The complete lyrics of Cole Porter

Published in 1971 by Dell, this volume serves as a comprehensive anthology of Cole Porter's songwriting career. It was curated to preserve the wit, sophistication, and intricate rhyming schemes that defined Porter’s contribution to the Great American Songbook, spanning from his early compositions in the 1920s to his final works in the 1950s. The collection was designed to function both as a reference for scholars of popular music and as a bedside companion for admirers of Porter’s lyrical dexterity.

The publication arrived during a period of renewed interest in the standards of the pre-rock era, reflecting a cultural desire to codify the work of Broadway and Hollywood’s most prominent lyricists. While the book captures the essence of Porter’s often-cynical, double-entendre-laden poetry, it presents these works stripped of their melodies, allowing the reader to focus entirely on the craftsmanship of the verses. It remains a foundational text for understanding the evolution of the American musical theater lyric.