GEORGE GERSHWIN

In format this book seems destined for a junior market, but in content, it is a mature study of Mr. Gershwin's life, his music, his influence with contemporary composers combined with an astute critical appraisal of the composers' works. A great deal of attention is paid to the times in which George Gershwin lived and their reflection in his music. The book is as much critical study as it is biography, serious with humorous anecdotes to lighten the whole, and through it, Gershwin's warm and ingratiating personality emerges, and the reader is unconsciously made aware of his charm, his modesty (despite his success), and his faults (such as playing his own music to excess at social gatherings.) Ewen was a personal friend of Gershwin's but has a singularly objective and critical outlook. An unusual and distinguished musical biography. The illustrations by Graham Bernbach lend a modern decorative touch.