The Piano In America, 1890-1940

The Piano in America, 1890-1940

From 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.Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. Roell 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.Originally published in 1991.A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value. Review The Piano in America is thoroughly researched and attractively written. It offers a wealth of fascinating insights into the history of the industry. . . . A very welcome and much-needed contribution to an area which has, hitherto, attracted relatively little scholarly attention.--Journal of American Studies