World Music: A Very Short Introduction

Having read a number of excellent entries in the "A Very Short Introduction" series, this one paled in comparison. Whereas other authors have reduced the academic jargon to provide a true introduction, I was glad I'd read Said's [b:Orientalism|355190|Orientalism|Edward W. Said|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1409777781s/355190.jpg|2310058], and other theories on colonialism. If that sentence made your head spin, skip this book. The bulk of the researched relied heavily on intrepretation through a Western European cultural lens, without giving a sense of how "world music" differed in instrumentation, purpose, and construction. The most valuable section focused on the role of Diasporas and the spread of musical influences.

Having read a number of excellent entries in the "A Very Short Introduction" series, this one paled in comparison. Whereas other authors have reduced the academic jargon to provide a true introduction, I was glad I'd read Said's [b:Orientalism|355190|Orientalism|Edward W. Said|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1409777781s/355190.jpg|2310058], and other theories on colonialism. If that sentence made your head spin, skip this book. The bulk of the researched relied heavily on intrepretation through a Western European cultural lens, without giving a sense of how "world music" differed in instrumentation, purpose, and construction. The most valuable section focused on the role of Diasporas and the spread of musical influences.

DNF I read the introduction and the first chapter and realised I had not understood a word of it despite no technical musical terms having been used at all.