No one knows as much about the dulcimer as Paul M. Gifford, and he has distilled decades of study of the instrument and its history into a fascinating and readable book of some 400 pages...an important addition to our understanding of the folk music revivals of the late 20th century.

Dirty Linen

In this important, impeccably researched book, Paul Gifford traces the evolution and musical history of the hammered dulcimer...Gifford's book should become the standard one on the topic of hammered dulcimers. It is a welcome addition to the literature on musical instruments in general as well as to Scarecrow Press's fine series American Folk Music and Musicians.

Journal of The American Musical Instrument Society

Gifford (Univ. of Michigan, Flint) offers a fascinating history of a number of instruments considered "hammered dulcimers,"...Well researched and documented, critical of some conventional wisdom, and not technically overpowering, this book will speak to students from high school and up to scholars and college faculty.

Choice Reviews