The History of the English Organ

This highly readable and lavishly illustrated 1996 work describes the history of organs built in England from AD 900 to the present day. The author's experience in organ building gives the account all the benefits of first-hand experience. Stephen Bicknell also draws on new research and includes many recent important discoveries.

This 1996 work on the history of organs built in England between AD 900 and the time of publication describes the most significant instruments of each period together with details of their builders, set against a background of changing fashions in music and liturgy. Technical developments are described in an easily understood manner, and links with other schools of organ building are made clear for the first time. The illustrations, many of which have not been published before, show significant instruments in their architectural setting. The author's experience in organ building gives the account all the benefits of first-hand experience. Written in an elegant, entertaining, and informed manner, the book is a vital and much-needed addition to current organ literature. Awarded the biennial Nicholas Bessaraboff Prize for the best book-length study of musical instruments published in the two year period 1996–7.