Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound

New entries in this second-edition reference comprise more than 60 percent of the text, and all retained entries have been updated. The first edition, published in 1993 (Garland Press), gave heavy emphasis to the pre-World War II period and tended to focus on classical or European-derived music, with spotty coverage of jazz and other popular styles. Filling in the gaps by balancing coverage of all time periods and all recorded sound genres and formats, this revamped two-volume reference covers industry figures and scientists, record companies, audio equipment and software manufacturers, relevant terms and issues, and recording artists of all stripes (bio info is provided, but emphasis is on recordings produced). Supplementing the text are b&w illustrations--record label and album cover art, and photos of key people. Entries are alphabetically arranged, signed, and cross-referenced. An extensive bibliography and an index round out the work. Contributors are an assortment of academics, librarians, and music critics and scholars, working under the editorship of Hoffman (library science, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas). Annotation c2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Frank Hoffman has authored or co-authored several encyclopedias, including The Encyclopedia of Fads, The Cush Box Country Singles Charts, 1958-1987, Album Charts, 1964-1988, and The Rise of the Crooners. He teaches music and library science at Sam Houston State University. He resides in Huntsville, Texas.