Review: Acquired of the Angels: The Lives and Works of Master Guitar Makers John D'Angelico and James L. D'Aquisto by Paul Schmidt, third edition

by Mike Doolin

Originally published in American Lutherie #143, 2021



Acquired of the Angels: The Lives and Works of Master Guitar Makers John D’Angelico and James L. D’Aquisto, Third Edition
Paul Schmidt
ISBN 978-0692165515
DHR Publishing, 2018

Paul Schmidt’s Acquired of the Angels was a landmark book when it first appeared in 1991. Schmidt’s research yielded an enlightening portrait of two of the most influential luthiers of the 20th century, whose work largely defined the ideal form of the archtop guitar. Since the 1998 second edition was insightfully reviewed by Linda Manzer in 1999, (AL#59, Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume Five) I’ll mostly focus on the differences in the latest, third edition.

The biggest change from second to third edition, and maybe the best reason to purchase the latter, is the physical format. The new edition is nearly double the size, more of a coffee-table-book format, and the photos benefit greatly from the expanded real estate. In particular, Josh McClure’s studio shots dazzle with detail, color, and lighting. Closeups of tailpieces and headstocks show the maker’s meticulous attention to detail. The cover photo on the paper jacket will catch most people’s eye as the low E string of the guitar has shifted out of its notch in the saddle. Be sure to read the Unofficial Official Photography Artist section to read the humorous story behind that error.