It is always a joy to discover a book on a little written-about subject that not only informs but fascinates and delights too. This is a unique gem on the history of the violin, a biography of the great craftsman and the journey of six of his famous instruments, five violins and a cello. Not being a musician or even particularly musical I was astounded by the hold this book had on me.
A sweeping narrative of the greatest craftsman that ever lived and what became of the insturments he made. This is the remarkable tale of Antonio Stradivari, the greatest instrument maker of all time, and what happened to the violins he created. Everyone has some idea of the legendary quality and unbelieveable price tag of a Stradivarius violin, but much of the life of this genius remains obscure; his motivations and techniques hitherto unexplored. In this, the first popular account of the Stradivari phenomena, Toby Faber explores the life and methods of this unsurpassed craftsmans. Following the life of his insturments as they pass through the hands of many of the greatest musicians that have ever lived, we learn how and why they have become objects of such veneration and desire. It is a dramatic tale of grand artistry, fantastic music, shady dealers, forgery and science.
Born in Cambridge, England, in 1965, TOBY FABER now lives in London with his wife and daughter. He was previously managing director of his family’s renowned publishing firm, Faber and Faber. This is his first book.
