The Library of Ragtime and Early Blues Piano (Library of Series) Plastic Comb – January 1, 1995

This indeed contains more good ragtime pieces than any book I've found. The section with early "Blues Rags and Songs," with 12 pieces, some blending into jazz, and 3 by W.C. Handy, is an added bonus, and alone worth the price of the book.If you're just taking up ragtime this would certainly be the place to start. There are 22 works by Scott Joplin, 3 by Tom "Million Dollar John" Turpin, some by Eubie Blake and Joseph F. Lamb. Also pieces by Julia Lee Niebergal and May Aufderheide that Max Morath plays on his Ragtime Women Album.Ragtime is not usually considered easy to play (or, many would say, easy to listen to) but it's a kick to learn. I know it took me a year to get down my first ragtime piece, and 30 years later I'm still improving with it. Even now, giving a couple of hours a day to practice, I'm pressed to learn 3 or 4 new ragtime pieces a year. Those with lots of talent and good teachers will go faster, but I think anyone will still find a lifetime's worth of good music and fun here.

What a wonderful collection! I'm an intermediate-level pianist and relative newcomer to ragtime/blues piano. I was looking for a big sample of all these styles, and this is definitely it. Over 300 pages of stuff, in a sturdy book with a spiral binder (a must-have for big piano books!) I've played this book 'til my hands were sore, and there's still lots I haven't gotten to yet!Contains some of Joplin's good stuff, but that's widely available. What's really neat about this book is the great selection of other ragtimers' best -- James Scott's Grace and Beauty, Great Scott Rag, Eubie Blake's Chevy Chase Rag, some other great pieces I'd never heard of.Also, classic old-time blues included, such as W.C. Handy's Memphis Blues and St. Louis Blues, Ballin' The Jack, Tiger Rag, etc.Also, some wonderful pieces called Cake Walks; kinda like ragtime but slower. Really lovely stuff!

Long-time fan of ragtime piano, especially Scott Joplin. I'm returning to the piano after a 35 year absence. This book, in my opinion, would be a bit intimidating to any new pianist but it is perfect for my needs. If you've wanted to play ragtime and you are in at least your second year of piano lessons (through a teacher or self-taught), then I'd highly recommend this book. Wonderful selections on high quality paper with clear printing with standard size notes (easy to read) -- not too easy but not too hard with diligent practice.

Kids are so excited about this book. Definitely not beginner level, but it has been fun watching my kids challenge themselves and stretch to get the syncopation of some of the songs in this book. It is a huge collection and should keep them busy for a long time!

This collection will keep you challenged and entertained for a long time

My copy of this book arrived with a shattered spine and is a bit fragile; however, the pieces within it are of course just fine!

This book met my expectations. Gave it as a gift. The binding didn't make shipping so well though.

Very complete book of Joplin and lesser known ragtime composers. Blues sections and Popular Song sections make this book one to own.Spiral-bound, which helps to keep this thick book open!

Early Ragtime and Blues Piano ist super! Es ist alles drinn, was das Herz eines Ragtime und Bluesliebhabers höher schlagen lässt!

A veritable plethora of rags. Very clear, easy to read, and the spiral binding is fantastic - the way all large music books should be.I wish they would do a sequel featuring a veritable plethora of Stride piano pieces.Highly recommended

Ist das drin, was drauf steht. Im wesentlichen Ragtime, aber auch Blues dabei. Hatte eigentlich eine Sammlung von Ragtimes von Scott Joplin kaufen wollen, dann aber gesehen, dass die meisten hier drin sind. Ist eine günstige und gute Wahl gewesen.