This 1996 work on the history of organs built in England between AD 900 and the time of publication describes the most significant instruments of each period together with details of their builders, set against a background of changing fashions in music and liturgy. Technical developments are described in an easily understood manner, and links with other schools of organ building are made clear for the first time. The illustrations, many of which have not been published before, show significant instruments in their architectural setting. The author's experience in organ building gives the account all the benefits of first-hand experience. Written in an elegant, entertaining, and informed manner, the book is a vital and much-needed addition to current organ literature. Awarded the biennial Nicholas Bessaraboff Prize for the best book-length study of musical instruments published in the two year period 1996-7.

This 1996 book describes the history of organs built in England from AD 900 to the present day.
Reviews
'It is unlikely that a finer book on this subject could yet be written in our century ... it is now the standard book. Hard-backed, its more than 400 pages supersede all others.' Church Times
'Stephen Bicknell's book is a considerable achievement: essential reading and a thoroughly useful, stimulating and intelligent work. It is eminently worthy of purchase by all interested in playing and studying the organ.' Organist's Review
'This is a wonderful book, undoubtedly the finest of its kind ever written, and I most heartily recommend it.' The Organ Historical Society Journal
'This is a handsomely produced and well written book with many black and white photographs, and should become an essential part of any organ lover's library.' Early Music Today
'... not only does it present an omnium gatherum of all previous research, it is also interlaced with succinct and informed comment which marks its author as a scholar of the first rank ... a 'must' for every organ-lover.' Charles Mould, Journal of Ecclesiastical History
' ... the writing is expert, a fine salute to recent developments in organ-studies in Britain ... There is no organist who would not appreciate Bicknell's fresh style'. The Times Literary Supplement



Book Information
ISBN 9780521654098
Author Stephen Bicknell
Format Paperback
Page Count 430
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 680g
Dimensions(mm) 247mm * 175mm * 22mm