Bookshelf speakers? Back in the 50's and before Stereo someone - possibly Henry Kloss or his wife - decided that the current Mammoth sized Floorstanders had to go. The bookshelf obviously looked like a good spot to hide them. Then in the 70's it was discovered that these 'babies' sounded better out and away from the bookshelf and even better on a pair of stands! So, we now call them 'Standmount/Bookshelf'.