Michael Denning Libri

Focusing on the transformative period between 1925 and the early 1930s, the book explores how electrical recording revolutionized music, capturing the essence of urban life through diverse genres. It highlights the contributions of countless unknown musicians who recorded iconic sounds like Havana's son, New Orleans' jazz, and Cairo's tarab in makeshift studios. These recordings not only shaped the global music landscape but also fueled cultural movements and the fight for decolonization, marking a significant chapter in the history of popular music.

Focusing on the intersection of American popular fiction and working-class culture, this study utilizes Marxist literary theory alongside American labor history. It examines the impact of the 19th-century rise in affordable novels among working-class readers, revealing how the "fiction question" evolved into a significant class issue. The analysis highlights the cultural implications of literature's accessibility and its role in shaping class identity and consciousness during this transformative period.