talking book

noun

1. a phonograph record or tape recording of readings of a book, magazine, etc., made especially for use by the blind.

Talking Book

noun

1. a recording of a book, designed to be used by blind people

Word History and Origins

Origin of talking book¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Each stunning string instrument leaning against the stark white wall is a tally and talking book, marking the value of a period of relative solitude and reflection.

From Los Angeles Times

Stevie Wonder understands the double indignity of that situation on this jazzy number from his great 1972 album “Talking Book”: “Tuesday heartbreak seems to be unfair, ’cause you say that you found another man.”

From New York Times

“Caedmon proved that spoken-word recordings could be both culturally significant and commercially viable,” said literary scholar Matthew Rubery, who chronicled the company’s history as part of his 2016 book “The Untold Story of the Talking Book.”

From Washington Post

Beck and Stevie Wonder shared songs and appeared on each others’ albums in the 1970s, and “Lookin’ for Another Pure Love” from Wonder’s “Talking Book” featured the guitarist at his most sweetly melodic in the song’s bridge.

From New York Times

On October 24, 1972, Stevie Wonder released his 15th album "Talking Book" and the world heard the infectious grooves and seamless vocal delivery of the song "Superstition" for the very first time.

From Salon