SPRING-SUMMER '26 PICK
“This book would capture the attention of musicians and music novices alike because it offers a unique, intimate glimpse into the lives and minds of great musicians through their own words, making their art and humanity more accessible and relatable to all.”
Letters for the Ages Great Musicians by James Drake (Anthology Editor) , Edward Smyth (Anthology Editor)
Publisher Description: This book would appeal to readers interested in art history, feminist history, and biographical narratives. It offers a fresh perspective on the 18th century, highlighting two forgotten artists who were pivotal figures in a male-dominated world. Market this book in a display titled "Trailblazers of the Art World," showcasing the book alongside other works on women in art or historical biographies of influential women.
How to present this to library customers: This book would appeal to a broad audience, from dedicated classical music scholars to casual listeners and pop culture enthusiasts, as it offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the human side of musical genius across centuries and genres. The anthology's range from classical to contemporary would also make it a perfect topic for a multi-genre book club or a themed listening event, encouraging discussion and discovery.
Audience Key:
NOVICE:
A patron who does not know about the arts but is looking for new interests. These items are for public collections that call for you to introduce the arts to patrons and ignite their interests. They often know much more about popular culture than what’s happening in the arts.
EXPLORER:
These items are for customers who have some knowledge of the arts and want to learn more. Oftentimes these patrons stream music from your music streaming service, take out music and art biographies and they may attend music and art programming at your library.
AFICIONADO:
Ordering for aficionados requires knowledge about their habits when consuming the arts. These patrons are aware of the arts through museums, classical music, jazz and more. Oftentimes, these patrons attend music and art programming at your library, are professionals in the arts world with thorough knowledge of visual and/or performing arts.