The Piano in America, 1890-1940 by Craig H. Roell

Library Journal

Through an in-depth study of the American piano industry, Roell has prepared a fascinating account of the socioeconomic trends in the United States as we moved from 19th-century Victorian idealism to the 20th-century consumer culture. Ideas regarding the piano in America are explored through a unique cause-and-effect analysis of several correlating themes, e.g., the erosion of the home as the center of family life, the impact of mechanization upon self-expression, and the rise of mass media. The timely discussions of the player piano is particularly interesting as the reaction this music machine drew curiously parallels the assessment of present-day music technology. Highly recommended.-- William J. Waters, Pensacola Junior Coll., Fla.

Booknews

Roell (business, Ohio State U.) uses company records and the popular press to chronicle the piano industry through changing values, business strategies, economic conditions, and technology. For Roell, as for the industry, music is a byproduct. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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