The classic

The Compleat Klezmer is the classic book in its field. Many of the tunes in this book represent the standard core repertoire with which any klezmer band should be familiar. The explanatory first chapter is a rich source of information about the music. When I was starting out, this book was my bible and it is still the one I would recommend to any beginner. Musicians should make sure to obtain the spiral bound edition. Those who are not primarily musicians will find the explanatory text and accompanying photographs and notes interesting, though the book is mainly geared toward players.