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The Uncanny Muse: Music, Art, and Machines from Automata to AI
An acclaimed critic, journalist, and songwriter-musician tells the story of art’s relation to machines, from the Baroque period to the age of AI.
What does it mean to be human in a world where machines, too, can be artists? What is this “uncanny valley,” and how did we get here? As the field of art made by artificial intelligence begins to expand dramatically, questions about the role of technology in contemporary culture become ever more urgent.
In The Uncanny Muse, David Hajdu explores the history of automation in the arts, tracing the varied ways inventors and artists have sought to emulate mental processes, or fuse the mechanized world and the human soul, over the centuries. Moving from the life-size mechanical doll that made headlines by drawing pictures in Victorian London to the doll’s modern-day AI counterpart, Hajdu takes a novel and contrarian he sees how machines through the ages have enabled creativity, not stifled it—and sees no reason why this shouldn’t be the case with AI today.
What does it mean to be human in a world where machines, too, can be artists? What is this “uncanny valley,” and how did we get here? As the field of art made by artificial intelligence begins to expand dramatically, questions about the role of technology in contemporary culture become ever more urgent.
In The Uncanny Muse, David Hajdu explores the history of automation in the arts, tracing the varied ways inventors and artists have sought to emulate mental processes, or fuse the mechanized world and the human soul, over the centuries. Moving from the life-size mechanical doll that made headlines by drawing pictures in Victorian London to the doll’s modern-day AI counterpart, Hajdu takes a novel and contrarian he sees how machines through the ages have enabled creativity, not stifled it—and sees no reason why this shouldn’t be the case with AI today.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2025
16 people are currently reading
2331 people want to read
About the author
David Hajdu
20 books64 followersDAVID HAJDU is the author of Lush Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn and Positively 4th Street: The Lives and Times of Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Mimi Baez Farina and Richard Farina. He is a critic for The New Republic and a professor in the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University. He lives in New York City."
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 1, 2025
In The Uncanny Muse, writer David Hajdu muses broadly on a very niche topic: historical use of automation, machination, and artificial intelligence in the creation and assessment of art and music before the current generative AI (GenAI) era. This approach reminded me a lot of Adrienne Mayor's angle in her 2018 (read: pre GenAI) Gods and Robots: Myths, Machines, and Ancient Dreams of Technology, where she points out technology in ancient civilizations that mirrored or foreshadowed the technologies of today, and I believe some of the music-related content in this book was also covered briefly in Liz Pelly's 2025 Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist as she briefly recapped the use of algorithms in music creation pre-Spotify. However, I would say Hajdu does a more thorough job in diving into how algorithms (as well as synthesizers and other computerized tools) have been used to make music from the mid-20th century onwards in this book, for those interested in the topic -- I really enjoyed the section on the simultaneous technological and sociocultural evolution of house and club music.
I would echo other critiques about this work lacking a central hypothesis and conclusion; it is more of a freeform deepdive than a carefully polished thesis.
My statistics:
Book 163 for 2025
Book 2089 cumulatively
I would echo other critiques about this work lacking a central hypothesis and conclusion; it is more of a freeform deepdive than a carefully polished thesis.
My statistics:
Book 163 for 2025
Book 2089 cumulatively
March 21, 2025
David Hajdu's POSITIVELY 4TH STREET and THE TEN-CENT PLAGUE are among my favorite cultural histories.
I like part of THE UNCANNY MUSE too, though I'm not sure I understand its thesis. Trying to round up all the precedents for Artificial Intelligence is an interesting idea. The early chapters feel well-researched and thorough, but as the book progressed, I may have lost track of its point. The story chronicles a sort of technological/artistic cross-pollination from clockwork to computers across music and the visual arts, but long digressions into Warhol and synth bands felt like largely-irrelevant filler.
The last chapters, about AI as a supercomputing function accessible to random users, are brief and sketchy, though I can imagine that trying to pick a stopping place for a subject so fast-evolving must be very hard. An updated edition is inevitable, though I suppose the question is will it be written by a human?
I like part of THE UNCANNY MUSE too, though I'm not sure I understand its thesis. Trying to round up all the precedents for Artificial Intelligence is an interesting idea. The early chapters feel well-researched and thorough, but as the book progressed, I may have lost track of its point. The story chronicles a sort of technological/artistic cross-pollination from clockwork to computers across music and the visual arts, but long digressions into Warhol and synth bands felt like largely-irrelevant filler.
The last chapters, about AI as a supercomputing function accessible to random users, are brief and sketchy, though I can imagine that trying to pick a stopping place for a subject so fast-evolving must be very hard. An updated edition is inevitable, though I suppose the question is will it be written by a human?
