Essential Books

[Matthew Noykos]

I just got a copy of Eric Blot's book "1520-1724 Liutai in Brescia". I had a conversation with Jeff Holmes about Brescian makers. I told him I didn't know enough about the Brescian school and wanted to know more. He wisely suggested I get a copy of this book. I perused it tonight and feel it is very thorough and I think I will get a lot out of this volume. Thanks Jeff!

This got me to thinking. I thought it would be interesting to start a thread and have people list books that they think are essential to have in a personal library and why. I am slowly building my library so I am very interested in hearing peoples' ideas.

I will start by naming a few. The usefulness probably depends on the activities you do.

The IPCI books on conservation and restoration. Really, really good reading. Lots of stuff in there.

Secrets of Stradivari by Sacconi. Good for makers.

Biddulph Guarneri books. Good if you make Del Gesu copies. On my list to buy.

Beare Strad book on the exhibition of 1987. Really good to see Strads in chronological order.

The Artist Handbook by Mayer. Just good reference for materials we work with.

There are others I can think of that I could list later, but I'll let other people talk.

[Guest]

.

[Will L]

For measurements:

Useful Measurements/ Strobel (inexpensive)

The Violin/ Roy (fairly expensive)

Does anyone know of other good sources for measurements?

[Matthew Noykos]

Matthew

Where did you purchase Eric Blot's book?

Reuning's shop

[joerobson]

Reuning's shop

I now have my own copy of the Stradivari Varnish Book. Without a doubt this is an excellent resource. Whether or not you agree with M. Brandmair's scientific findings, they are wotrth your consideration as part of the study of the subject. The photography is worth the price on its own. The Beare Strad book gets my # 2 spot.

on we go,

Joe

[Peter Lynch]

"The Nature and Art of Workmanship" by David Pye is not a "violinmaking book", but following the Biddolph and Weisshaar/Shipman books and the ones already mentioned it would be in my top 5 list. It's the kind of book that will make you see things differntly after to you read it.

-Peter

[joerobson]

"The Nature and Art of Workmanship" by David Pye is not a "violinmaking book", but following the Biddolph and Weisshaar/Shipman books and the ones already mentioned it would be in my top 5 list. It's the kind of book that will make you see things differntly after to you read it.

-Peter

Absolutely Pye.

[Matthew Noykos]

I now have my own copy of the Stradivari Varnish Book. Without a doubt this is an excellent resource. Whether or not you agree with M. Brandmair's scientific findings, they are wotrth your consideration as part of the study of the subject. The photography is worth the price on its own. The Beare Strad book gets my # 2 spot.

on we go,

Joe

I saw this book at Oberlin this year and it looks great. It is on my short list. I didn't get a chance to read it thoroughly but from what I read I think it would keep me busy for awhile.

"The Nature and Art of Workmanship" by David Pye is not a "violinmaking book", but following the Biddolph and Weisshaar/Shipman books and the ones already mentioned it would be in my top 5 list. It's the kind of book that will make you see things differntly after to you read it.

-Peter

This sounds interesting. I looked on Amazon and inexpensive copies can be found for around 20 dollars. It's not a minimum of 400 dollars like the rest of the stuff I want. I would think the library would have a copy of this too? I'll check it out.

[Brad Dorsey]

I have a lot of books that I am glad to have, but just about the only one that I consult regularly is Strobel's "Useful Measurements."

[bmccarthy]

Musical Instruments in the Ashmolean Museum, The complete Collection. Fantastic book!! Thanks again to John Cockburn for organizing a great deal.

[Jeffrey Holmes]

Wow.... neat subject. I guess my answer depends a bit on what the real interests and priorities of the person building the library. In Matt's case, he was looking for information and inspiration on a specific subject, for example... hence my suggestion.

Since the Stradivari exhibition in the '80s, the quality and depth of many of the exhibition books and catalogs have been outstanding. Being focused, they allow the contributors the opportunity to really "get into it" and colaborate. Besides the Brescian exhibition (Blot), the later Cremonese makers exhibition, and (of course) the Guarneri exhibition, I found the Bergonzi catalog exceptional. Besides bringing together historical researchers and experts (along with some very nice photos), I was very impressed by the observations of John Becker's meticulous, insightful essay on the work of Bergonzi... written by a man who understands the maker and school in very personal manner.

I don't think I could do without my bow books. The "big one" (Millant/Raffin) is a fantastic reference... but the book that probably had the most effect on the way I actually look at bows is Paul Childs text on the Peccatte Family. It's organized in a way that betrays a bit of Paul's "method". A good thing.

The new books on the scene have already been mentioned... I'd advise the purchase and reading of the Weisshaar book and the IPCI book as a pair. What is outdated and current will be much more obvious this way... but I also understand the price tags may prevent this for many.

Love the photos in the Strad Varnish book. I bought the one I brought to Oberlin last summer.

Besides the bow books in my library, there are a number of books I often use for reference (some with warts and all): Blot's Modern Italian Series, the book on Hungarian Makers, the book on British Makers, Millant's Vuillaume book, French Makers, the Hill books, Hamma, Wenberg, Moller, the Guad book, Montagnana, etc., etc. That reminds me. I think I need to build another bookcase. There are a few books I haven't bought yet.

