As part of a Folkways Record science series, this compilation is divided into four sections: Natural, Musical, Location and Manmade Sounds. Recorded in 1953, the collection was considered a departure from other similar material: "Like photography and art "annuals," each issue will include the most unusual and most common sounds that exist; and through aural interplay, Folkways hopes to be able to establish a mood not unlike that of seeing photographs and pictures." the variety of sounds in this compilation, from birds to cars, paints a vivid image of a very diverse and wondrous world. Liner notes include detailed information of the sounds.