In this book, the glorious automata and mechanical music of the 19th and early 20th century are truly "playing their parts". Playing their mechanical parts, they perform extraordinary motions and issue compelling music that is as transfixing today as when first created. 150 splendid examples of these automata and musical boxes, 1780-1960, are shown in this book with detailed descriptions of their motions, music, historical background, and useful commentary. Each example is photographed in award-winning color, many with detailed insert photos, and each is identified by maker, country of origin, value, and date.