Just in time for the holidays, author Rob Howard has released his latest book, “Accordion: A Pictorial History” which can be easily ordered from www.musicforaccordion.com.
“Accordion: A Pictorial History” tells the story of the accordion, from its origins in the early 1800s up to the present day. The book is fully illustrated throughout with over 300 colour photographs, each with information, plus several articles. The articles include: “What’s in a name?”; “Busson – first of the great accordion builders”; “Significant developments in the 19th Century”; “Concertinas”; “Pietro Frosini, Guido and Pietro Deiro – the Big Three of their era”; “The 1930s – The era of the accordion bands begins”; “The 1940s – Revisiting the Uniform keyboard”; “Italy, Hohner, and East Germany – the post-war era”; “Syd Lewis…and the end of an era” (written by Steve Roxton); “Recent Times; Helmi Harrington’s ‘A World of Accordions’ museum”.
Most of the pictures come from the huge Ken Hopkins collection in Northern Ireland, with others contributed by The Accordion Shop, Ron Bennett, Gary Blair, Tony Compton, Colin Ensor, Edwin Erickson (Canada), Skyler Fell (USA), Jean Hanger, Helmi Harrington (USA), Reza Hasani (Iran), Caroline Hunt, Roy Magna, Gordon Pattullo, Danielle Pauly (France), Barry Smith, Heather Smith, Bernard Wrigley, Alan Young, etc.
This book is a sequel to Vintage Accordions (2011) and is similar in format, but adds much new information, and has different articles and photographs. “Accordion: A Pictorial History” is a high quality production, A4 sized hardback, and makes an ideal present for any accordion enthusiast!
Rob Howard has played the accordion since 1968. At present, he is the concert secretary, compere and ‘public voice’ of Stockport Accordion Club. He has played in a folk group, in accordion bands, entertained in restaurants and for French-themed evenings, has performed in musicals, has accompanied Irish step-dancing and Polish dancing, has been a member of a Bavarian Oompah Band, played in several ceilidh bands, and leads ‘wartime sing-a-alongs’ at Stockport Air-Raid Shelters.
For over 20 years he has contributed articles and reviews to specialist music magazines, and above all, is an enthusiast for the accordion.
The book is available online with secure server credit card purchase in Euro or US$. Catalog No: robaccord06 “Accordion: A Pictorial History”. Postage is free until December 15, 2013.
I recommend that you also consider buying Rob’s other wonderful books: “An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments”, Volumes 1 to 4. There are more than fifty pages filled with fascinating information and photos. There is always something new to learn about the accordion. After reading his new book, your knowledge of the accordion will be greatly enhanced.
For further information: robaccord5@hotmail.com
