“What is music? A simple enough question, you might think, but it’s not as simple as it looks…”

The Book Fairies have been sharing copies of A Little History of Music by Robert Philip today! We sought out places of musical interest at which to leave copies for lucky visitors to spot…

About the book:

A lively, engaging guide to music around the world, from prehistory to the present.

Human beings have always made music. Music can move us and tell stories of faith, struggle, or love. It is common to all cultures across the world. But how has it changed over the millennia?

Robert Philip explores the extraordinary history of music in all its forms, from our earliest ancestors to today’s mass-produced songs. This is a truly global story. Looking to Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and beyond, Philip reveals how musicians have been brought together by trade and migration and examines the vast impact of colonialism. From Hildegard von Bingen and Clara Schumann to Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin, great performers and composers have profoundly shaped music as we know it.

Covering a remarkable range of genres, including medieval chant, classical opera, jazz, and hip hop, this Little History shines a light on the wonder of music-and why it is treasured across the world.

Lucky finders!

We love hearing from people who find the books we hide. Here are a couple from today!

A nice surprise I found as I was walking past @RoyalNottingham yesterday @LittleHistoryof #music @the_bookfairies
#ibelieveinbookfairies #nottingham pic.twitter.com/b0gln667Nf

— Brian Forbes (@brianlforbes) April 7, 2023

Not lucky enough to spot one?

This wonderful book is available NOW in all good book shops. You can even ask them to order one in for you – often the delivery is the next day! If you cannot get to a book shop but would still like to support them, you can choose to order your copy of A Little History of Music from Bookshop.org here.

Would you like to be a book fairy?

If this activity has inspired YOU to get out there and share the love, then you can join us! All you need is some official book fairy stickers and off you go 🙂