Music - (Fold-Out Graphic History) by Nicholas O'Neill & Susan Hayes (Hardcover)

About the Book

Follow this unique 8-ft fold-out timeline through the history of music from prehistoric flutes through Mozart and Louis Armstrong to BTS and Beyonce.

Book Synopsis

"Exuberant overview." - New York Times

Follow this unique 8-foot long fold-out timeline through a celebration of the history of music all around the world, while listening along to the accompanying Spotify playlist!

Learn about how different genres started-including classical, folk, jazz, gospel, rock 'n' roll, country, punk, grunge and pop. Explore the histories of music linked to particular cultures or regions-including Indigineous American, Asian, and African music; Son Cubano and Caribbean styles; and Australian bush music. Discover the stories of music maestros from around the world-including Beethoven, Wei Liangfu, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, Maria Callas, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, and Beyoncé. Marvel at the orchestra with a huge illustration set in London's Royal Albert Hall, and find out about the ancient instruments discovered all over the globe.

All this and more features in this richly illustrated timeline of music from 60,000 years ago to the present day that will delight children and families alike!

Includes a glossary and index.

Review Quotes

"This exuberant overview of an art form that makes us laugh and cry, call and respond, twist and shout does a pretty good job of covering the world's greatest hits from prehistory to artificial intelligence." - Jennifer Krauss, The New York Times

"The gatefold format allows readers to read across in bands of information, or down to continue reading in a particular chronological era, or to unfold the whole book for a gigantic two sided tapestry of information. From the ancient Stone Age (30,000 BCE) art of musicians of Central India up through Grime, a form of electronic dance music in the UK in 2019, many, many cultures, continents, and performers are covered ... the authors do a great job of including folk, religious, classical, and native musicians, instruments and styles. Short but pithy blurbs accompany the visuals. Many people of color are represented. It's an all inclusive visual treat!" - Youth Services Book Review

"Folded, appropriately enough, accordion style, a panoramic survey of noteworthy music and music makers from bone flutes to Beyoncé." - Kirkus Reviews

"Unfolds a world of music for casual as well as serious listeners." - Kirkus Reviews

"This unique history of music consists of a timeline of key musical events throughout history, broken up by full-page spreads describing early music, recording technology, The Beatles, and contemporary music ... Onomatopoetic expressions accompany the vibrant illustrations, creating a soundscape to supplement the timeline. " - School Library Journal

"Taylor's richly colored digital art provides endearingly simplified ... illustrations of such varied figures as George Gershwin, Aretha Franklin, the Beatles, and Lin-Manuel Miranda."- Publishers Weekly

"This sprawling tome is ripe for perusal by middle graders interested in music history." - Publishers Weekly

Unique8-foot long fold-out graphic timeline through celebration of the history of music all around the worldfrom 60,000 years ago to the present day!" Nicki's Random Musings

Selected for the Children's Book Committee's Spring 2023 Showcase: Spring Into a New You.

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 websites.

Susan Hayes 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 of the UK with her own children, her partner Neil, and two gorgeous but slightly silly ducks, Dolly and Izzy. She has written dozens of children's books.

Ruby Taylor collects inspiration from everything around her and is especially drawn to old printed ephemera, vintage illustration, and hand painted signage. Ruby studied Illustration at Bristol University in the UK and works on editorial illustrations, live illustration and scribing, print and pattern designs, murals, fashion and stationery designs. Ruby Taylor lives in Bristol, UK.