This spectacular volume is a compendium of beautiful recording and playback equipment and at the same time an engaging, comprehensive history of sound recording. Organized chronologically, it showcases specially commissioned photography of the beautiful, iconic and rarely seen objects contained within the diverse collections of the EMI Archive Trust. Recording equipment, playback devices, catalogues, artist files, records, master tapes, radios and televisions are all here, accompanied by detailed specifications and intriguing archival photographs.

Interspersed with the timeline and 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, and from the arrival of magnetic tape recording to the advent of CDs and the dawn of the digital age. It is sure to prove irresistible to music geeks and design lovers alike.