First Published in 2005. The Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound, 2nd edition, is an A to Z reference work covering the entire history of recorded sound from Edison discs to CDs and MP3. Entries range from technical terms (Acoustics; Back Tracking; Quadraphonic) to recording genres (blues, opera, spoken word) to histories of industry leaders and record labels to famed recording artists (focusing on their impact on recorded sound). Entries range in length from 25-word definitions of terms to 5000 word essays. Drawing on a panel of experts, the general editor has pulled together a wealth of information. The volume concludes with a complete reference bibliography and a deep index.
Biography
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.
"This appears to be the most comprehensive reference on recorded sound. Libraries that own the 1993 edition would do well to upgrade since so many new artists and technologies have emerged in the past decade... Highly recommended." -- Library Journal
"Uniformly well written, understandable, and focused... Most comprehensive reference on recorded sound... Highly recommended." -- Library Journal (starred review)
"Filling in the gaps by balancing coverage of all time periods and all recorded sound genres and formats." -- Reference & Research Book News
"The second edition is larger than the first... This edition provides information from all time periods and recorded sound genres... Abundant cross-references; comprehensive index... Highly recommended. All libraries." -- Choice
"This edition tries to present more objectively important information regarding all time periods and recorded sound formats and genres." -- American Reference Books Annual
"The most thorough work on its subject availble... Belongs in the collections of colleges, universities, and large public libraries." -- Reference & User Services Quarterly