The Complete Lyrics of Cole Porter : Book Review

"The Complete Lyrics of Cole Porter" is a remarkable anthology that celebrates the genius of Cole Porter, a legendary composer and lyricist who has left an indelible mark on American musical history. With over 800 pages of Porter's iconic lyrics, this book is a treasure trove for fans of his timeless classics.

What sets this collection apart is the breadth of songs it encompasses, spanning Porter's entire career. From his early hits in the 1920s to his later triumphs in the 1940s and 1950s, every song in this compilation showcases Porter's unparalleled wit, sophistication, and mastery of wordplay. Alongside well-known favorites like "Night and Day," "I Get a Kick Out of You," and "Anything Goes," readers will also discover hidden gems and rarities.

However, this anthology is more than just a collection of lyrics. It provides invaluable insights into the context and inspiration behind Porter's songs. Each page is meticulously annotated with footnotes, offering background information, explanations of idioms or references, and intriguing anecdotes about the composition and performance history of the songs.

The meticulous editing and attention to detail in "The Complete Lyrics of Cole Porter" make it an invaluable resource for performers, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. The elegant layout and typography enhance the reading experience, while the inclusion of indices and a comprehensive discography add to its usefulness.

This compilation breathes new life into Cole Porter's timeless lyrics, ensuring that his genius will continue to be appreciated by generations to come. Whether you are a fan of musical theater or simply appreciate great songwriting, this definitive collection is a must-have for any lover of American popular music.

What are readers saying?

"The Complete Lyrics of Cole Porter" by Cole Porter has garnered a mixed reception from readers. While some reviewers appreciated the comprehensive collection of lyrics and the opportunity to delve deeper into Porter's songwriting, others had complaints about the book's organization and layout.

A common positive aspect that readers highlighted was the extensive collection of Porter's lyrics. Many found it enjoyable to read through the verses and appreciate Porter's witty and sophisticated wordplay. The book serves as a treasure trove for fans of Porter's music, allowing them to explore the depth and versatility of his songwriting.

Reviewers also praised the contextual information provided alongside the lyrics. The historical notes added depth to the verses and helped readers understand the messages and themes behind the songs. This additional information made the book more than just a straightforward collection of lyrics; it became a valuable resource for gaining insight into Porter's work.

However, some readers expressed frustration with the book's organization and layout. They found it difficult to navigate through the lyrics and believed that a more coherent structure, such as arranging the songs chronologically, would have been more helpful. Additionally, some readers found the small font size challenging to read comfortably.

A few reviewers also noted the absence of sheet music or musical notations in the book. This disappointed some readers who were expecting a more complete package. They felt that including the music alongside the lyrics would have enhanced the reading experience and made it easier to follow along.

ColePorterLyrics MusicalMasterpiece ClassicComposer