A Little History of Music

By: Robert Philip

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Paperback | 6 May 2025 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
320 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.8 x 12.8 x 1.6

Paperback

RRP $22.95

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A superbly engaging guide to music around the world, from prehistory to the present

Music excites and moves us perhaps more than any other art form. From a Neanderthal's bone flute to the festivals of Glastonbury and Coachella, human beings have always made and enjoyed music.

Covering a remarkable range, including Indian raga, Javanese gamelan, medieval chant, jazz and K-pop, this Little History celebrates the wonder of music, and why it is treasured across the world. Within its pages, readers will find familiar composers and musicians, and will be introduced to a host of exciting new discoveries.

Little Histories – Inspiring Guides for Curious Minds

About the Author

Robert Philip was formerly a senior lecturer in music at the Open University and is a well-known presenter on BBC Radio. He is the author of The Classical Music Lover’s Companion to Orchestral Music and the award-winning Performing Music in the Age of Recording.

Industry Reviews

“Robert Philip surveys the vast sweep of a vast subject in A Little History of Music.”—John Check, Wall Street Journal, “Holiday Gift Books: Music”

“To find a guide as thoughtful, as frank and as readable as Philip’s is good news indeed. . . . It’s a pleasure to make the journey in such wise and perceptive company.”—Richard Bratby, Gramophone

“Philip’s deft prose, thoughtful explanations and pacy storytelling make for a compelling and refreshingly open-minded read.”—Katy Hamilton, BBC Music Magazine

“His literary style is enviably informative and welcoming, with the result that I found the book difficult to put down, so compelling and enveloping is its scope and clarity.”—Robert Matthew–Walker, Musical Opinion

“This inexpensive and most admirable publication deserves wide circulation. It is a major achievement and is thoroughly recommended—just what is needed at the present time.”—Robert Matthew–Walker, Musical Opinion

“Covering a huge array of types of music and associated aspects across cultures and time periods, this book provides both depth and breadth. . . . As a reference source and exposition of the connections between genres, it could hardly be bettered.”—Terry Freedman, Teach Secondary

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