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Fender: The Golden Age 1946-1970 Hardcover – May 24, 2010

4.8 out of 5 stars 540 ratings

The Stratocaster. The Telecaster. During the quarter-century following World War II, Fender guitars didn't just make music. They made musical history. Those spectacular years are remembered and celebrated in this definitive new book, which tells the story of the Fender company and the wondrous instruments it created.

Featuring 250 photographs of Fender guitars-including some extremely rare guitars in private collections-as well as the largest collection of Fender advertising ever assembled, this gorgeously designed volume is a comprehensive account of Fender's golden age. It will be irresistible to anyone interested in guitars, rock 'n' roll, or mid-century American collectibles and ephemera. Like the guitars it documents, the book simply brings down the house.

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Martin Kelly is the joint Managing Director of the highly acclaimed British independent record label Heavenly Recordings, home of The Magic Numbers, Doves and Cherry Ghost.

Paul Kelly is an award winning film maker and designer. He has taken all of the photographs in this book.

Terry Foster is one of the world's leading authorities and collectors of Fender Guitars. He lives in the U.S.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cassell
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 24, 2010
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 42602nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1844036669
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1844036660
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 1 x 11.5 inches
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool and up
  • Best Sellers Rank: #2,981,175 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 540 ratings

About the authors

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
540 global ratings

Customers say

Customers praise the book's fantastic photos and thorough research about Fender guitars, making it a must-read for guitar lovers and collectors. The book receives positive feedback for its historical content, with one customer noting its stunning use of period literature. Customers find the writing well-crafted, with one describing the prose as nicely conversational.

39 customers mention "Pictures quality"39 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the fantastic photos in the book, with one customer highlighting the never-before-seen images and another noting the fabulous pictures of classic expensive guitars.

"This book has tons of great pictures and a heap of info regarding Leo Fender and the history behind the making of all his ingenious innovations...." Read more

"...Hardcover and very well put together.Enjoyed the great pics, especially the custom colors and never before seen images, which makes this book a..." Read more

"A great book. Great photos. Full of information about Fender guitars." Read more

"This is a great book, with really nice photos. The history of Fender is very interesting. I've been using vintage Fender amps since the mid 60's." Read more

37 customers mention "Information quality"37 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's thorough research and comprehensive content about Fender guitars, with one customer noting it's a master work of facts and illustrations.

"...This book is not only incredibly well written and informative, but has incredible photographs...." Read more

"This book is awesome for us guitar nerds. The history, research, details, and pictures are outstanding!..." Read more

"Broad and somewhat deep coverage of the topic with great pics. Like the headline says." Read more

"Excellent book! Very informative text and great pictures. Highly recommended." Read more

13 customers mention "Book content"13 positive0 negative

Customers find this book to be a must-read for guitar enthusiasts, particularly Fender fans and collectors, with one customer noting it's the best in their guitar book collection.

"...fender guitar, or you are just interested, this book is a must read for all guitar lovers. Rare pictures and very informative.. love this book." Read more

"...The quality of info and photos here are the best of all my guitar book collection that I've pieced together in the last 25 years!..." Read more

"This book is awesome for us guitar nerds. The history, research, details, and pictures are outstanding!..." Read more

"...author's great love of the subject, and I would recommend it for players and collectors alike." Read more

11 customers mention "Beauty"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful, describing it as a gorgeous book about Fender guitars, with one customer noting it provides a definitive look at a legendary company.

"Beautiful book. My grandson just loves it!" Read more

"...This book is very well done with beautiful and comprehensive pictures of all products...." Read more

"So cute" Read more

"This fender stratocaster in natural wood is not only a beautiful guitar, but one that sounds good and play’s easily...." Read more

10 customers mention "Value for money"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth its price.

"I can't think of more to say than this is the best value for $20 of any product, anywhere, for any purpose, across all categories :-)..." Read more

"...And the pictures are worth the price of that book alone. Simply a great package and must for every Fender fan." Read more

"...It’s a nice, coffee table sized edition and worth the price without a doubt." Read more

"Nice book..Well worth the money" Read more

9 customers mention "History"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's historical content, describing it as a fantastic reference to Fender's beloved history, with one customer noting its stunning use of period literature.

"...complete references in Fender history with plenty of pictures and historic details!" Read more

"...the custom colors and never before seen images, which makes this book a standout...." Read more

"This is a great book, with really nice photos. The history of Fender is very interesting. I've been using vintage Fender amps since the mid 60's." Read more

"...This book covers the early history of Fender Guitar, the Golden Age from 1946 to 1970 and covers the various guitar models and amps...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive2 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one noting that the prose is nicely conversational.

"...This one was definitely worth picking up. Well written, and beautiful pictures...." Read more

"...This book is not only incredibly well written and informative, but has incredible photographs...." Read more

"...even though the use of grammar seemed incorrect. (maybe the diff between English and English) this was published in the u.k.....good job overall" Read more

"I thought this book was well worth every penny and very, very well written. The photography is GORGEOUS to say the least...." Read more

7 customers mention "Guitars"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's coverage of guitars and amps, with one customer noting it includes both electric and acoustic instruments.

