The Story of Fake Books

Exploring the underground world of bootleg fake books, this work uncovers the hidden narratives behind unauthorized song anthologies that have influenced pop, jazz, and country musicians for decades. Utilizing FBI files, court records, and oral histories, it reveals the origins and legal battles faced by bootleggers, alongside the rise of the iconic jazz fake book, The Real Book. This comprehensive account sheds light on a crucial yet overlooked aspect of music history.