This work investigates the technological evolution and cultural impact of the phonograph from its inception in 1877 through its centennial in 1977. Roland Gelatt, a noted music historian and journalist, utilizes archival research and technical documentation to trace the trajectory of sound reproduction. The text argues that the phonograph served as the primary catalyst for the transformation of the music industry and the democratization of recorded performance.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the history of recorded sound. Readers note that the prose is accessible while maintaining a high level of historical accuracy regarding the development of the phonograph industry.