Marcus Maroney wrote:

>Does anyone else on the list read the guide for *entertainment* or am I
>just an over-the-top classical recording nerd.

That's certainly why I read it.  I have four volumes now, and frequently
open them at random to browse.  They make perfect bedtime reading since it
doesn't matter where you start up or leave off.  Why anyone would expect
any publication of this sort to meet all needs is beyond me.  Of course
there will be disagreements about what every aspect of it, from the space
allocated to different composers to the recordings the authors prefer.

As for the expense, I figure I get at least 40 hours of entertainment
out of each volume (and anyway, the last two volumes have been gifts).
I rarely buy cd's based only upon the guide's recommendations, but
interest in a number of composers has been first sparked by the guide.

Gary Menchen