“Music is the universal language of mankind.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

In a fascinating story, Music: The Definitive Visual History presents the captivating biographies of the composers and performers who shaped these sounds and, with striking illustrations and photographs, reveals the numerous and wonderful instruments we strike, rub, pluck, or blow.

Throughout history, music has evoked the full spectrum of human emotions, regardless of country or culture. This music history book explores that universal experience from a chronological and global perspective: from the earliest musical instruments made from bones and shells to the sophistication of electric guitars and synthesizers.

Since each musical topic is presented in a concise and engaging double-page spread, it’s easy to travel between musical worlds separated by continents and centuries in just a few chapters. And it’s not only the notes and sounds that are examined, but also the absorbing stories behind them.

It has often been said that music is a universal language, and this is reflected in the international scope of this book. Not limited to the great achievements of Western music, Music travels the world to discover ancient music from China, the frenetic pop of Japan, the tribal music of the African plains, and the passionate rhythms of South American dance halls.

In ancient Greece, Plato wrote that music “gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Centuries later, the great composer and conductor Duke Ellington added: “Music is the oldest entity. The realm of music is vast and infinite. What is music to you? What would you be without music?” Music: The Definitive Visual History will answer these questions.

Music through the years. A journey full of sensations

The historical narrative explores the roots of all musical genres, from medieval chants to the modern rhythms of blues, jazz, hip-hop, and pop, passing through the grandeur of the classical music period. Spectacular image galleries show families of musical instruments from around the world, as well as the evolution of key instruments like the piano and violin, and special pages portray iconic figures such as Mozart, George Gershwin, Elvis Presley, and David Bowie. Splendid, absorbing, and highly visual, this is the definitive story of how music has shaped the world.

Music: The Definitive Visual History is made up of eight sections that immerse us in the evolution of music over centuries.

- The Beginnings. 60,000 B.C.–500 B.C.

- Medieval Music. 500–1400

- Renaissance and Reformation. 1400–1600

- The Baroque Spirit. 1600–1750

- The Classical Period. 1750–1820

- Nationalism and Romanticism. 1820–1910

- Modern Music. 1910–1945

- Global Music. 1945–present

Music: The Definitive Visual History belongs to our large-format history books section. This section is designed to delight the whole family and adult audiences, and here you will find great reference books that make this collection one of the most varied and extensive in our catalog.