Music

A richly illustrated, fold-out graphic history of music

Music: A Fold-Out Graphic History is a richly illustrated timeline of the history of music from 60,000 years ago to the present day, published in partnership with the Royal Albert Hall. Children’s author Susan Hayes and award-winning composer and musician Nicholas O’Neill take you on a journey through some of the most amazing musical moments from the first ever saxophone and early music recording to the invention of the record and artificial intelligence. Learn about how different genres started – including classical, folk, jazz, gospel, rock 'n' roll, country, punk, grunge and pop. Discover the stories of music maestros including Beethoven, Wei Liangfu, Django Reinhardt, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, Maria Callas, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, and Beyonce. Marvel at the orchestra with a huge illustration set in the Royal Albert Hall, and find out about ancient instruments from all over the world. Colourful lively illustrations by Ruby Taylor bring the book to life and provide a glimpse into how different music styles and instruments sound. Published in partnership with the Royal Albert Hall, this is a truly special book that will delight children and parents alike, providing an insight into some of the most iconic sounds in history.

About the Author

Composer Nicholas O'Neill has written, arranged and performed in almost every style of music, from classical to metal, from plainchant to funk. He is the recipient of multiple composition awards, Composer in Residence to the UK Parliament Choir, keyboardist for rock band JEBO, and a writer of board game reviews for various magazines and website

About the Illustrator

Susan Hayes writes and publishes many different kinds of books for children. She has numerous best sellers in every corner of the globe. Susan is in awe of children’s limitless imagination and thirst for knowledge. She strives to learn from the children she knows and meets, and to enjoy the world through their fresh, curious eyes. Susan lives in the East Sussex countryside with her own children - Sylvie, Finley, and Sam; her partner Neil; and two gorgeous but slightly silly ducks, Dolly and Izzy.