"On the threshold of finishing "The New Paramount Book of Blues." Just in time to celebrate Paramount's Centennial. Today the Indexes arrived and we are halfway checking the final pdf (in full color). Thanks to editor Chris Smith this book has not only been juiced up in English, it also has new information on various blues singers. A surprise or two will be found in the 450 pages, hardback book with a great dustjacket (see the illustration). Expected to be available between March 15 and April 1, 2017, this book can be ordere via Agram Blues Books www.agramblues.nl. Thanks also to Guido van Rijn for not only proofreading the manuscript at its various stages, but also for pushinging me to the limit and take the plunge in having this book publishing."
-Alex van der Tuuk, on facebook
Cheers,
Pan
« Last Edit: February 02, 2017, 11:06:56 AM by Pan »
The site doesn't appear to have the usual buttons to click to order. I suggest that you send an e-mail to Guido van Rijn: guidovanrijn88 at gmail dot com
I have several email addresses for Alex van der Tuuk:
alexvandertuuk at online dot nl (via Pre-War Blues Group)
alexvandertuuk at orange dot nl (via ParamountsHome)
alexvandertuuk at wanadoo dot nl (via Mainspring Press)
Let us know if you hear anything.
I did find the ISBN via Bookfinder.com: 9789082657005 / 9082657007
It's a different book, Harry. The one you posted the link to is a revised edition of Alex's original book by the same title.
Alex posted to the PWBG and on the ParamountsHome site over the years while he was doing the research for the new book. At one point he said was trying to secure funding for its publication, something not unusual for books in all fields that do not have the potential for the wide readership needed to earn back the cost of publication. I guess the challenge now is for wider distribution.
I heard Alex say in a radio interview that it was Kid Bailey's "Rowdy Blues" that got him hooked on pre-war blues. Since the book claims to contain new information on Willie Brown we should ask him if he thinks they are the same person (or maybe it's in the book).
I can't find a mention or review of this book anywhere online, but I think we can assume Van Der Tuuk did his usual thorough job. I went ahead and ordered a copy from Frog in the UK. I can't find anybody in the USA selling it.
If you go to the Agram page at http://www.agramblues.nl/order.htm , the book is listed there. Order by emailing Guido van Rijn (who runs Agram) at the address provided; payment is done through Paypal.
I found a review Alex posted on his Facebook page.
Review from Paul Vernon aka Sailor Vernon from Real Blues Forum: Well folks, don?t bip another bop, My copy of Alex van der Tuuk?s ?New Paramount Book Of The Blues? arrived at the weekend, and it is STUNNING. First, a few words about quality, which is absolutely top notch. The paper itself, every page, is a smooth glossy delight. Running you fingers over it is a pleasure in itself, but the content that it bears is, at times, simply astonishing. There?s a LOT of new information, photos and graphics ? and the familiar are of a quality you will need to see to appreciate- all labels are in full color as are other graphics when the carry them. I?m not going to run spoilers past you, but I guarantee you will gasp audibly as you work your way through the book, There are useful addenda, a bibliography and three indexes ?artist, song and general- and although the price isn?t cheap, neither are the production values you will cherish. It?s a pleasure just to have it in your hands, never mind what else it contains. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Simply superb, and congratulations to Alex for producing it, with the knowledge and awareness that his readers will be like-minded folk who will understand all its nuances and attention to detail. And a shout out to Agram books for producing another quality tome. As my old Latin, Math and Corporal punishment master, Dr. Rayburn, might have said ?Don?t piss bout, just get it?
Thanks for posting Paul's review Gilamesh. To say that Paul tends not to be overly generous in his praise is an understatement, so his good words speak volumes about his opinion regarding the quality of the book.
I just sent Guido an email asking about the details re: ordering from the U.S. I'll let you know what I hear back.
I've ordered it from Guido; it's on the way. Payment thru Paypal. Book cost was 40 euros, plus 19 euros postage; my currency converter program tells me that's fairly close to the $68 quoted for shipment to the US. It's also available from Frog Records in the UK for $US46.40; dunno what the postage is.
Given how much work that Alex put into the book--and publishing costs, it would be cheap at twice the price. Postage / shipping is dictated by what's available. Many of the inexpensive options have disappeared depending on where you live. $19 sounds about right for a book by air carrier. I remember when there was an inexpensive international book rate surface mail option with insurance and tracking, but those days are long gone--in the U.S. at least.