, and song-writing in the 20th century. It offers a
comprehensive guide to the composers and lyricists behind best-loved
'standards', as well as information on more obscure songs.
The book also provides a host of fascinating anecdotes about the
personalities and lives that helped forge the history of popular songs.