Here in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the name "Alan Lomax" comes up a lot when discussing blues history. Long before he wrote this book, he came here from the Library of Congress (with John Work from Fisk University) to explore the clubs, cafes and churches of Clarksdale's African-American business district (now known as the New World)... and to record such legendary blues performers as Honeyboy Edwards, Son House and (at nearby Stovall Plantation) a young Muddy Waters. I love that the hand-drawn map of the New World District includes "Pool Hall," which we know to be Messenger's; the only ID'd business that is still there. Classic book within the genre. - Roger Stolle (Cat Head)