This spectacular volume is a compendium of beautiful recording & playback equipment & at the same time an engaging comprehensive history of sound recording Organized chronologically it showcases specially commissioned photography of the beautiful iconic & rarely seen objects contained within the diverse collections of the EMI Archive Trust Recording equipment playback devices catalogues artist files records master tapes radios & televisions are all here accompanied by detailed specifications & intriguing archival photographs Interspersed with the timeline & images are in-depth articles that tell the complete stories of the pioneering advances in the evolution of sound technology from the invention of the ' Gramophone' method to the development of electronic signal amplifiers & from the arrival of magnetic tape recording to the advent of CDs & the dawn of the digital age It is sure to prove irresistible to music geeks & design lovers alike