The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Right off the bat I'll admit this is crazy...

I'm looking for a copy of a music textbook that we used in music class when I was in 7th grade (1966-67).

Why?

Well, my fascination for antique phonographs began to develop during that time, and I was on fire to learn all I could about the history and development of them. I had a set of encyclopedias, and devoured everything the local library had on Thomas Edison, but it wasn't until I was leafing through that music textbook one day in class that I discovered a 3-4 page "History of the Phonograph" somewhere near the middle (as I recall). Looking back, the information must have been taken either from Read & Welch's From Tinfoil to Stereo or Roland Gellatt's The Fabulous Phonograph because many high points were covered. It was there I first learned the dates of major milestones such as the development of the Graphophone in the 1880s, Emile Berliner's Gramophone in the 1890s, the formation of Victor in 1901, the introduction of the Victrola in 1906... I thought I'd found a treasure trove of information and I yearned for more (and that has never let up ).

Anyway, I'd love to obtain a copy of that first fundamental reference in my collecting/researching life. I don't know the title, nor when it was published (although I'd guess between 1956 and 1966). I've wasted a lot of time on eBay hoping that my various searches would come up with something but so far I've been skunked. I'm about ready to give it up as a foolish, sentimental wild goose chase, unless someone out there happens to have an idea.

Can anyone help me?

Thanks,

George P.

George,
By any chance, do you know who the author was? Was the book hardbound or softbound? Do you know how many pages there were? Did you talk to any music teachers at your local schools, high schools or colleges? That may be a start.
Good luck with your quest.
Harvey Kravitz

As an ex high school librarian, I know that will be a difficult search. I know when textbooks become obsolete, the district usually discards them. Used Bookstores usually refuse to purchase old textbooks and the public usually doesn't buy them. I happen to have my 12th grade music appreciation textbook called The Meaning of Music by Joseph Machlis, but that was a common music book published over many years. To find what you are looking for without author or title or publisher will be an arduous task, almost like going back in time.

Citizen James

I wish I could help, but alas, being older than dirt, that was long after my grammer school days.

Clay

Thanks for the responses, gentlemen. I realize that this is a "needle-in-a-haystack" endeavor, but we're all accustomed to that, aren't we?

I remember the book was hard-bound, no more than about 200 pages, and I seem to recall illustrations on the cover showing people dressed in various historical fashions through the centuries. I still have the piece of lined paper on which I took notes from the book, but - - public education being what it was - - I never thought to note the source!

I hope that perhaps someone else happened across this little "History of the Phonograph" section in the book and either kept a copy or made note of the title/author (so I'll know what to look for).

Thanks again for your help!

George P.

I have sent an email inquiry to a friend who recently retired from a position involving coordination and supervision of music programs at schools in her county, but it is a shot in the dark.

Clay

You could try doing a search in Google Books, similar to this. You can add a year (like 1966) to narrow the search.

Thanks Clay. It's a very long shot in the dark, but I'm most appreciative.

Tom, I've been doing Google and eBay searches but so far no luck. I've found lots of stuff with 1950s/60s cartoonish illustrations like this: As I recall, the hardcover book I'm looking for had similar artwork on the covers. Of course, after 47 years it's just possible that I'm mistaken! No title, no author, no publisher... I don't know why you guys put up with me...

Thanks again for your help,

George P.

A few questions:

What was the name of the school?
What city?
What county?

What was the name of the music teacher?