Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ [three volumes]

[Organs]. JUNCHEN, David Laurence (and Preston J. KAUFMANN)

Published by Showcase Publications, Pasadena, 1985

About this Item

Pasadena, Showcase Publications, 1985, 1989, and 1995. Quarto, three volumes, 432 pages with over 800 illustrations; [433]-950 pages with over 1000 illustrations; and 448 pages with over 250 illustrations. Synthetic cloth; a fine set with the dustwrappers in fine condition apart from a few tiny tears to the head of each spine. 'This three-volume encyclopedia provides a wealth of primary source material on the American theater [sic] organ, an instrument designed for the movie theaters of the silent film era that has now all but disappeared from American pop culture. The first two volumes contain articles about organ manufacturing companies. The third volume is devoted to "the mighty Wurlitzer". Each entry is documented with primary source material such as photos, company records, stop lists, advertisements, drawings, and interviews and correspondence with organ makers. In addition, Junchen has provided an opus list detailing the histories of all of the organs built by each company. These materials will prove indispensable to anyone researching popular music in the silent-film era' (Trove, presumably quoting the publisher). The first two volumes are by David Junchen (1946 - 30 January 1992). The third volume, by Preston Kaufmann, is the first of a proposed five-volume series chronicling 'the rise and fall of the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, plus the company and people behind the product'. Loosely inserted is the four-page prospectus for that set, and a circular letter (dated 15 December 1995) from the author apologising for the delay in publication of this volume, and outlining some of the problems encountered since he 'fell heir to the "Encyclopedia" project four years ago'. Reading between the lines, we thought we could discern why no further volumes have been produced. A quick search online unearthed the less happy truth of the matter: Preston Kaufmann died in 1998, at the age of 42. [3 items]. Seller Inventory # 119379

Bibliographic Details

Title: Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ [...

Publisher: Showcase Publications, Pasadena

Publication Date: 1985

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

Edition: First Edition.