Banjo: An Illustrated History

by Bob Carlin

The banjo is emblematic of American country music, and it is at the core of other important musical movements, including jazz and ragtime. The instrument has been adopted by many cultures and has been ingrained into many musical traditions, from Mento music in the Caribbean and dance music in Ireland. Virtuosos such as Béla Fleck have played Bach, African music, and Christmas tunes on the five-string banjo, and the instrument has had a resurgence in pop music with such acts a Mumford and Sons and the Avett Brothers.

This book offers the first comprehensive, illustrated history of the banjo in its many forms. It traces the story of the instrument from its roots in West Africa to its birth in the Americas, through its coming of age in the Industrial Revolution and beyond. The book profiles the most important players and spotlights key luthiers and manufacturers. It features 100 “milestone instruments” with in-depth coverage, including model details and beautiful photos. It offers historical context surrounding the banjo through the ages, from its place in Victorian parlors and speakeasies through its role in the folk boom of the 1950s and 1960s to its place in the hands of songwriter John Hartford and comedian Steve Martin. Folk, jazz, bluegrass, country, and rock – the banjo has played an important part in all of these genres. Lavishly illustrated, and thoughtfully written by author, broadcaster, and acclaimed banjoist Bob Carlin, this is a must-have for lovers of fretted instruments, aficionados of roots music, and music history buffs.

Genres: Music, History

258 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 2016

Reviews

[Altivo Overo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive history is lavishly illustrated with photo examples of early to modern instruments and interspersed with notes about individual makers and performers. Makes a pretty coffee table book for idle browsing, but the historical narrative is so broken up by the photos and asides that sometimes it skips five or more pages, making it difficult to read because of the diversions and distractions. In spite of that, the book is well researched and written. The photos, especially the historic ones, are interesting and sometimes rare. The index is barely useful, and could be much improved.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only one poor photo (a blurry M. Reece banjo) in a lovely book with historical information (though not in extremely, great depth like L. Dubois's The Banjo), good stories and beautifully shot photos of banjos through time. Bob Carlin is a great player and historian of the banjo and I love his albums, so I tried this book by him and was pleasantly surprised. Highly recommended for the fretted instrument player you know, even if they don't play the banjo. I don’t play, but now I plan to try one.

A similar book I own and appreciate: Robert Shaw, Peter Szego: Inventing the American Guitar.