Even the packaging is formidable; it is crafted like a monumental pyramid.
Specs
weight: 16.5 lbs
elevation: 10.5 inches
terrain: steep
rating: not for beginners
Unboxing and Weigh-In
Published by Mark Samples
During the challenge, I was a PhD student in musicology at the University of Oregon (completed 2011). Currently, I am an Assistant Professor of music at Central Washington University. I research music branding and arts entrepreneurship, and teach courses in music history, arts and entrepreneurship, and the history of jazz. Mark has a new blog here: http://www.mark-samples.com Mark's faculty page: http://www.cwu.edu/music/dr-mark-samples View all posts by Mark Samples
The Taruskin Challenge 
Wow. I seriously believe that our different approaches to acquiring the set – you all at once, me one volume at a time – will change the way we both experience it. Looking at these pictures is intimidating. It’s like having all the courses of a huge meal laid out in front of you at once.
When I eventually purchase OHWM, I will buy it all at once. That’s the only way to truly experience it!
I also purchased it all at once, as it was the most economical option. Thanks for kicking this off and getting us started on this work, and I’ll chime in once in a while with thoughts from a music theorist in Casper, Wyoming.