Customer Reviews

The Golden Age of the Accordion

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Flynn, Davison and Chavez's "Golden Age of the Accordion"--a collection of articles about, interviews with, and letters from major accordionists, builders and repairmen in the United States and Canada who were active during the early- to mid-20th century--is an invaluable resource for the professional and amateur accordionist, and music historian and scholar.

As a musicologist and author, I have consulted the book many times when writing articles about the early pioneers of the accordion, and consider it an invaluable reference source. As a professional accordionist, I also enjoy browsing through the book and reading about the many fascinating careers of the great accordionists.

As the book is a collection of articles, letters, etc., occasionally there are some discrepancies. However the authors acknowledge this and wrote a disclaimer: "We have every reason to believe in the integrity and accuracy of the individuals who have submitted information for this book. Notwithstanding, there may nevertheless be a small number of facts, such as dates or names recalled after many years, in which future documentary information currently unavailable to the authors, might differ somewhat from the information printed in this book. . . Overall, however, we are confident that the reader will find this historical information about the accordion and its artists to be a fascinating and comprehensive account of the early days of the accordion as seen through the eyes of those who were destined to make that history."

I agree that the book is fascinating and comprehensive, and I congratulate the authors and publishers for performing a wonderful service for posterity.
[...]

As an avid collector of vintage accordions, this is the best book on the topic that I have come across. Well written and informative, with many illustrations and photographs to supplement the text. A must have for any accordion enthusiast. Highly recommended.

What a wonderful book! I have a strong sensitivity towards the historic and the past, and from the moment I began reading the book I was transported to a time I wish I had known. There is also an excellent, and long, article in the back about the history of the accordion, from ancient reed instrument to the portable organ that it is today. It's worth reading.

The Golden Age of the Accordion is a chronological account of accordion manufacturing, usage, and repair in the United States by geographic location from its earliest inception to the present. The authors make history come alive through their use of personal interviews with the artists who played the instruments, the officials who provided the evolution of the companies building the instrument, and individuals and companies who specialize in the service and repair of these gems of the past. I could not stop reading until the last page, and then I started rereading it. Fascinating. Nostalgic. One of a kind. Makes one want to rush out and get an accordion to love!

Mr. Davison did a wonderful job of communicating information regarding my order. I purchased this book as a gift for a family member and Mr. Davison graciously autographed the book and it was promptly shipped and received in perfect condition. Although I have not had an opportunity to read the book, I can say that Mr. Davison is a wonderful person to do business with.

Edwin went above and beyond when it came to communications. Often you wait in vain to get respones to your queries but Edwin was on the case, where you would receive an email back within a day, if not that day itself. The book itself is being enjoyed by the person I bought it for, and while I myself am not into such things, he tells me that it is was an excellent purchase.

I have no problems recommending this pubslisher and this book to anyone, world wide.