Recommended reading

The Piano Book by Larry Fine a general introduction to pianos written with the piano buyer in mind. Features evaluations of all major brands.

Temperament by Stuart Isacoff a history of how equal temperament—the system used for tuning all pianos today— developed. Written for the general reader, with interesting digressions into the history of Western art, culture, and politics.

The Piano Shop on the Left Bank by Thad Carhart an expatriate American living in Paris rediscovers his childhood passion for piano in a rebuilder's atelier. The writer skillfully interweaves his relationship with the rebuilder, memories of childhood piano lessons, and piano history.

The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason A lush, skillful reimagining of Conrad's Heart of Darkness, featuring a piano tuner as the protagonist.