This book, "Mars by 1980: The Story of Electronic Music" by David Stubbs, published by Faber & Faber, charts the evolution of electronic music. It covers the journey from early mechanical experiments in the late nineteenth century to contemporary electronica, house, and techno. The narrative highlights mavericks and visionaries who overcame obstacles in the development of electronic sound. The book explores the origins in avant-classical composition, the cosmic funk of artists like Stevie Wonder and Giorgio Moroder, the unique sounds of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, influential eighties electropop from bands such as Depeche Mode, the Pet Shop Boys, and Laurie Anderson, and extends to modern underground innovators. The paperback edition has 464 pages.