I went to the AbeBooks site  http://www.abebooks.com/  and typed

"Mechanical Music" in the general search line.  I got a long list of

books available, many out of print, and ordered several.  They came

yesterday.  I am really overwhelmed at what I got for very little

money.



1. "Mechanical Musical Instruments", by Dr. Alexander Buchner.  This

is a large book having 108 pages of text describing and listing all

manner of mechanical music manufacturers from ancient to around 1900.

The next 174 pages are large plates of photos and etching of all manner

of antique musical instruments.  This book would make a wonderful

addition to anyone's library who is serious about the history of

mechanical musical instruments.  The book does not show a publishing

date, but it appears to be a first edition printed at Batchworth Press

in London.



2. "Clockwork Music", by Arthur W.J.G. Ord-Hume, published by Crown

Publishers, Inc., New York.  This is an illustrated history of

mechanical musical instruments from the music box, to pianolas and

orchestrion.  Published 1973.  Also a hard cover book with 334 pages

containing hundreds of photos, illustrations, reproduction ads and

technical information.  Another great addition to my mechanical music,

and carousel organ library.



There were many more interesting books listed.  I recently purchased

a copy of a band organ book which was listed with bids around $100 on

eBay and I was able to purchase a very nice clean copy from AbeBooks

for $25 the same week.



I love this hobby and continue to find treasures in books related to

the hobby.



Al Good



 [ AbeBooks (formerly the Advanced Book Exchange) is an online

 [ marketplace for books based in Victoria, British Columbia,

 [ Canada.  Amazon.com purchased the company in 2008.  -- Robbie