Published in 1896 and revised in 1909, this wonderful book is a catalogue of violin makers compiled from various sources.
"Ancient makers of lutes and viols of all kinds have also been included, as it was found impossible to draw a definite line of division betwen them and makers of the type of instruments we now use."
In addition to basic details about each violin maker, Stainer includes comments about the particular features of the instruments of each, varnishes used by them, information about their specific instruments, and also comments (some not too kind) about their workmanship.
