The Virgin Encyclopedia of 50s Music : Book Review

"The Virgin Encyclopedia of 50s Music" by Colin Larkin offers an extensive and enlightening exploration of the music of the 1950s. Larkin's comprehensive research and devotion to the subject shine through, making this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the era.

The book starts by setting the historical context of the 1950s, discussing the social and cultural factors that influenced the music of that time. Larkin then takes readers on a journey through the various genres that emerged during this iconic decade, including rock and roll, pop, R&B, country, and jazz. Each genre is thoroughly examined, with a focus on key artists, their contributions, and their impact on the music scene.

What sets this book apart is its inclusion of less mainstream genres and artists. Larkin places equal importance on lesser-known acts, ensuring a well-rounded representation of the era's music. This opens up opportunities for readers to discover new and overlooked artists and genres they may have previously overlooked.

Furthermore, the book is visually captivating with its collection of photographs, album covers, and memorabilia, effectively bringing the 1950s music scene to life. Larkin's engaging writing style also contributes to the immersive reading experience, fully capturing the essence of the era.

In conclusion, "The Virgin Encyclopedia of 50s Music" is an absolute must-read for enthusiasts and historians alike. Larkin's meticulous research and passion for the subject make this book a definitive resource on the music of the 1950s. Whether you are a fan of the era or simply curious about its musical landscape, this book is guaranteed to provide valuable insights and keep you engaged from beginning to end.

What are readers saying?

The Virgin Encyclopedia of 50s Music by Colin Larkin has received both positive and negative feedback from readers. Larkin takes readers on a comprehensive journey through the music of the 1950s, exploring various genres and artists from that era. While some readers found the book to be informative and well-researched, others felt that it lacked depth and was too subjective.

One common praise for The Virgin Encyclopedia of 50s Music was its extensive coverage of different music genres, such as rock and roll, country, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Readers appreciated the overview the book provided and enjoyed being introduced to lesser-known artists from the 1950s. The level of detail in Larkin's research was also highlighted as a positive aspect, as it allowed readers to delve into the rich history of the music from that era.

However, some reviewers expressed disappointment in the book's lack of depth. They felt that certain artists or genres received more attention than others, resulting in an unbalanced representation of 1950s music. Additionally, the subjective nature of the content was criticized by some readers, who believed that Larkin's personal opinions influenced the information presented.

Another issue raised by readers was the organization and structure of the book. Some found it difficult to navigate due to the absence of clear chapters or sections on specific artists or genres. This made it challenging for readers to use the book as a reference or to find specific information easily.

Despite these criticisms, many readers still found The Virgin Encyclopedia of 50s Music to be a valuable resource and recommended it to music enthusiasts looking to explore the music of the 1950s. They appreciated Larkin's passion for the subject and the book's ability to introduce them to new artists and genres from that era.

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