David O'Banion

Almost everything you really need to know about how Sony got started and how it became one of the most important companies of all time. The book is well written and includes a lot of pictures, though most of them are of set-up scenes rather than candid shots. Some readers may be disappointed in that the book ends in 1976 just as the home video revolution is starting to get a little traction. I have long wished for a follow-up volume or a second edition, but so far none has appeared.

I have an old (original) copy of this manual. It is of considerable value when any question or point of curiosity about a tube comes up. As with any other reference book, it has notable omissions and inconveniences that can occasionally frustrate, but overall it is good enough for most purposes. For me, the least usable feature of this publication is the substitution guide. Better ones are easy to find (H.W. Sams, for example). If you work with tubes, you should have this book on or near your bench at all times.

Classically based, somewhat progressive music for piano and orchestra, this is something I want to hear again and again. Its moods vary, preventing any chance of boredom. Recording quality is superb. A friend's LP is one of the quietest pieces of vinyl I've ever played. If you are fortunate enough to find a copy for sale, act fast.