Hi Guys Edison Cylinder companion

[markbark]

I have a number of books on cylinders but really don't want to spend an additional $125 bucks. Is it worth it?

[AZ*]

Are you asking about Frow's Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion?

There is a reasonably priced digital version. You can even download a sample chapter so you can see for yourself if it is worth it.

http://mulhollandpress.com/styled-5/sty ... index.html

[markbark]

Hey Thanks Victor 3. Thanks muchly but I already have. It's also on Apple Books. I wanted to know WHAT YOU thought. I really don't think it's all that good. BTW has anyone read " Follow The Dog ". Although on a different subject should be of interest to anyone here. What say you? Have a great day! Mark

[52089]

Frow's books are essentials for Edison phonograph collectors at all levels of experience. I can't say that I would pay $125 for the cylinder book, but it is out of print and unlikely to ever be reprinted. I don't have the digital copy, but for $15 I would have to assume that it's well worth the price. I have collected Edison machines on and off for the last 40+ years and I still refer to my Frow books almost every week.

Similarly, "Look for the Dog" is an excellent overview of the basics of US Victor machines. I would recommend getting the more recent editions that are in color.

[AZ*]

I have owned 3 "versions" of the Frow Edison Cylinder phonograph books. My 1978 version titled, "The Edison Cylinder Phonographs 1877-1929" by Frow and Sefl unfortunately was destroyed in a house fire 25 years ago. I replaced it with the 1994 edition of Frow's "Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion." I would tend to agree that this edition was a big disappointment. Most of the photos in the book are dark and tiny, so almost no detail can be identified. An improved edition was published a few years later - possibly 1997, with much larger and better photos. The 1994 edition has a dust jacket. The 1997 edition does not. I recommend avoiding the 1994 edition.

Mine are packed away at the moment, so they are not accessible. As for their value, I concur with 52089. They are primarily for reference, and good to consult before plunking down hundreds of dollars on an Edison machine. They are pretty dry reading however.

[fran604g]

I have to agree with the above comments completely.

Frow's books (one for cylinder machines, and the other for Diamond Disc Phonographs), are indispensable for the serious minded collector for reference.

There's simply no better published reference material available.

Have fun,
Fran

[CylinderFan]

I have a number of books on cylinders but really don't want to spend an additional $125 bucks. Is it worth it?

There is a used one for sale for $65.95.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/EDISON-CYLINDE ... SwUcteQhVH

[tomb]

I have booth books , the companion and the 1877-1929 book. The companion has more information but I like the 1877-1929 book better due to the illustrations. The Edison Cylinder Phonographs 1877-1929 has as much information as you need and is cheaper. If you get into collecting you will need one or the other as it describes what parts are on the machine and when the changes were made. I use mine also a lot and it is scuffed and a little coffee stained. Tom

[Valecnik]

I have booth books , the companion and the 1877-1929 book. The companion has more information but I like the 1877-1929 book better due to the illustrations. The Edison Cylinder Phonographs 1877-1929 has as much information as you need and is cheaper. If you get into collecting you will need one or the other as it describes what parts are on the machine and when the changes were made. I use mine also a lot and it is scuffed and a little coffee stained. Tom

It's worth it for sure. There are three additions actually. Best is to get the second printing, 1997 edition.
- The first edition, 1978 has 207 pages.
- 1994, about 370 pages but the pictures are not very good
- 1997, It has 426 pages, about 50 more than the 1994 edition and better pictures, the best one imho.

[KCW]

I’ve got the original one and love it. Just bought the iTunes version for 15$, which is a great deal!