Captured in this volume in over 700 striking color photos are many
historically significant musical instruments created by some of the most
important and iconic makers of the last 400 years. Six hundred
instruments are presented, including keyboards, flutes and whistles,
woodwinds, strings, and percussion. Each instrument is described in the
text, including unusual characteristics, rarity, number of known
instruments by the same maker, historical provenance when known, former
ownership, citations of relevant patents, and bibliographic citations
with more information and associated photos. Early and historically
significant instruments made in Italy, England, France, Germany,
Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands, the United States, and other parts of
Europe are examined. Several world cultures are also represented by
instruments. Indexes by maker, city, and country are provided for easy
reference.