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by Michael J. Milsom (Author)
Updated in 2021 Bells & Bellfounding is far removed from being dry and heavy reading. After a very amusing introduction we are taken through the origins of bells, bellfounding, carillons, the intricacies of change-ringing, and details of the world's largest bells; with a constant thread of humour. Having been Bellmaster for ten years at the John Taylor and Co. Bellfoundry, Loughborough, England (he cast and tuned the AC/DC "Hell's Bell" in 1980), the author gives a fascinating account of their history, aspirations, achievements and 200 years of family involvement. A comprehensive book with a wealth of interesting information spread over 21 chapters, with 64 pages of photographs.
Author Biography
Mike Milsom was born in Manchester to parents who were Londoners, and the family moved to Loughborough when he was five years old. There was music in the house most evenings when his mother played the piano or listened to records. From the age of seven he had piano lessons and then became a boy treble in the choir at Loughborough Parish Church. His headmistress told his mother that she should apply to Southwell Minster Cathedral for him to become a choirboy. He won a choral scholarship and was in the cathedral choir for three years. On leaving school he went to Cardiff University to study for a Bachelor of Music degree with the aim of applying to become a BBC Trainee Studio Manager. This was not possible as he left the university after the first year. He then became involved in the design, manufacture and sales of high quality audio equipment. Mike became a bell tuner at Taylor's bellfoundry in Loughborough from 1970-1973 and was asked to re-join the company in 1977. Paul Taylor, the last member of the Taylor family that had been involved in bellfounding for 200 years, was about to semi-retire. Mike was indoctrinated into the mysteries of bellfounding and was made "Bellmaster", a position he held until 1988. He now lives in Spain with his wife Jane along with her two children and two grandchildren. Together they started a monthly magazine for ex-pats in 2006 and currently he continues to write the articles.
