Discovering Antique Phonographs


Book Description

Out of the authors' latest explorations, this gorgeous new book has come to life---illustrating entirely different talking machines from those in their previous books. Follow the progress of the acoustic talking machine from its crude beginnings in the 1870s to its most splendid and sophisticated heights in the early 20th century. An unparalleled archive of rare, fascinating, and previously undocumented objects has been assembled. The story behind the beautiful, bright machinery is told through clear and insightful descriptions, and many previously unpublished facts are revealed.







Dust & Grooves


Book Description

A photographic look into the world of vinyl record collectors—including Questlove—in the most intimate of environments—their record rooms. Compelling photographic essays from photographer Eilon Paz are paired with in-depth and insightful interviews to illustrate what motivates these collectors to keep digging for more records. The reader gets an up close and personal look at a variety of well-known vinyl champions, including Gilles Peterson and King Britt, as well as a glimpse into the collections of known and unknown DJs, producers, record dealers, and everyday enthusiasts. Driven by his love for vinyl records, Paz takes us on a five-year journey unearthing the very soul of the vinyl community.




Vinyl


Book Description

This history of the LP is a must-have for any music connoisseur! When vinyl LP records took over the music industry in the late 1950s, a new era began. No longer bound by the time constraints of the shellac 78s that had been in use since the 1910s, recording artists could now present an entire album—rather than a lone three-minute single—on a vinyl LP, giving listeners a completely new way to experience their music. In recent years, vinyl has found a second life as an art form, collected and appreciated by music connoisseurs across the world. Vinyl: The Art of Making Records examines the origins of the vinyl format and its evolution throughout the 20th century, and also provides an in-depth look at how vinyl LPs are manufactured and packaged—often with striking artwork that makes them beloved by music enthusiasts today. Also included are four removable art prints, each representing a sample of album covers from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.




The Better Sound of the Phonograph


Book Description

A bible for the diskophile, whether new to vinyl or seasoned audiophile. More than 150 color images and illustrations clarify the art and science of the phonograph (gramophone). Micro-photography of many phono styli show precision, defects, and wear. DIY instructions for a high-performance RIAA phono stage (preamplifier). DIY instructions for making a low-distortion 12in (305mm) transcription tonearm.




The Big Book of Fairytales & Fantasy Classics


Book Description

The Big Book of Fairytales & Fantasy Classics offers readers an unparalleled journey into the labyrinth of the imagination, assembling a remarkable array of tales from the quills of some of history's most influential and pioneering authors. This collection spans a myriad of literary styles, from the grotesque and Gothic to the whimsical and whimsical, showcasing the richness and diversity of fantasy literature. Among its pages, readers will find seminal works that have shaped the genre, bridging the gap between ancient folklore traditions and modern fantasy storytelling. The anthology captures the essence of fantasy as a space for exploring the human condition, morality, and the complexities of the magical and the mundane. The contributors to this volume are a veritable who's who of literary history, each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the genre. From the surreal escapades in Lewis Carroll's wonderlands to the moral allegories in Oscar Wilde's writings, and the dark, cautionary tales of the Brothers Grimm, these authors collectively embody the spirit and evolution of fantasy literature. Their works reflect significant cultural and historical movements, from Romanticism to Victorian morality tales, offering readers a window into the sociopolitical landscapes of their times. This anthology is a treasure trove for aficionados of fantasy and fairy tales, students of literature, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the boundless realms of the imagination. It presents an extraordinary opportunity to explore the depths of fantasy literature through a tapestry of tales that challenge, entertain, and inspire. The Big Book of Fairytales & Fantasy Classics is not just a collection of stories; it is an invitation to wanderlust and wonder, encouraging readers to ponder the limitless potentials of the fantastical world. A rich educational resource and a compelling read, it promises to awaken a sense of awe and an appreciation for the craft of storytelling.




Edison


Book Description

From Pulitzer Prize-winning author Morris comes a revelatory new biography ofThomas Alva Edison, the most prolific genius in American history.




The Record Players


Book Description

From the co-authors of the classic Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: A fascinating oral history of record spinning told by the groundbreaking DJs themselves. Acclaimed authors and music historians Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton have spent years traveling across the world to interview the revolutionary and outrageous DJs who shaped the last half-century of pop music. The Record Players is the fun and revealing result—a collection of firsthand accounts from the obsessives, the playboys, and the eccentrics that dominated the music scene and contributed to the evolution of DJ culture. In the sixties, radio tastemakers brought their sound to the masses, while early trendsetters birthed the role of the club DJ at temples of hip like the Peppermint Lounge. By the seventies, DJs were changing the course of popular music; and in the eighties, young innovators wore out their cross-faders developing techniques that turned their craft into its own form of music. With discographies, favorite songs, and amazing photos of all the DJs as young firebrands, The Record Players offers an unparalleled music education: from records to synthesizers, from disco to techno, and from influential cliques to arenas packed with thousands of dancing fans.




Popular Mechanics


Book Description

Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.