'Astonished and somewhat terrified' - Victorians' reactions to the phonograph | Aeon Videos
Briefly

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877, enabling sound to be recorded and played back for the first time. By 1888, he reintroduced it for commercial use. Edison teamed up with Colonel George Gouraud to promote this groundbreaking device in Britain, hosting lavish events in South London where influential Victorians were introduced to the phonograph. These gatherings allowed attendees to marvel at the technology while enjoying a unique experience of hearing their own voices recorded, providing a fascinating insight into the social dynamics and language of the Victorian era.
In 1877, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, the first device capable of capturing and playing back sound, revolutionizing how people experienced audio.
To promote the phonograph in Britain, Edison partnered with Colonel George Gouraud, who hosted lavish gatherings that showcased the device to influential Victorians.
These early recordings create a riveting glimpse into Victorian society, showcasing the era's manners, language, and the overall life of the time.
Edison's phonograph was relived commercially by 1888, changed the way audio was consumed, providing a platform for both entertainment and preservation of sound.
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