Guitar, An American Life by Tim Brookes (2005 Grove Press)

I'm hard pressed to find an icon that's more prevelant in American culture then the good 'ol six-string. Have you ever wondered how it got to be that way? How did an obscure folk and bluegrass instrument turn into one of the most instantly recognizable shapes of the Information Age? Whether you're a seasoned pro, an amateur, or if you're one of the few that have never picked up an "axe", Tim Brookes' Guitar, An American Life will take you on an absolutely enthralling and absorbing ride from its very beginnings, through the instruments struggles during the Great Depression, right on past it's embrace by middle class, white, American youth in the early Sixties, and to its current widespread use as a hip marketing tool for any brand looking to target the lucrative 18 -25 year-old demographic. As a seasoned player, and an obviously erudite historian of the guitar, Tim also fills this fun journey with personal insights and antidotes. Can't believe I scored this book, in hardcover, for a quarter at a yard sale. I got my money's worth!