Miles: The Autobiography

by Miles Davis with Quincy Troupe
Miles: The Autobiography cover
Good Books rating 3.5
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  • ID: 9596
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
The Storygraph · 2026-01-01
intriguing 3.50

The book is compelling but repetitive and contradictory. There's an endearing quality to the unpolished way the author expresses himself.

The reviewer found the book to be a compelling read overall, but noted that it is quite repetitive and contradictory at times. They appreciated the raw and unfiltered nature of the author's writing, which they described as endearing. The reviewer also mentioned that the book provides a unique perspective on the history of jazz, as the author's experiences and interactions with other musicians are woven throughout the narrative.

Quick quotes

    It's a compelling read for the most part, but repetitive and contradictory as hell.

    There's something endearing about how "unprecious" Miles is with his words.

    The amazing part of this book is how much it becomes an autobiography and history of jazz from the mid-1940s and forward.

Jazz Journal · 2020-03-30
fascinating 3.00

The book lacks the stylistic flair one might expect from the author, but it provides a fascinating look at the history of jazz.

The reviewer noted that the book lacks the stylistic flair one might expect from the author, but they appreciated the fascinating look at the history of jazz that the book provides. They also mentioned that the author's experiences and interactions with other musicians are woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and context to the story. The reviewer found the book to be a valuable contribution to the literature on jazz and the author's life.

Quick quotes

    It is curious that Miles Davis, who has made something of a religion out of style, should have produced a book that lacks it so comprehensively.

    The amazing part of this book is how much it becomes an autobiography and history of jazz from the mid-1940s and forward.

    The book is a valuable contribution to the literature on jazz and the author's life.

The Atlantic · 1990-01-15
great 4.00

The autobiography is a candid and insightful look at the life of the trumpeter, with the author serving as his own most perceptive critic.

The reviewer praised the autobiography for its candid and insightful look at the life of the trumpeter. They noted that the author's self-criticism is particularly perceptive and adds depth to the narrative. The reviewer also appreciated the way the author's experiences and interactions with other musicians are woven throughout the book, providing a unique perspective on the history of jazz.

Quick quotes

    In his autobiography, the trumpeter Miles Davis proves to be his own most perceptive critic.

    The book is a candid and insightful look at the life of the trumpeter.

    The author's experiences and interactions with other musicians are woven throughout the book, providing a unique perspective on the history of jazz.

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