A historical study of the Federal Music Project (FMP) investigates the paradoxical mission of employing popular musicians during the depression and "raising" musical tastes by emphasizing European classical traditions. Bindas (history, Kent State U.) reveals the obvious tensions between FMP leadership and its musicians, particularly the racial and ethnic segregation perpetuated by its policies. However, in an even-handed treatment, the project's successes in bringing music to millions of listeners is also highlighted. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR