Short History of the Saxophone

Poetry. African American Studies. Lyrical, sweet, catchy, and cool, SHORT HISTORY OF THE SAXOPHONE has a beat and sound to it that is like music to the ears. The book is designed by Brian Brunius and shaped to resemble a CD case, quite appropriate considering the musical nature of Weatherly's poetry. There is no need for a painting on the cover, for the words are art enough: anything else would feel like extra. The poems can go from Zen simplicity, to being difficult and philosophical. "This latest book of Tom Weatherly's poetry is a welcome addition, as well as a cause for rejoicing, for all those who, like myself, have admired his unique work for decades. For those who may be discovering his always lyrical and insightful voice for the first time, reading his work will make you want to go home and write a poem yourself"—David Amram. "Weatherly condenses the wisdom of a life and vast readings into brilliantly compact music that falls like sweat from the brow of a sage hidden in the body of a girl. It's a wise rain that makes this sound in my brain"—Andrei Codrescu.