Phono-Graphics Slipcase

by Arnold Schwartzman

Book Overview

A celebration of the dazzling array of graphic styles used to adorn and advertise phonographs and phonograph accouterments during the golden age of the Talking Machine, Phono-Graphics: The Visual Paraphernalia of the Talking Machine will delight collectors, designers, and nostalgia buffs.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811803023
• ISBN13: 9780811803021
• Release Date: July 1993
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (CA)
• Length: 119 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.8" x 7.2"

Customer Reviews

Unique, Delightful...Joyful All Around

Arnold Schwartzman must have known he was onto something good when he thought up this little book - it's time had certainly come, and it serves such a great purpose so beautifully, it stands as a real treasure for phono-philes, and folks who just plain love vintage illustration. "Phono-Graphics" focuses on early phonographs, and their accompanying advertisements, accessories, immortalizations, and all and sundry ephemera. From the classic Barraud painting of Nipper listening to "His Master's Voice" to the later Victrola Electric Portable players of the 1950's, this little book covers it all. Pristine vintage machines are featured in glorious color photographs - cylinders, mahogany morning glories, cabinet models and everything else, by all makers, of course. Ads from all over the world beckon to bygone buyers with clever slogans, vibrant colors and compositional appeal. The accessories boggle the mind with their sheer numbers and styles - needle boxes, paper dancers (which must be seen to be believed), wax cylinder boxes, picture discs...the list goes on. The book, as well, serves as an invaluable research tool for collectors, restorers and lovers of the wonderful music that only 78's can provide - the number of machines depicted is staggering. I own two Victrolas and have researched the company for years, and, until I found this book, never knew that there was such a thing as a "Schoolhouse Victor". A real eye opener, and an indespensible resource. Even if you're not a phono-fanatic, if graphics are your thing, this is such a joy on that level, as well. The artists employed by phonograph manufacturers were supremely gifted, and their work shines here. The lines, colors and flow of the illustrations are a joy to behold, and serve as a great tribute to a great era in advertising. So, although this book is small (119 pages, and about 7" X 7"), it's well worth the purchase price. You'll find plenty therein to enjoy, and open your mind a bit. It's a must-have for my fellow phonograph junkies, and certainly a promising little discovery for artists, as well.