Audio Books on Tape - History
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In the days well before the technology for CDs and mp3s even existed. Audio books as they are now known were commonly called books on tape. In fact, sometimes people still refer to audio books in general as a “book on tape” even though the popularity and use of cassette tapes for recording and listening to books has declined over the years. If you prefer listening to an audio book on a cassette player, however, it’s still possible to find audio book recordings on tape - borrow them from the library or search an online store that sells audio books in more than one format.
The history
How did audio books come to be, and who first recorded a story on tape? You may be surprised to find out that the history of audio books goes back quite far. The first recording of a story had nothing to do with written text, but it is considered the precursor to the audio book all the same.
In 1933 an anthropologist named J.P. Harrington had a goal to record the oral histories of Native American tribes across North America. He made the recordings on aluminum discs placed atop a turntable, powered by his car battery. These recordings are considered by people in the industry as an example of the first “audio book.”
As technology advanced and audio recording became cheaper and more lucrative, companies began to hire people to read books aloud for a recording. Recordings on tape have been used for enjoyment and learning ever since.
Today
The recording of audio books is now a multi-million dollar industry. Book publishing is taking on a whole new face, as technology continues to improve and readers look for alternatives to traditional reading methods for books.
The popularity of audio books is soaring. People who love to read have trouble finding enough time to pursue their passion, but with audio books, you can read while commuting, working out, or travelling.
Another positive benefit of an audio book is that it continues the time-honored tradition of oral storytelling. There’s something magical about listening to a story being read.
Audio books can be a wonderful way to bring a story to life, no matter how busy you are
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