Philip J. Bone

Philip J. Bone, from his book The Guitar and Mandolin.

Philip J. Bone (born Luton 1873–died Luton 17 June 1964) was a mandolinist and guitar player in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. While his day to day work was as a teacher and music dealer, he is remembered today as the author of the book The guitar and mandolin, Biographies of Celebrated Masters and Composers for these instruments, published by Schott and Augener, London 1914. He was also a Medallist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, London. Other honors given him include being a medalist the International Music Contests in Bologne, medalist in the International Music Contest in France (1st Prize Honors), and medalist of the I. U. M. in London. He conducted of the Luton Mandolin Orchestra.^{[1][2] [3]}

Besides sheet music, Bone also sold musical instruments, as shown in this 1914 advertisement from the back of his book.

His book The Guitar and Mandolin is comprehensive look at the composers and players of these two instruments up to 1914. He advertised his book on his company letterhead in 1915, saying it was "the only compendium of invaluable information concerning these instruments", and "lives of 300 of the most celebrated players and composers. Facts hitherto unpublished."^[4] In writing the book, Bone did not include people living at the time, as he felt that it was the job of future historians to decide who would be notable. The book contains biographies for composers and musicians throughout western Europe. Many of those in his book who were prominent have been forgotten today, and the book has information not readily available elsewhere. Later in 1953, Bone wrote to Vahdah Ocott-Bickford, who had assisted him with his book. He told her he had continued the research since his book was printed and was trying to get another edition published with his new information. He was having difficulty finding a publisher willing to take a risk on a new edition.^[5]

References

External links

• Online book, The Guitar and Mandolin by Philip J. Bone.

List of biographies in The Guitar and Mandolin