The Piano in America, 1890-1940

February 15, 1989
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.

Copyright 1989 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.