The book "A Popular History of the Art of Music from the Earliest Times to the Present" was written by the famous musicologist and educator William Smythe Babcock Matthews. In this book, the author reveals the history of the development of the art of music, starting from the most ancient times and touching the modern period. He describes in detail the contribution of different eras and cultures to the formation of musical traditions, and also examines the development of musical instruments, styles and genres. Matthews's book is impressive in its depth and scope of research, but at the same time is accessible to a wide range of readers who are interested in the history of music. The author brings his unique perspective on key events and personalities that influenced the development of musical art. Through his writing, readers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of music, understand its meaning and influence on society through the ages.