1: The World of Count Basie, Stanley Dance

Not as interesting as The World of Swing, which I read some time last year, mainly because it deals largely with the New Testament Basie band, but also because, I think, it has fewer anecdotes and more enumerations of recording sessions. A section on Jay McShann's band also failed to interest me very much. I'd rather read about Coleman Hawkins (don't worry—there's lots) than about Paul Quinichette.

If you don't know who either of those guys are, then you will just be wasting your time with this book.

Was it worth it? Yes, if only to absorb some more of the era's flavour and to see some more names from liner notes in a more personal context.