Bargain CDs 1998-1999, The Penguin Guide to: Second Edition (Penguin Guide to Bargain Compact Discs) (Paperback)

by Ivan March (Author), Edward Greenfield (Author), Robert Layton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This valuable reference aid, now completely revised and expanded, assesses the huge and growing range of mid-priced, bargain, and super-bargain CDs of classical music, including doubles, duos, and twofers. Among them are a wide selection of modern digital recordings of high quality--many of them preferable to any full-priced alternatives--plus outstanding analog recordings from the vintage LP era and notable CD transfers of key recordings from 78s. The guide evaluates interpretations and performances, and considers both the quality of the recorded sound and the value for money in terms of playing time.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1008 pages
• Publisher: Puffin; 2 edition (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140514090
• ISBN-13: 978-0140514094
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,361,872 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful although condensed for price, a keeper for value, January 27, 2000

By	Dr. Alan D. Kardoff "animal lover" (Palm Bay, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Penguin Guide to Bargain Compact CDs, 2nd Ed. is a helpful and valued tool. I have used it alone in checking CDs and also together with the more comprehensive 1997 Penguin Guide and the Gramophone CD books. If there had to be a choice I would probably opt for the new 1999 Penguin Guide to CDs that just came out. For those seeking low price quality CDs, this guide is excellent although some of the more contemporary and obscure (lesser known)composers are scarely covered.

This is a keeper but should be supplemented by a comprehensive guide as well for those really into classical CDs. Now, if Penguin only had an Index, like Gramophone? But, Penguin justifies each of its choices rather than just reviewing one and listing others as does Gramophone.

For this alone, pushed I opt for Penguin over Gramophone. Incidentally look up almost any work and seldom is there agreement on the best works. Are music critics like economists, too? [e-mail]

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable for the collector or bargain hunter., January 30, 1999

By A Customer

This volume of the Penguin Guide focuses on mid-range, budget and super budget CDs only. It is a complement to the 1996 guide as well as the 1998 update. It is particularly interesting because it reviews many older yet famous recordings that I was not familiar with and makes collecting easier and less risk taking as it rates sound quality. It's nice to know that many great recordings are available for a fraction of the cost of their full price editions . Highly recommended.