Nostalgic memories are whetted with the first glance at this book. The days of barber shop quartets and community singings mentally return with the opening chapter entitled "Close Harmony," in which songs of the 1900-1910 era are reviewed. The author protests the tendency to spectator rather than participant activity in song. In days gone by, before radio and television became the prevalent types of home entertainment, music played an important part in the home and was one of the most popular pastimes. During more recent years dependence upon others to supply entertainment has practically destroyed the lost art of singing for pleasure alone. Dr. Freeman has compiled this book with the hope that it will induce families and friends to revive this almost forgotten phase of recreation. He has chosen the illustrations well, and has commented on each as space permits. We were sorry he could not go into more detail in describing some of the song writers and how they happened to write particular numbers. For example, in his synopsis of "Birth of the Blues" we would have liked a bit more information about W.C. Handy. However, it contains much information regarding song writers, musicians, popular vocalists and the songs they made famous, and other interesting data peculiar to the song hits of the period from 1900 through 1949, some good and some bad. With the revival of the Charleston and an expected revival of the Tango, due to the current movie depicting the life of the late Rudolph Valentino, children today need not wonder why their parents know their songs before they do. Although many songs enjoy a short period of popularity, many old standards remain to be enjoyed by all ages. Dr. Freeman has done a commendable job compiling this publication which will be enjoyed by both young and old.

Century House, Watkins Glen, New York. Price $5.00.

Hobbies Magazine, July 1951