Emile Berliner

Edouard-Léon Scott de Martinville (1817–1879) invented sound recording twenty years before Thomas Edison re-invented it. But his phonautograph is only one of his many accomplishments. Here, at the bicentennial of his birth, his story is published in depth. This extensively illustrated 48-page softcover book presents new research on Scott and his role as the father of sound recording. Included is a 33-1/3 flexi disc with phonautograms not only by Scott, but also by famous inventors who were inspired by him and his invention: Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison and Emile Berliner. Read more
List price: $22.00

Before the 20th century, the “sacred” songs of Protestant camp meetings and revivals were as catchy, memorable and personal as the pop songs of that or any other time. Bringing you more recordings from the 1890s than any other historical album to date, Waxing the Gospel is a landmark collection of 102 tracks on three CDs in a 408-page beautifully illustrated hardback book. Commercial recordings go back to 1890 and feature pioneer artists Emile Berliner, Thomas Bott, J. W. Myers, Len Spencer, Steve Porter, and J. J. Fisher—as well as stunning instrumental performances by Baldwin’s Cadet Band, Holding’s Parlor Orchestra, and the U. S. Marine Band. Celebrity recordings by star evangelists include Ira D. Sankey, Dwight L. Moody, and Prof. John R. Sweney. And vernacular recordings taken in the field are by historic evangelical figures such as Fanny Crosby reading one of her poems, Winfield Weeden singing his original songs, and the “Golden Minstrel” of the Salvation Army, Edward Taylor, who accompanies himself on the guitar. It’s a great listen, a fascinating story, a book for the coffee table, and a resource you’ll want to have nearby. Read more
List price: $55.00