Reviews & Press for Irving Berlin: New York Genius

“Genius is the operative word. The latest entry in the “Jewish Lives” series tackles perhaps the most prolific and important composer and lyricist in U.S. history…Kaplan, no stranger to daunting subjects…has written an extensively researched, entertaining, and nuanced account that contextualizes Berlin’s story and achievements within the scope of Jewish immigrant New York and modern American popular culture.” – Library Journal.

“Short but robust and richly rewarding…Kaplan vivifies Berlin and…brings his deep knowledge and wise insight to Berlin’s life story so that even his most classic songs like “White Christmas” feel like a new discovery.” – The National Book Review.

“One senses on every page Kaplan’s enthusiasm for his subject as well as his deep knowledge.” – The New York Journal of Books.

“Kaplan excavates psychological depth beneath the blithe melodies…a smart, entertaining biography of a great songwriter that will have readers humming along.” – Publishers Weekly.

Read more at The New York Times Book Review, The Wall Street Journal, The Times of Israel, The Arts Fuse, The Jewish Review of Books, DownBeat, Wesleyan University, America Magazine, Mosaic, Popmatters, CBS News, NBC New York, and Broadway World.