From Publisher’s Preface: “When the music lovers’ encyclopedia was first compiled it was Rupert Hughes’ effort to make it the most nearly complete desk reference work of its kind. In this he suceeded admirably. Time has, however, changed the whole world gallery of musicians and music lovers and we have therefore invited the outstanding authority in the field, Mr. Deems Taylor, to work with Mr. Russell Kerr, of Musical Courier, in the present complete revision of the book which has been the standard desk reference book on Music for thirty-five years.”