This is a comprehensive work providing a detailed overview of the history of the violin and its makers. The book features biographies of the great Italian violin artists, their followers, and imitators. Moreover, the book includes a series of essays on significant subjects connected with the violin, such as the evolution of violin design, the use of varnishes and their properties, and the science of acoustics. It is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history and evolution of this iconic instrument.