The Knowledge: Jazz

With help from Guardian jazz critic, John Fordham, gain The Knowledge of this exciting musical genre and its cultural roots

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Introducing a new series of information-led pocket guides aimed at demystifying a wide and eclectic range of subjects.

Called The knowledge each book within the series is written by an expert in the field providing a lively, and informative, introduction to their respective topic.

The jazz paradox: why has an art that has so transformed the world's music in barely 100 years, remained so widely misunderstood? Jazz shines light on the subject for those intrigued by its influence and creativity, but also mystified by its occasionally esoteric habits.

From charting the first wave of jazz to breaking down its full history, Jazz will lead you from the form's African-American slave origins to the individuals who shaped the most innovative musical genre of the 20th century.