Music: A Visual History

Music is one of the most ancient and most universal of all human activities — present in every culture that has ever existed, serving functions from the sacred to the celebratory, from the deeply personal to the broadly political. DK’s Music: A Visual History traces this extraordinary story from the earliest instruments discovered in prehistoric sites through the classical traditions of East and West, the revolutionary emergence of jazz, rock, and electronic music, and the global landscape of contemporary musical culture.

Over a thousand instruments, performances, and musicians are represented in full-colour photography and expert illustration, with clear analytical text that explains both the technical developments and the cultural forces that shaped each era of musical history. World music receives as much attention as Western art music, giving a genuinely global picture of musical civilisation.

An indispensable reference for music lovers of all kinds — and a beautiful visual celebration of one of the most fundamental of all human arts. Published by DK.