The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Ok, I know it's not a machine but there isn't a Book Review section.... Just wondered if anyone has read this ? I'd be interested in your views of it. (apart from the picture with the mysterious floating back bracket and the soundbox on the wrong side of the record...)

The book received a favourable review in the latest CLPGS magazine and I have ordered a copy.

I enjoyed it but had slightly mixed feelings. For us dyed-in-the-wool enthusiasts, despite its meticulously researched and referenced content, there seemed to be missed opportunities to mention other matters of interest and make various other connections, so I read it with some degree of irritation and disappointment, but I may be unduly fussy in these regards. I'm afraid my tired brain isn't the kind that can store and provide examples! At the very least though, I think it's a good account for someone not familiar with the territory. I was a little surprised it took me that way, so I'm very interested to hear other collectors' opinions.

I had high hopes for it when I bought it but ended up a bit disappointed... I found it quite disjointed, not really flowing very well. It might also have been the writing style - some people can write in a way that makes you want to keep reading but I didn't feel this with this book. I also think it skirted over some of the interesting early history and missed some out altogether....

This posted today - the author discussing the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDT2Kb7sVMo

Hmmm.... I think "enthralling new book" is pushing it a bit ..