This won't necessarily be used for an assignment, but will be required reading for helping students to understand the context of life as a jazz musician. The book is stories of, often told by, some of the most important names in jazz. They are a wonderful glimpse into what life was like as a jazz musician, particularly in the early decades when jazz was just starting to develop as an art form, and big name players were singlehandedly molding and evolving it. It is also a unique resource for how jazz musicians interacted. It is a great read for a Jazz History class.

This is a fantastic and unique source of information about jazz musicians. It is stories of, and by, the most important names in jazz history, as told by some of the most important names in jazz history. I think it is absolutely worth including in the libraries permanent catalog.