This work meticulously documents the recordings of American dance bands from 1917 to 1942, serving as an essential reference for historians, collectors, and enthusiasts of early jazz and popular music. Brian A. L. Rust, a renowned jazz historian and discographer, compiled this extensive catalog based on exhaustive research into record labels, session logs, and contemporary accounts. The book presents a chronological listing of recordings, detailing band personnel, instrumentation, recording dates, and matrix numbers, providing an unparalleled resource for understanding the evolution of American popular music during a pivotal era.

Brian A. L. Rust's "The American Dance Band Discography 1917-1942" is widely regarded as a foundational and authoritative work in the field of jazz and popular music discography. Its meticulous detail and comprehensive scope have made it an indispensable reference for scholars and collectors alike. The book is praised for its accuracy and the depth of research undertaken by Rust, establishing a benchmark for subsequent discographical studies of the era. It remains a critical tool for anyone seeking to understand the recording history of American dance bands during this significant period.