The Ukulele Handbook

The ukulele has had a tumultuous history, ricocheting between cultural icon, social outcast, musical joke, and respected instrument across decades. But there’s plenty to discover about this smallest of stringed instruments.

The Ukulele Handbook is a threefold resource for all things uke. The first section examines the history of the ukulele, from its evolution as an instrument to the three waves of ukulele popularity worldwide, as well as its intricate role in Hawaiian culture. As a history buff, I learned more than a few surprising things. (The idea of the ukulele as a subversive instrument is a particularly fascinating one.)

The second offers instructions on how to play – designed as a six-week course – and the third offers numerous famous songs and musical works arranged for the ukulele.

The Ukulele Handbook was designed with uke lovers and enthusiasts in mind – the inside cover doubles as a fast-and-easy chord finder – and comes off as a thoroughly researched and professional guide to an instrument with lots to offer.