| The ‘Ukulele, A History Jim Tranquada and John King University of Hawai’i Press Paperback – 282 Pages Audience – Serious History buffs only Rating – Ukulele pictured – Ohana SK35-GS |
 |
While the book is 282 pages long, it is not nearly that much for straight reading. It contains 2 Appendices and almost 100 pages of footnotes. But that doesn’t mean it is hard to read. The narrative is factual and flows nicely, it also includes a number of illustrations throughout the text. My recommendation is to read the book through the first time and ignore the footnotes. A second reading while referencing the notes will provide a more in depth understanding of the history and the associated background.
The book is arranged in nine chapters that cover the instrument from its development through modern times. The spread of the instrument is documented as well, with particular attention paid to the PanAmerican Exhibition.
Appendix A is a chronological listing of early luthiers, beginning with the original three, Dias, Nunes, and Espirito Santo and others working up through the 1920’s. Appendix B is an Annotated listing of Ukulele teaching methods that were printed starting in 1894 and going through 1920.
The link for the picture above will take you to the Amazon Purchase page. Your purchase through this link helps support this web site at no additional cost to you!
