Obsessed with invention, Robert Hope-Jones struck a pathway that led to the fabulous Wurlitzer theatre organs. David Fox surveys Hope-Jones� many careers: as a builder of church and cathedral organs in England, as an inventor of organ devices and pipes that are still widely used, as a church musician, and as the impetus for the name Wurlitzer to reign supreme as the most widely admired theatre organ. Mystery, scandal, genius, great ambition for the organ, and both enmity and loyalty among his peers marked Hope-Jones� life as told in this major biography. Included are stoplists of 103 organs built 1887-1911, a compiled opus list of 246 Hope-Jones organs, a list of 122 Hope-Jones employees, and illustrated discussions of the organ devices invented by Hope-Jones and patented in the United States and/or England. 300 pages, hardbound, many photographs. |