This volume brings together a series of essays delivered at the international colloquium "Historic Organs Reconsidered: Restoration and Conservation for a New Century," held in 1999 at Historic St. Luke's Church in Smithfield, Virginia. With St. Luke's exceptionally rare 1630 English chamber organ as a backdrop, invited authorities from seven countries offered diverse views on musical, ethical, and historical issues driving organ restoration today. Part 1 of the book places the often-vexing issues of organ restoration in the broader context of musical instrument restoration and historic preservation and considers the implications of emerging "forensic" examination methods for restoration ethics. Part 2 visits two conservation laboratories, providing an inside glimpse of new approaches to preservation-minded restoration. Part 3 focuses specifically on Historic St. Luke's organ and its musical history, with attention to the organ's possible builder, its first owners, and early repertory. Part 4 offers perspectives on restoration through case studies of other historic organs in Europe and America.

Immigration, wars, industrial growth, the availability of electricity, the popularity of orchestral music, and the invention of the phonograph and of the player piano all had a part in determining the course of American organ history.

Intended as a practical guide to organ conservation issues, this work covers such topics as the need for regulation, the availability of grants, the benefits of good advice, the results of neglect and bad practice, the rewards of care and good housekeeping, and the principles of good restoration practice. Dominic Gwynn draws on his knowledge, experience and expertise and dedicates over half of the book to restoration techniques and the materials from which organs are made.

Was Isaac Newton, considered by many to be the most important scientist of all time, actually a mystical occultist? Was Galileo, often viewed as science's greatest voice of reason, to blame for his conflict with the Catholic Church? Four Treatises for the Reconsideration of the History of Science examines these and other momentous episodes in the history of science by shedding light on some of the more prevalent misconceptions regarding our views concerning the genesis of science. Historian and freelance writer, Fabio J. A. Farina, provides an excellent academic introduction to four important case studies necessary for understanding the historical contexts that have influenced science. His arguments show that there is a far more complex interplay of issues, ideologies, and philosophies rather than the simple rationalist evolution as many may view it today. The many interesting concepts and viewpoints presented in this small yet invaluable collection will undoubtedly fuel interest for further research and future discussions.

A collection of papers from a conference on organs, held in Liverpool in 1999. Areas covered include conservation related to musical performance and surviving historic instruments, concert organs and their repertoire, advisers, training, archaeology, and conservation plans.