A Popular History of the Art of Music From the Earliest Times Until the Present

** "A Popular History of the Art of Music" by W. S. B. Mathews is a journey through time, tracing music's growth from its ancient roots to more modern forms. This book seeks to uncover the story of musical instruments, scales, and the composers who shaped them. It provides a view of how music has changed throughout different periods of time and within different societies. The author opens by sharing that his goal is to provide an easy-to-read history of music that is generally only found in longer books. The book sets the stage for the examination of ancient musical practices, beginning with cultures like the Egyptians, and how music has transformed in complexity and emotional power, laying the foundation for the discussions throughout the rest of the historical account. **