Recording techniques of the past?

[Landphil]

The holiday season again, and the old standards are popping up everywhere I turn. Songs like:

"The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" (1946) (composed by Mel Torme and first performed by Nat King Cole"

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" – introduced by Judy Garland in the film 'Meet Me In St. Louis'

"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" – introduced by Andy Williams in 1963

Just wondering if someone could guide me toward some good reading about how songs like these (and others from the era) were recorded. Sonically, they still sound pretty good (I still get sick of hearing them, though! )
Even the non-remastered versions in all their mono glory sound well balanced on any system.
How were they engineered? Was there any post tweaking? Who had the final say on the balance?

Any links or books that you might recommend on past techniques?

[vurt]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00011 ... ance&n=130

we watched that dvd at college
not indepth at all but some interesting bits here n there

[Hovmod]

There are no tricks, only experience. The people who did good records in the past were pros.
They had less and lousier tools than you have and made better sounding recordings. Sucks, doesn't it?

[Landphil]

There are no tricks, only experience. The people who did good records in the past were pros.
They had less and lousier tools than you have and made better sounding recordings. Sucks, doesn't it?

Yeh, They were amazing! Makes me wanna cry sometimes. Now the challenge is to restrict myself in this world of 'everything at my fingertips'.

And thanks, vurt!
Wasn't aware of this one. Might not go back as far as I'm looking for, but after watching the trailer I'll snatch this up!

[vurt]

like i said tho,not majorly indepth but an interesting watch nonetheless.

if for the "layla" sessions alone