The Wonder that was the Cylinder is a fascinating account of India's contribution to early sound recording. This book is a labour of love, brimming with intricate and previously unknown details about a largely forgotten era of Indian cultural history. The book also contains a DVD with brief recording of doyens of Indian cinema/Hindustani classical music like Dadasaheb Phalke, Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, Ustad Alladiya Khan, Bhaurao Kolhatkar, Pandit Balkrishna Buwa Ichalkaranjikar, Balgandharva, Ms. Gauhar Jan, Ms. Allahbandi of Jaipur and Pandit Bhaskarbuwa Bhakle.

The Wonder that was the Cylinder has been written by Mr. A.N. Sharma, drawing from his vast knowledge of the subject and from a very rare collection of over 200 cylinders. He has been assisted by his daughter, talented writer and editor Ms. Anukriti A. Sharma. Together they bring to light India's remarkable legacy in music, theatre and film through perfectly preserved cylindrical recordings discovered through Mr. Sharma's personal efforts over the past two decades.