"...This one is the best. They cover every detail of every amp, every guitar and every ad of the golden era...." Read more

"...has owned a Fender, here are tons of photos and facts on these great guitars and amps, dating from the start...." Read more

"...The photography is GORGEOUS to say the least. This book will please any Fender guitar lover...." Read more

"...story, timelines for each model of slide guitar, electric and acoustic guitars and amps...." Read more

Don’t Look! Buy!!! This is the one if you only buy one!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Don’t Look! Buy!!! This is the one if you only buy one!!!
This re-release also happens to be the newest Fender guitar historical book. And me, being the owner of five other similar books, this is the best one! I feel that you are not to be disappointed, for example, he gathers the colors for all the model years and puts it all in one place. This book is a labor of love and a labor of passion !!! I would buy it again and I would buy more copies for the ones that I know love Fender guitar. He creates a lovely backdrop with his choice of words, he put you back in time like you were in the era leaving during the time of the Stratocasters early days!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2012
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    The author and publisher went to unbelievable lengths to produce this book! The quality of the photos, the subjects of the photos and the research are unparalleled. Fender did a great job of marketing their product throughout their history with unbelievable marketing and style and the author here utilizes that treasure trove and takes it many steps further. They've found some of the most pristine vintage pieces of Fender guitars, amps and accessories and brought them all together into a fantastic value of a book. The quality of info and photos here are the best of all my guitar book collection that I've pieced together in the last 25 years! I was so impressed I've purchased additional copies for friends with the same love of vintage Fender. The best value in any book I own and it features the iconic Fender line. Don't miss this opportunity!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2012
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I thought this book was well worth every penny and very, very well written. The photography is GORGEOUS to say the least. This book will please any Fender guitar lover. This book covers the early history of Fender Guitar, the Golden Age from 1946 to 1970 and covers the various guitar models and amps. Makes a great gift to anyone who loves guitars and is a great coffee table book too!!! If you lover Fender guitars then get this book!!

    Checkout the photos that I added of this book!!!
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A Gorgeous and Informative Book about Fender Guitar

    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2012
    I thought this book was well worth every penny and very, very well written. The photography is GORGEOUS to say the least. This book will please any Fender guitar lover. This book covers the early history of Fender Guitar, the Golden Age from 1946 to 1970 and covers the various guitar models and amps. Makes a great gift to anyone who loves guitars and is a great coffee table book too!!! If you lover Fender guitars then get this book!!

    Checkout the photos that I added of this book!!!
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2013
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    For anyone who has owned a Fender, here are tons of photos and facts on these great guitars and amps, dating from the start. This book makes a good reference for those of us who still comb flea markets and yard sales for the old stuff. The book covers everything Fender made, acoustic guitars, lap steel, electric mandolin. There is a regular index, plus a very comprehensive index of Fender equipment, with reference to the page on which each appears. There are plenty of old ads - these help in identifying equipment as well. This book evidences the author's great love of the subject, and I would recommend it for players and collectors alike.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2019
    If you dig Fender guitars this is the book for you. I may even go so far as to say this is probably the best guitar book I own and I have quite a few. Beautifully put together with great photography and stunning use of period literature. The text is super informative, historically accurate but never gets too high brow or dull. A lot of care and attention has gone into producing this book and it represents great value for money too. Five out of five!!
    9 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2018
    It goes without saying that there are few people on the planet that know more about the Golden Age of Fender more than Terry Foster and his fellow authors. This book is not only incredibly well written and informative, but has incredible photographs. The quality of the print and paper is also exceptional. I've enjoyed both reading this book as well as looking at all of the pictures. It's probably as close as I'll ever get to experiencing some of these incredible amps and guitars.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2013
    While it covers the amps, slides and other legendary Fender products; this book is mainly about the guitars. Gorgeous pictures that will make you sweat with desire and will leave you with a fever. There is also text, and don't get me wrong; it looks like perfectly readable, interesting text with perfectly decent information. In English, even. I think. but who cares, just look at those pictures and pass out .

    Also, this is the mini edition, wich means that it's slightly smaller than your average coffee table book. It's sized like a hardcover novel, and you could still wack somebody over the head good with it. The words are printed somewhat small, but I didn't need my reading glasses. Maybe because I haven't read a single word yet, I just perused the pictures while filling the pages with drool.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2010
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This is a stunning compilation, as comfortable on a research shelf as on a coffee table. It doesn't just cover the history of Fender in words and dates, but through amazing photography which brings to life the ascent of Fender from humble beginnings to an American icon. This book is thoroughly researched, and the photographs of amazing vintage instruments are top notch and highly artistic. The authors feature arguably the best examples of vintage Fender gear in the world, and the photos are jaw dropping. The authors go to great lengths to examine Fender and its products in the wider cultural context of what was happening in music at the time, and it is filled with great anecdotes and quotes from well known artists. This is a perfect book for vintage gear enthusiasts as well as anyone interested in mid-20th century design, advertising or pop culture history.
    34 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2025
    The book came in excellent condition. And it is from end-to-end original fender. The photos are excellent. Goodread or just a browse.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Stéphanie bedard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magnifique
    Reviewed in Canada on August 25, 2024
    Superbe livre et en parfaite condition 10/10
    Report
  • Antonio Fernandes
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great historic and archived photos
    Reviewed in India on August 25, 2019
    Wish there were more coloured photos of early Stratocasters! Overall a good read.
  • JANGO
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ein muss für jeden Fender Fan...
    Reviewed in Germany on May 10, 2020
    ...die Geschichte von Leo Fender und seinen Gitarren und Amps...Tolles Buch in ENGLISH...
  • cristobal ponce
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muy hermoso
    Reviewed in Spain on June 11, 2018
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Es un libro con un equilibrio adecuado entre texto y fotografías; éstos son de muy buena calidad con numerosas guitarras y amplificadores históricos.

    Es el placer, gusto y lujo de disfrutar de un LIBRO, con mayúsculas, en su sentido tradicional, un soporte físico en estos tiempos de lo virtual.

    Yo lo compré de segunda mano; el ejemplar está en muy buenas condiciones y el precio adecuado. Muy recomendable.
  • Buddy Lee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book !!
    Reviewed in Japan on June 28, 2018
    Many Bautiful photos inside !! Grea book