I recently donated a new copy of the "Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical
Instruments" to my local library.  In exchange, they gave me their old
copy of "A Guidebook of Automatic Musical Instruments".

This book was also written by Q. David Bowers, but predates the
encyclopedia by several years.  This is the "Deluxe Library Edition"
of the guidebook, (c) 1967 and it combines Volumes 1 and 2 as a hard
cover book with a red cover.  The title and "Vestal Press" are printed
in gold on the spine.  Inside the  back cover is taped the December
1967 price list update.

The book is a good discussion of the subject, although not as complete
as the "Encyclopedia"

What is especially interesting about this book are the Rarity Scale and
the Prices.  The Rarity Scale identifies the number of specimens of an
instrument known to exist.  (It is important to know which instruments
are thought to have less than a dozen examples remaining - or none
remaining at all!)

The price guide illustrates that in 1967, one could get a Mills
Violano-Virtuoso in good condition for $400.  It is easy to determine
which portions of the mechanical music field have demonstrated the
greatest increase in value over the years.

It is a great book in good condition.  Has anybody else out there heard
of this book?  Is it of any special significance or value?

Wayne Finger