iece of social history by a German rhythm and blues fan who traveled the United States searching for the places referred to in the great blues and rock songs he loved so much. But his investigation of place and inspiration demanded a thoughtful reckoning with the whole of American culture, particularly White racism from the earliest years of the nation to the present. Rich in biographical detail about a host of America's great songwriters and players, famous or obscure, it also includes nuanced analysis of the music and lyrics. Balanced between personal impressions and the historical record, Song Atlas is a valuable collection of insights concerning a vast culture always in flux, an idiosyncratic tour of America in song.