People are looking for antiques that can speak to them of an era gone by. At least, that might explain why antique talking machines are among today's hottest collectibles. Names like "Edison" and "Victor" call to mind an era of polished wood, brightly painted morning glory horns, and fascinating machinery. This thorough compendium contains 550 color photographs showing an incredible variety of external-horn as well as internal-horn talking machines. The authoritative text and up-to-date value guide complement a wealth of visuals, providing a veritable library. Authors Fabrizio and Paul lend over fifty years of combined experience in the field to make The Talking Machine, An Illustrated Compendium 1877-1929 the most accurate and complete work on antique talking machines for the novice or advanced collector.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Picture the small "Madame Hendron" doll of 1922 with six celluloid cylinders of nursery rhymes that it played, the compact "Dixiephone," or the large horned mechanisms with cranks in beautiful oak cases with "Edison" and "Victor" boldly decaled, and you will know what this book is about. This is the latest in Schiffer's line of quality works aimed at the antique collector or enthusiast, whether experienced or novice. It focuses on the now scarce and valuable early music devices, which played either wax or disc. The authors, both long-term collectors and restorers, have put together an amazing example of the varieties in these devices, contacting collectors all over America to obtain pictures of 500 machines and accouterments. Also included are up-to-date prices for these hot market items.?Joseph C. Hewgley, Nashville P.L.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Bible This Subject Has Long Needed and Deserved!,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Talking Machine: An Illustrated Compendium, 1877-1929 (Schiffer Book for Collectors with Values) (Hardcover)
The Talking Machine: An Illustrated Compendium is an extraordinarily well-assembled collection of nuts-and-bolts information, fascinating anecdotes, and gorgeous photography. Those who are familiar with this subject will find as a great a plunder of knowledge as those who are just beginning their education. The book traces the invention, evolution and maturation of the mechanical "Talking Machine," variously known popularly as the phonograph, gramaphone, graphophone, victrola, etc., depending on manufacturer. We learn of the birth of this amazing instrument in the hands of Thomas Edison's labratory cronies, its period of idleness immediately afterward and its re-birth and "perfection" some ten years later. We follow the incredible and relentless period of patent lawsuits. Learn who among the famous helped "make" the invention with their visits to the recording studio. Discover the many small firms in the Chicago area which sprang up and were often as not just as quickly snuffed out by the "Big Three": National Phonograph (Edison), Victor Talking Machine, and Columbia. The well-presented text is sumptuously augmented with an amazing collection of beautiful color photographs. This book is not cheap at $70, but would be worth twice the amount in the invaluable information given!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book,
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This review is from: The Talking Machine: An Illustrated Compendium, 1877-1929 (Schiffer Book for Collectors with Values) (Hardcover)
This is truly a remarkable book. If you are interested in the subject of phonographs and how they got started then this is the book for you. It is filled with the history of the phonograph. Especially interesting was the story of how Nipper the dog came about. You can't go wrong with this book.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Comprehensive History of the Talking Machine,
By
This review is from: The Talking Machine: An Illustrated Compendium, 1877-1929 (Schiffer Book for Collectors with Values) (Hardcover)
This book is the size of a coffee table book, but you can actually read it and learn something. It is difficult to find a good history of the phonograph, especially the business history of how it developed. This book fills the bill. It also features a large number of clear photographs so you will know what the author is talking about. If you are interested in antique talking machines, or need a good coffee table book, this is a good choice.
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