On June 1st this year the Musical Box Society of Great Britain (MBSGB)
proudly launched its anniversary publication, "The Organette Book",
by Kevin McElhone.

Paul Bellamy coordinated the publishing project for MBSGB.  He says:

 "When the MBSGB considered a number of options for its 40th anniversary
  year, Kevin's proposal was accepted because it dealt with an under-
  represented area of mechanical music.  Because he was prepared to do
  the hard work of collating and drafting this project (two years), we
  accorded him the right that the book should bear his name as author.

 "The MBSGB underwrote the production costs.  As it was Kevin's idea,
  strongly supported and proposed by past president Ted Brown, he and
  the MBSGB solicited the expertise of a number of expert contributors
  who, like Kevin, gave their time and services free to bring the book
  to fruition.  People like Nicholas Simons, Luuk Goldhorn, Ted Brown,
  Todd Augsberger and others."

I found the Table of Contents and this description at Todd Augsburger's
site, http://www.rollerorgans.com/mcelhone/The_Organette_Book.htm/ :

 "The Organette Book is the story of the organette, defined as
  a small, hand-operated, portable reed instrument.

 "The book is an historical account intended for anyone with an
  interest in all forms of mechanical music as well as a reference
  work for novice, collector, expert, auction house or prospective
  purchaser.  Instruments not quite fitting the definition are included
  rather than excluded."

With more than 700 images and 400 pages, the book also contains

 - lists of agents, makers and retailers,
 - original adverts, original price lists,
 - sources of information and bibliography.

The extensive musical repertoire is also covered.  Related MMD articles
are indexed at http://mmd.foxtail.com/Archives/KWIC/B/book.html

Paul Bellamy and Todd Augsburger will have copies for sale in the Mart
at the MBSI Convention 2002 in Chicago, August 27 to September 1, 2002.
To reserve a copy in advance, please email Todd Augsburger
<todd@rollerorgans.com> or Paul Bellamy <bellamypaul6@aol.com>.

Robbie Rhodes