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The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Our estimated delivery is between 5-14 working days however we ask you to allow up to 21, due to delays currently with Canadian post if you could allow a further 5 working days on top of this we would appreciate it. Our estimated delivery is between 5-14 working days however we ask you to allow up to 21, due to delays currently with Canadian post if you could allow a further 5 working days on top of this we would appreciate it. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Our estimated delivery is between 5-14 working days however we ask you to allow up to 21, due to delays currently with Canadian post if you could allow a further 5 working days on top of this we would appreciate it. Our estimated delivery is between 5-14 working days however we ask you to allow up to 21, due to delays currently with Canadian post if you could allow a further 5 working days on top of this we would appreciate it. See less
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Marybeth Hamilton
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In Search Of the Blues Hardcover – Jan. 25 2008

by Marybeth Hamilton (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 17 ratings
3.7 on Goodreads
123 ratings
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Who really invented the Delta blues? A historian debunks the conventional wisdom about an iconic American art form.

Leadbelly, Robert Johnson, Charley Patton--we are all familiar with the story of the Delta blues. Fierce, raw voices; tormented drifters; deals with the devil at the crossroads at midnight.

In this extraordinary reconstruction of the origins of the Delta blues, historian Marybeth Hamilton demonstrates that the story as we know it is largely a myth. The idea of something called Delta blues only emerged in the mid-twentieth century, the culmination of a longstanding white fascination with the exotic mysteries of black music.

Hamilton shows that the Delta blues was effectively invented by white pilgrims, seekers, and propagandists who headed deep into America's south in search of an authentic black voice of rage and redemption. In their quest, and in the immense popularity of the music they championed, we confront America's ongoing love affair with racial difference.

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  1. Print length
    309 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Basic Books
  4. Publication date
    Jan. 25 2008
  5. Dimensions
    14.61 x 2.54 x 20.32 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0465028586
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0465028580
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basic Books (Jan. 25 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 309 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0465028586
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0465028580
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 481 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 14.61 x 2.54 x 20.32 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 17 ratings

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Marybeth Hamilton

Marybeth Hamilton

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
17 global ratings

Top review from Canada

R. Johnston
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Original and Though Provoking
Reviewed in Canada on August 1, 2008
For anyone interested in roots music in general this is a great read. Ms Hamilton argues that the history of blues & jazz, and by extension all popularized folk music, is distorted by the agenda of those who 'discovered' and popularized the music. People such as the Lomax's and and leftist folk movement. Her argument is quite convincing. At the same time this is not a dry book, but has lots of interesting anecdotes and ideas.
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Top reviews from other countries

Mrs Dorothy Lynn Fowles
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2015
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Excellent
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Hello
5.0 out of 5 stars A story that needed to be told
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2011
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This is one of the most interesting, thought-provoking and enjoyable books I have ever read. The author goes behind the scenes and looks at those people who contributed to the popularity of the blues among white people. It is a generous view that reveals the agendas and values driving people such as the Lomaxes and others, in a fair and consistent manner. It gave me a fresh appreciation for the music and the people who lived and sang it, my curiosity to hear more was aroused and I have since been hearing those old performances with renewed interest. I came away with a heightened sensitivity for the complexity and persistence of racism and the need to reflect on our capacity to mythologize and project our desires and needs onto the things we consider exotic and real. Brilliant.Thank you MaryBeth Hamilton.
5 people found this helpful
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Derek W. Brand
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book On Early Field Recording
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2014
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After reading some of the posted reviews of this book I was expecting some sort of controversial shoot-from-the-hip myth shattering exposé. I was disappointed not to find any of that in this book. But what I did find was a well researched, well written book about some of the people that went out looking to record early African American folk music. Closer to the end of the book the author starts getting into the history of early record collectors and this was also fascinating. There has always been a big difference between collecting records and listening to or playing music. I thought the way the author showed the bridge between them was well done.
6 people found this helpful
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M. Parr
4.0 out of 5 stars How peoplr chose your blues!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2007
Verified Purchase
This is an interesting read for lovers of early blues.

It is not about musical details - you won't find out about Robert Johnson's guitar tunings, or who influenced Muddy Waters. Rather, it discusses the people who collected the blues via recordings (e.g. the Lomax family) and those early collectors who decided what should be regarded as good music.

The author is concerned with the motives of early enthusiasts, who filtered the music for us. For example, some sought out music that was uninfluenced by radio or gramaphone, some were politically motivated, looking for music of the people, and some looked for great art in the blues.

Sometimes, the book is rather dryly academic in style, but don't let that put you off. Anyone interested in early blues and how is was selected will find it a worthwhile read.
4 people found this helpful
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Kodaq G.
5.0 out of 5 stars blues nothing but the
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2016
Verified Purchase
blues nothing but the blues
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