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April 12, 2025Book Review: The Uncanny Muse: Music, Art, and Machines from Automata to AI by David Hajdu
Introduction
David Hajdu’s The Uncanny Muse delves into the intricate interplay between music, art, and technology, exploring the evolution from early automata to the contemporary realm of artificial intelligence. Hajdu, a respected music critic and cultural historian, offers a compelling narrative that weaves together historical analysis, aesthetic considerations, and philosophical reflections on creativity and machine intelligence.
Content Overview
The book is structured thematically, first examining the historical context of mechanical automata, which served as precursors to modern computational art forms. Hajdu discusses significant inventions, such as the mechanical musicians of the 18th and 19th centuries, illustrating how these early machines captivated audiences and stimulated thoughts about the nature of artistry. By analyzing figures like Jacques de Vaucanson and the musical automaton of the flute player, Hajdu highlights the early fascination with machines that could mimic human creativity.
Hajdu then transitions into a discussion of contemporary developments in artificial intelligence, focusing on how AI-generated music and visual art challenge traditional notions of authorship and originality. He considers key figures in the field, such as musicians and artists who use AI as a collaborative tool, effectively blurring the lines between creator and creation.
Critical Analysis
One of the book’s strengths lies in Hajdu’s ability to interlace historical narratives with modern case studies, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of how past inventions inform present artistic practices. His writing is accessible yet intellectually rigorous, making complex ideas about technology and creativity understandable to a broader audience.
Moreover, Hajdu does not shy away from addressing the ethical implications of AI in art. He raises pertinent questions about the role of human agency in a landscape increasingly dominated by algorithms and machine learning. This critical perspective encourages readers to reflect on what it means to be human in an age of technological reproduction, a theme that resonates deeply in contemporary discourse.
However, while Hajdu’s exploration is wide-ranging, some readers may find that certain topics, such as the socio-political ramifications of AI in art, could have been explored in greater depth. A more thorough examination of how different cultures engage with these technologies might enhance the book’s breadth and appeal.
Conclusion
The Uncanny Muse is an insightful exploration of the relationship between art and technology, emphasizing the significance of historical context in understanding contemporary practices. Hajdu’s eloquent prose and thoughtful analysis make this book an essential read for scholars, artists, and anyone interested in the future of creativity in the age of machines. Through its blend of history, theory, and critical inquiry, Hajdu invites us to reconsider our definitions of art, highlighting the uncanny nature of the muse in a world where human and machine creativity coexist and collaborate.
Recommendation
This book is highly recommended for academic libraries and courses focusing on art history, musicology, media studies, and cultural theory. Its interdisciplinary approach also makes it suitable for readers interested in the future of creativity, AI ethics, and the philosophical implications of technological advancements in the arts.
Introduction
David Hajdu’s The Uncanny Muse delves into the intricate interplay between music, art, and technology, exploring the evolution from early automata to the contemporary realm of artificial intelligence. Hajdu, a respected music critic and cultural historian, offers a compelling narrative that weaves together historical analysis, aesthetic considerations, and philosophical reflections on creativity and machine intelligence.
Content Overview
The book is structured thematically, first examining the historical context of mechanical automata, which served as precursors to modern computational art forms. Hajdu discusses significant inventions, such as the mechanical musicians of the 18th and 19th centuries, illustrating how these early machines captivated audiences and stimulated thoughts about the nature of artistry. By analyzing figures like Jacques de Vaucanson and the musical automaton of the flute player, Hajdu highlights the early fascination with machines that could mimic human creativity.
Hajdu then transitions into a discussion of contemporary developments in artificial intelligence, focusing on how AI-generated music and visual art challenge traditional notions of authorship and originality. He considers key figures in the field, such as musicians and artists who use AI as a collaborative tool, effectively blurring the lines between creator and creation.
Critical Analysis
One of the book’s strengths lies in Hajdu’s ability to interlace historical narratives with modern case studies, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of how past inventions inform present artistic practices. His writing is accessible yet intellectually rigorous, making complex ideas about technology and creativity understandable to a broader audience.
Moreover, Hajdu does not shy away from addressing the ethical implications of AI in art. He raises pertinent questions about the role of human agency in a landscape increasingly dominated by algorithms and machine learning. This critical perspective encourages readers to reflect on what it means to be human in an age of technological reproduction, a theme that resonates deeply in contemporary discourse.
However, while Hajdu’s exploration is wide-ranging, some readers may find that certain topics, such as the socio-political ramifications of AI in art, could have been explored in greater depth. A more thorough examination of how different cultures engage with these technologies might enhance the book’s breadth and appeal.
Conclusion
The Uncanny Muse is an insightful exploration of the relationship between art and technology, emphasizing the significance of historical context in understanding contemporary practices. Hajdu’s eloquent prose and thoughtful analysis make this book an essential read for scholars, artists, and anyone interested in the future of creativity in the age of machines. Through its blend of history, theory, and critical inquiry, Hajdu invites us to reconsider our definitions of art, highlighting the uncanny nature of the muse in a world where human and machine creativity coexist and collaborate.
