The Rise of Radio, from Marconi Through the Golden Age by Alfred Balk (2005, Paperback)

The Rise Of Radio is written by Alfred Balk. Being a radio collector and not necessarily interested in the radio broadcasts of the golden age of radio, I was not sure how long this book would hold my interest. I found out very quickly, I could not put it down. The actual radio broadcasts from the early days to the early 1960s is the book’s primary focus but there is so much more.
The beginning of radio is covered in the first few chapters, starting with electricity (Volta, Edison, etc), the start of radio (Fleming, Marconi, etc) and the inventors and their technical innovations that made radio broadcasting and reception to an entire country possible (Deforest, Armstrong, etc). Coverage on the formation of RCA, the first broadcasts of KDKA, the battle with RCA & AT&T over broadcasting rights and infringements and the formation of the networks, its all here. The chaotic 20s when anyone could get a transmitting license, to regulation and order to the eventual deregulation of radio is covered in detail.
The golden age of radio is well represented, from the technical inventions and improvements to the maturity of radio broadcasts and the performers themselves. Coverage included shows like Amos & Andy, Lum & Abner, Jack Benny and many others that changed the way we listened to radio and brought a slew of new radio stars to our living room every week.
The beginning of television in the 1930s , the impact that television had on radio viewers and radio broadcasting during the late 40s-50s and the end of radio broadcasting as it was known in the early 60s is all covered in detail. Also included is the invention of FM radio by Armstrong and it’s impact on the industry (and the battle with Sarnoff that followed).
This book is a pleasure to read and is an excellent resource of information that adds depth to your radio library. The book moves along at a good pace and easily holds your interest throughout. After I finish this revue I think I will read the book again!

Jim Moneghan