Review in the American Library Association's magazine, College & Research Libraries News.

George M. Eberhart, senior editor of American Libraries and editor of AL Direct, wrote to say that Devil At The Confluence was "an excellent contribution to St. Louis history." Then in his review of the book in the December 2010 issue of College & Research Libraries News from the American Library Association, Eberhardt says that the book, "sets the record straight with a wealth of primary research."

"Belford, a professional illustrator, started out to make a series of portraits in honor of St. Louis blues and jazz musicians prior to World War II. When he found out how little research had been done on them compared to blues musicians further south, he launched a massive project to reestablish the city’s musical heritage. Here he sets the record straight with a wealth of primary research, noting that what became ragtime music was played in the city as early as 1888, and quoting St. Louis piano bluesman Stump Johnson on blues origins: 'St. Louis had some of the best blues singers that ever there was in the history of the blues. The levee at St. Louis was known throughout the country as the origination of blues.'”

Left Bank Books picks the Devil as favorite local book.

STLTODAY's Book Blog asked local booksellers to pick their favorite books of 2010. 

Thanks LEFT BANK BOOKS for picking Devil At The Confluence!

(But Left Bank's pick was dismissed because Devil At The Confluence was published in 2009.)

And then at the end the article laments why there are no favorite books that have appeal lasting beyond one season... (sigh.)

Please support St Louis' independent bookstores! 

Left Bank Books, in the Central West End and Downtown St Louis.