This volume serves as a comprehensive bibliographic record aimed at organizing the vast body of literature, academic research, and historical documentation surrounding the blues music tradition. Robert Ford provides a structured framework for scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts to navigate the extensive publications related to the genre. By cataloging books, articles, and critical essays, the work establishes a foundational reference point for understanding the evolution and cultural impact of blues music. The text functions as a systematic guide to the primary and secondary sources that define the study of this musical form.

Experts and music historians frequently cite this work as a foundational reference tool for those conducting formal research into the blues. Readers often note the meticulous organization of the entries, which simplifies the process of locating specific historical data within a dense field of study.