Young Man with a Horn (novel)

Young Man with a Horn is a 1938 novel by Dorothy Baker, inspired by the life of jazz cornetist Bix Beiderbecke, though it is not a direct biography. The novel tells the tragic story of Rick Martin, a gifted but self-destructive trumpet player obsessed with achieving a perfect sound.

The narrative follows Rick's musical development from his early instruction under a mentor, Smoke Jordan, to his rise in the jazz scene and subsequent struggles with alcoholism and self-doubt. The book explores themes of artistic genius, addiction, the challenges of artistic integrity in a commercialized world, and the destructive nature of perfectionism.

The novel is written in a realistic and evocative style, capturing the atmosphere of the jazz age and the emotional turmoil of its protagonist. It delves into Rick's complex relationships with the women in his life, particularly the enigmatic Amy North, and the impact of his personal demons on his musical career.

Young Man with a Horn was adapted into a successful film in 1950, starring Kirk Douglas as Rick Martin. While the film deviates from the novel in several significant aspects, it helped to further popularize the story and its themes. The novel remains a significant work in jazz literature and a study of the artistic temperament.