An essential masterpiece of jazz history by renowned photographer and music historian, with a new foreword by Richard Williams

In this classic account of the new black music of the 1960s and 70s, celebrated photographer and jazz historian Val Wilmer tells the story of how a generation of revolutionary musicians established black music as the true vanguard of American culture. Placing the achievements of African-American artists such as Albert Ayler, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane and Sun Ra in their broader political and social context, Wilmer evokes an era of extraordinary innovation and experimentation that continues to inspire musicians today. As vital now as when it was first published in 1977, As Serious As Your Life is the essential story of one of the most dynamic musical movements of the twentieth century.

"The best of those books that found evidence of a black revolution or resurgence in the musical achievements of Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Albert Ayler and others" - Guardian

"A very powerful and proud black book ... it sings the praise-song of the procreators of the new music and their direct descendants" - Coda

"A fascinating document, full of the energy of political struggle" - Socialist Review

"A masterpiece of jazz history ... it charts the development of the new black music, delving deep into the lives, minds and politics of the people behind it" - BBC Radio 3

"Fascinating snapshot" - The Wire

"A classic ... jam-packed with gems" - BBC Radio 6Music

"A social history of the free jazz movement from its beginnings in the late 1950s ... as serious, and necessary, as ever" - Village Voice

"One of the foremost chroniclers of African-American musical culture" - Spectator

"One of the most important and exciting books ever written about jazz. It's essential" - Stereogum