This record is in EX condition. The cover is M- in shrink-wrap.
It is a re-issue compilation remastered from the original mono recordings, here in stereo. The original sessions were in 1954. This reissue was released in 1971. It is part of Prestige Records' Historical Series.
This is Volume 2, but it is not necessary to have Volume 1 to appreciate this album fully.
On it, accompanying Monk, are Ray Copeland, Frank Foster, Percy Heath, Curley Russell & Art Blakey. The informative liner notes are by Dan Morgenstern.
Other information is in the specifications and short comment about the condition that appear at the beginning of this listing.