Encyclopedia of the Blues. 2 vols.(Reference Books)(Book review)

Encyclopedia of the Blues. Ed. by Edward Komara. New York: Routledge, 2006.2 vols. acid free $295 (ISBN 0-415-92699-8).

This two-volume set focuses on the blues in America from its roots in African and American traditional music up to the present contemporary style. It is well organized and complete, covering all the essentials of this genre in more than 2,100 entries. Included are not only the major artists, but also the historians and songwriters, the musical forms and styles, instruments, and other characteristics of the blues. It is very helpful that almost all the entries include a bibliography and discography pertinent to the entry An extensive index, two hundred …