Suggested Books On Our Hobby
Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 10:43 pm
The following is a list of books that pertain to our hobby. It is not an attempt at a complete list but ones that are in my library. So many basic questions can be answered if you own or have access to a fraction of these books.
*
Books specific to a specific manufactures or types:
"The Edison Cylinder Phonographs" by George Frow (out of print but available but available as an e-book)
"Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion" by George Frow
"The Edison Disc Phonograph and the Diamond Discs" by George Frow
"Columbia Phonograph Companion - Volume 1" by Howard Hazelcorn (cylinder machines)
"Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume II" by Robert W. Baumbach & Mac Lackey (disk machines)
"Look For The Dog - An Illustrated Guide to Victor Talking Machines" by Robert W. Baumbach
"Victor Data Book" by Robert W. Baumbach
"Tinfoil Phonographs" by Rene' Rondeau
"The Berliner Gramophone an Illustrated History" by Mark Caruana-Dingli
*
The following list are books authored by Tim Fabrizio and George Paul. As many know, George is a valued member of our Forum. His only flaw is his modesty so if you would like to make a purchase, please check with George first. These books are nothing less than a feast for your eyes as well as a great deal of information. If any friend or loved one needs a suggestion for a phono gift, you can't miss with any selection.
"Phonographs With Flair: A Century Of Style In Sound Reproduction"
"The Talking Machine - An Illustrated Compendium"
"Accessories & Contraptions"
"Phongraphica - The Early History Of Recorded Sound Observed"
"Antique Phonograph Advertising - An Illustrated History"
"Discovering Antique Phonographs 1877- 1929"
"Antique Phonograph - Gadgets, Gizmos, & Gimmicks"
"The World Of Antique Phonographs"
*
Great books by Joan & Robin Rolfs:
"Nipper Collectibles"
"Nipper Collectibles Volume II"
"Phonograph Dolls and Toys"
*
Possibly the most valuable book for the new collector is "The Compleat Talking Machine" by Eric L. Reiss. There is a wealth of information about basic repairs as well as some phono history and many photos. I highly recommend this book.
*
The following books were the first books related to our hobby. If you've ever wondered where the anti Columbia Graphophone or Zonophone bias came from, read "Tinfoil to Stereo. It is full of bias and many phono errors but was considered a collectors bible by early collectors. In spite of the flaws I believe it is worth reading. Gelatt's book was a valuable resource, free of errors, and worth owning.
"The Fabulous Phonograph" by Roland Gelatt - 1954
"From Tinfoil To Stereo" by Oliver Read & Walter Welch - 1959 (It is available in three additions. The 1994 3rd addition is best avoided. It is a condensed but kept all the errors.)
*
The above list is by no means a complete list. I would welcome additions and your comments about a particular book.
*
Jerry Blais 2/9/2015
*
Books specific to a specific manufactures or types:
"The Edison Cylinder Phonographs" by George Frow (out of print but available but available as an e-book)
"Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion" by George Frow
"The Edison Disc Phonograph and the Diamond Discs" by George Frow
"Columbia Phonograph Companion - Volume 1" by Howard Hazelcorn (cylinder machines)
"Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume II" by Robert W. Baumbach & Mac Lackey (disk machines)
"Look For The Dog - An Illustrated Guide to Victor Talking Machines" by Robert W. Baumbach
"Victor Data Book" by Robert W. Baumbach
"Tinfoil Phonographs" by Rene' Rondeau
"The Berliner Gramophone an Illustrated History" by Mark Caruana-Dingli
*
The following list are books authored by Tim Fabrizio and George Paul. As many know, George is a valued member of our Forum. His only flaw is his modesty so if you would like to make a purchase, please check with George first. These books are nothing less than a feast for your eyes as well as a great deal of information. If any friend or loved one needs a suggestion for a phono gift, you can't miss with any selection.
"Phonographs With Flair: A Century Of Style In Sound Reproduction"
"The Talking Machine - An Illustrated Compendium"
"Accessories & Contraptions"
"Phongraphica - The Early History Of Recorded Sound Observed"
"Antique Phonograph Advertising - An Illustrated History"
"Discovering Antique Phonographs 1877- 1929"
"Antique Phonograph - Gadgets, Gizmos, & Gimmicks"
"The World Of Antique Phonographs"
*
Great books by Joan & Robin Rolfs:
"Nipper Collectibles"
"Nipper Collectibles Volume II"
"Phonograph Dolls and Toys"
*
Possibly the most valuable book for the new collector is "The Compleat Talking Machine" by Eric L. Reiss. There is a wealth of information about basic repairs as well as some phono history and many photos. I highly recommend this book.
*
The following books were the first books related to our hobby. If you've ever wondered where the anti Columbia Graphophone or Zonophone bias came from, read "Tinfoil to Stereo. It is full of bias and many phono errors but was considered a collectors bible by early collectors. In spite of the flaws I believe it is worth reading. Gelatt's book was a valuable resource, free of errors, and worth owning.
"The Fabulous Phonograph" by Roland Gelatt - 1954
"From Tinfoil To Stereo" by Oliver Read & Walter Welch - 1959 (It is available in three additions. The 1994 3rd addition is best avoided. It is a condensed but kept all the errors.)
*
The above list is by no means a complete list. I would welcome additions and your comments about a particular book.
*
Jerry Blais 2/9/2015