Masterpieces of Italian Violin Making (1620-1850) ─ Important Stringed Instruments from the Collection at the Royal Academy of Music

Revised edition of a volume originally published in 1991. Rattray (violin maker and associate at the Royal Academy of Music) presents a unique view of the work of the great Italian violin makers from the 17th to the 19th centuries as seen through Academy instruments. For the most part, he includes only those instruments in the purest state of conservation. Drawing on new research, he has updated the text, added 15 instruments, and incorporated changes made in the manner in which external measurements were made. Each instrument is illustrated with at least two color photographs. Of interest to both string players and collectors. Oversize: 9.75x13.50<">. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

David Rattray trained as an engineer in Scotland before moving to London in 1982 to study violin-making at the London College of Furniture (now Guildhall University). In 1988 he was appointed Instrument Custodian at The Royal Academy of Music, where in 1994 he was made an Honorary Associate. Rattray is also known as a maker of violins and violas, and his instruments are played by a number of prominent musicians as far afield as Australia and Japan.