Recommendation
This book is highly recommended for academic libraries and courses focusing on art history, musicology, media studies, and cultural theory. Its interdisciplinary approach also makes it suitable for readers interested in the future of creativity, AI ethics, and the philosophical implications of technological advancements in the arts.
March 15, 2025
Ever wondered if robots can jam? David Hajdu’s The Uncanny Muse takes you on a wild ride through history, showing how machines and art have been BFFs longer than you’d think. From Victorian-era drawing dolls fooling folks into thinking they had souls, to modern AI pop stars stealing the spotlight, this book dishes out tales that are as entertaining as they are enlightening.
Hajdu doesn’t just drop names like George Harrison and Stevie Wonder for clout; he dives into how these legends geeked out over gadgets like the Moog synthesizer, pushing musical boundaries and proving that tech isn’t the enemy—it’s the sidekick every artist needs.
Sure, there are moments when the book gets a bit “deep thoughts” about the whole man-versus-machine debate, but isn’t that part of the fun? The Uncanny Muse is a must-read for anyone curious about the dance between creativity and technology. Plus, it’s a great way to sound smart at parties when the topic of AI comes up.
Disclaimer: Reading this book may cause sudden urges to buy a synthesizer or start a robot band. Proceed with creative caution.
April 14, 2025
I really wanted to like this book: I love music and the arts, and I'm always curious to read up on the latest AI consensuses. Unfortunately, I could not make it through this book. I found the writing to be very dry and uninspiring.
There is a lot of "fluff" in this book, which is notable given that it's less than 300 pages. I got through about 70% of the book, and I still couldn't tell you what the author's thesis/argument/point was. One could claim that the book is meant to be a history of automata and AI in art, but it feels a little too scattered to accomplish that. Multiple times, the author makes a broad, sweeping claim about culture, racism, artistry, etc. based on that chapter's research findings, and then immediately moves on without tying it into the rest of the book, or into a central thesis.
I appreciate the research that went into writing this but, unfortunately, the dry writing and lack of narrative guidance through the research killed my interest in the book before I could finish.
There is a lot of "fluff" in this book, which is notable given that it's less than 300 pages. I got through about 70% of the book, and I still couldn't tell you what the author's thesis/argument/point was. One could claim that the book is meant to be a history of automata and AI in art, but it feels a little too scattered to accomplish that. Multiple times, the author makes a broad, sweeping claim about culture, racism, artistry, etc. based on that chapter's research findings, and then immediately moves on without tying it into the rest of the book, or into a central thesis.
I appreciate the research that went into writing this but, unfortunately, the dry writing and lack of narrative guidance through the research killed my interest in the book before I could finish.
June 6, 2025
fascinating look back at the past 150-ish years of critical/cultural tension between what constitutes “authentic” art as opposed to the “artificial.” as someone who doesn’t really rock with much art created using generative ai, hadju put it into a historical context that makes me feel both better and worse about its continued use over time. real interesting stuff, though my BIG gripe with this is that there’s an abrupt jump from the advent of house music to the late 2010s. you’re really not gonna touch on IDM or Autotune??!???? like…i’m sorry but this book NEEDED to touch on Chief Keef, Vocaloids and Aphex Twin to be complete!!!!!!!!! maybe i should give this a 3/5 based on this review, but i enjoyed the first 80% of it too much not to recommend to others. 🤖
August 9, 2025
What makes us human? And based on that answer, have machines been able to encroach on that territory? David Hajdu goes through 300 years of history to explore how the framing of that question has shifted, specifically in the fields of art and music. While the technology has changed, the questions and concerns raised have not.
I found it an engaging enough of a read. However, Hajdu doesn't necessarily approach this book from a point of view. It reads as a historical chronology more than a pointed thesis. While I was personally struck by the way humanity responded to novel technology in similar ways each time, I don't know if there was any new insights I gained from reading this.
An entertaining, easier read, but not necessarily profound.
I found it an engaging enough of a read. However, Hajdu doesn't necessarily approach this book from a point of view. It reads as a historical chronology more than a pointed thesis. While I was personally struck by the way humanity responded to novel technology in similar ways each time, I don't know if there was any new insights I gained from reading this.
An entertaining, easier read, but not necessarily profound.
March 13, 2025
Interesting look at a vein of history between machines and art/music. It was more historical than I was expecting and less current and future look at AI in regards to art. Learned a lot of history that I did not know about.
November 14, 2024
Interesting look at the history of artificial intelligence in the arts and music worlds.
January 24, 2025
Very interesting book! I was engaged reading it and loved learning the history of automatons
May 6, 2025
I like the idea that the machine can play music that is impossible to play by any human.
December 30, 2025
fascinating perspective on the history of art and artificial intelligence
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews