'A New History Of Jazz' has also been nominated for the 'Best Book About Jazz' category in the prestigious Jazz Journalists Association awards, which take place on 19 June 2002 in New York.

It's plaudits so far include the following:

"The best existing history of jazz" - Robert Walser, editor of American Music

"Takes up where [Ken] Burns left off and provides a much more comprehensive study…a worthwhile contribution to the jazz library..provides essential reading for anyone wanting to learn more about this music. Shipton provides an impressive work, filled with excellent sources…his writing is easily accessible. He offers a breath of fresh air in the wake of Ken Burns. This is one trip that’s well worth the prices of admission." - AllAboutJazz.com

"This comprehensive book, with its wealth of information presented in a nontechnical style accessible to the general reader, is a major contribution to the literature of jazz." - Publishers Weekly

"A New History of Jazz ranks as one of the most important examinations of the music released during the past decade…Shipton takes an analytical approach that frequently claims new territory. [An] important new overview." - The Dallas Morning News

"A New History of Jazz is particularly sharp in describing jazz’s earliest roots. Shipton’s done his homework and he knows how to tell a story." - Blender Magazine

"Respected jazz broadcaster and author Alyn Shipton has taken on the big one here and comes up trumps…Shipton is unhampered by overt stylistic prejudice, resulting in a likeable read that wears its expertise with the grace of the truly wise. More trustworthy and less sentimental than many similar efforts….it achieves something approaching an essential text." - Mojo

"A veritable cathedral of documentation, stories and anecdotes about the musicians and characters who have created what has often been described as America’s true native art form." - Financial Times

"One for inquisitive newcomers as well as buffs intimate with every Satchmo outtake." - The Times

"A marvellously balanced yet passionate history of a protean cultural form." - History Today

"Being a European writer has allowed Shipton the critical distance to steer clear of the tensions that currently swirl around jazz in America to produce a well balanced overview of the music" - BBC Music Magazine

"Of particular note is discussion of jazz as it played out in Europe, Africa and elsewhere, a story often neglected in the histories of the music." - Booknews.com

"The most though provoking history of jazz ever written" - John Chilton, musician & author

"Top of the list for a recommended history." - Jazzwise

"Unusually thoughtful and comprehensive…..uncovers and explores a broader spectrum of jazz developments in addition to tackling commonly accepted stereotypes and myths…Highly recommended." - Library Journal

"In the 1990’s jazz criticism flooded the publishing market, but few of those books were as nuanced or readable as Shipton’s, which spans the entire history of jazz, from its mid-nineteenth-century origins to the present day…Those who want a true history of jazz should definitely jump into this impressive work." - Booklist