If the title alone isn't enough to pique your interest, then you've probably never held one of the guitars discussed on these pages in your hands. Author Tom Wheeler is a master at dissecting and explaining the history of the electric guitar, and here he dives into the story by examining the people who played these instruments as well as marketed and developed them.

There is so much to absorb here. Wheeler burrows beneath the surface of every element of Fender's history by offering interviews, commentaries, and his own take on why the instrument became such an iconic element of rock and roll. Complementing the artfully written text are dozens of archival photos and well as several page-pockets containing reproductions of seminal historical artifacts--correspondence, in-house memos, price guides, spec sheets, and even rough sketches.

Even if you're numbed by the history of things, you will love this Hal Leonard book. It will engage you and delight you and make you want to run out and buy a Stratocaster just as quickly as your legs will carry you to your local music store.