A detailed look at the "dozens" that long-running African American tradition of trading insults and witticisms – a mode that's influenced music from the blues years onward, with an especially important contribution to the development of hip hop in the contemporary scene! We feared a bit of stiffness in the presentation at first – especially given the academic press – but the book's a surprisingly lively read, and is peppered with examples throughout – which really keeps things interesting. There's a fair bit of history and larger cultural context throughout – and the book 244 pages, hardcover, with a few black and white images. Book