Acquired of the Angels

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Paul William Schmidt

Scarecrow Press, Lanham, MD, 1998, English

Nonfiction, Product/Industrial Design

ISBN: 9781578860029

From the Publisher. Acquired of the Angels documents the two most prominent luthiers (guitar makers) of the 20th century. John D'Angelico and James L. D'Aquisto created beautiful, functional works of art from the 1920s until 1995. Their instruments have always been highly respected by players, and in the last decades of the 20th century their appeal has spread to musical instrument collectors. Behind the present-day status of these instruments as American cultural icons are the lives and stories of two men who crafted them.

This expanded second edition gives greater insight into their art and lives, and includes 151 photos, 54 of them in full color. Acquired of the Angels will be cherished by artists, scholars, guitar players, makers, and collectors, and enthusiasts of 20th century American art and culture. Tim Olsen, founder and president of The Guild of American Luthiers, calls Acquired of the Angels "an excellent book about these important instruments...and about the people behind the legend." John Monteleone, one of the finest living arch-top builders and heir to the craft tradition of D'Aquisto and D'Angelico, describes Schmidt's work as "a wonderful and fitting tribute."

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Richard Sachs

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One of my earliest inspirations was Jimmy D’Aquisto. I saw a film about his work on PBS that aired from a local affiliate. More than any other maker whose works I’ve become aware of, I always come back to a fantasy that includes making my bicycles with the skill and humility with which D’Aquisto made his guitars. This book chronicles the lives of Jimmy and his mentor, John D’Angelico.

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