I have good news about AMICA's Pre-Production offer of Dave Bowers' new
book, "Violin-Playing Machines".  Production was completed last week
and subsequently I picked up some 700+ books.  AMICA Vice-President
Alan Turner, who lives nearby, graciously came over to my home and
together we completed the packaging.  On Tuesday, I drove from Winnipeg
down to Pembina, North Dakota, to drop 300+ of the books into the USPS
mail system.  Over the next few days, the remainder of the books will
find their way into the Canada Post and USPS mail systems.  For those
patiently waiting, some will start receiving their book as early as
mid-next week, and within the following week or so.  For those going
overseas, somewhat longer.

This has been an interesting adventure for AMICA, which last undertook
production of the purple Welte-Mignon book about 15+ years ago.  We
are not trying to emulate nor revive the Vestal Press which served
us so well for many years, satisfying our collective hunger for new
information about this delightful avocation.  When Harvey Roehl
operated Vestal Press, we were served up a huge array of books and
reprints, a significant factor in the growth of our related
associations.  When Vestal Press evaporated, we were collectively
deprived of new information, and its absence became a factor in a
gradual shrinkage of our related associations.  The success of this
initiative by Dave Bowers and AMICA suggests that more of the same in
the future will be well received.

For those who may not have signed up for the pre-production offer, the
book will continue to be made available, while existing stocks last,
through our web site, http://www.amica.org/  Just click on the book
image and follow through on the interactive web site.

Regards and many thanks for the huge support this fine community has
offered, very much appreciated.

Terry Smythe - Editor, AMICA Bulletin
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
From: smythe@shaw.ca.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]

 [ The previous book announcement can be viewed at
 [ http://www.amica.org/Live/Misc/Sales/Books/Violin-Playing/ 
 [ -- Robbie