[luthierwannabe]

I enjoy "TheViolin Book". It covers a lot of ground. Everything from the instrument anatomy, acoustics and making. It also discusses the makers, the bow, the market and a lot more. The photographs are excellent. The consultant is Robin Stowell with contributions from 13 well known experts such as Peter Holman, David Rattray, Peter Oxley, to name a few. Great book and great reading....Tony

[~ Ben Conover]

For workshop I most frequently consult Weishaar and various lists of measurements that I have compiled.

This website has more information than I can use, excellent :

http://www.theluthierslibrary.com/luthiers_library/

[Melvin Goldsmith]

I can't disagree with any of the above choices.

My two most recent purchases were the Brandmair Stradivari Varnish book and The new Ashmolean catalogue...I had high hopes for both and they exceeded them!...

The next book on my shopping list is Traite de Lutherie by Francois Denis which I think is a very significant book. I have seen it benefit the work of colleagues who took the time to read and understand it. It is quite useful for historical understanding too, I feel. For instance Denis demonstrates that the Amati had a geometric formula enabling them to draw a scroll at any size whereas Strad did not and had to cut and paste a bit.

The Hills books ( as Jeff mentions) on Stradivari and Guarneri are essential reading too and I think can still be had in cheap paperback form (Dover?)the slightly old fashioned text is very enjoyable.

In addition to the already mentioned BVMA publicaion, the book on the Voller Brothers and David Rattray's book on violin Making in Scotland are both very worthwhile http://www.bvma.org.uk/books.html

Completely from 'left field' I would also recommend a book suggested to me by a client who is a physics professor about the misuse of scientific terminology by 'intellectuals' to add weight to their argument.. The book is called Fashionable Nonsense http://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Fashionable_nonsense.html?id=SM8zAd3z3ugC&redir_esc=y

Also, as Mathew says, Mayer's artist's hand book...plus any dusty old (or new) book on a similar theme

[fiddlewallop]

Most probably have this already, but:

Classic Italian Violin Varnish - Geary L. Baese

[skiingfiddler]

Did anybody mention William Henley's Universal Dictionary? At the very least it's a good list of violin makers.

I'm looking for W. Luetgendorff's two volume work, recent reprint of the 1922 2nd edition. It must be easier to get in Europe than here in the US.

There's a great catalog on Jacob Stainer put out by the Art History Museum in Vienna, 2003.

Two books that aren't essentials and really aren't reference books but are good reads with some revealing information:

-- Toby Faber, Stradivari's Genius, 2004, has some good, though speculative, information about Stradivari's training in violin making (perhaps no formal training as a violin maker), and about a workshop effort in the Stradivari shop during the golden period rather than an individual effort by Strad himself.

-- John Marchese, The Violin Maker, 2007, recounts Eugene Drucker's efforts to have Sam Zigmuntowicz make him a fiddle as an alternative to Drucker's Strad. If anybody believes that choosing between a Strad and a violin by a great contemporary maker should be a no-brainer one way or the other, this books reveals that it isn't.

Concerning Jalovec, I think the volume on German and Austrian makers and the volume on Bohemian makers might be worthwhile.

Thoene's 4 volumes on Stradivari are worth having, too.

[Will L]

A few more recommendations:

G.B. Guadagnini/ Rosengard; Simone Fernando Sacconi/ Mosconi; Four Hundred Years of Violin Making/Sotheby's;

I agree with Tony about The Violin Book, Published by Balafon, 1999. And it shouldn't be too expensive.

For non-playing makers, I'd recommend having one book, at least, on playing: Principles of Violin Playing and Teaching/ Ivan Galamian/ Prentice-Hall. It's good for many reasons, but certainly because it's very well written, concise, and gives terminology that helps in communicating with and understanding your clients.

[jacobsaunders]

Did anybody mention William Henley's Universal Dictionary? At the very least it's a good list of violin makers.

I'm looking for W. Luetgendorff's two volume work, recent reprint of the 1922 2nd edition. It must be easier to get in Europe than here in the US.

There's a great catalog on Jacob Stainer put out by the Art History Museum in Vienna, 2003.

Two books that aren't essentials and really aren't reference books but are good reads with some revealing information:

-- Toby Faber, Stradivari's Genius, 2004, has some good, though speculative, information about Stradivari's training in violin making (perhaps no formal training as a violin maker), and about a workshop effort in the Stradivari shop during the golden period rather than an individual effort by Strad himself.

-- John Marchese, The Violin Maker, 2007, recounts Eugene Drucker's efforts to have Sam Zigmuntowicz make him a fiddle as an alternative to Drucker's Strad. If anybody believes that choosing between a Strad and a violin by a great contemporary maker should be a no-brainer one way or the other, this books reveals that it isn't.

Concerning Jalovec, I think the volume on German and Austrian makers and the volume on Bohemian makers might be worthwhile.

Thoene's 4 volumes on Stradivari are worth having, too.

Since my personal library, inculding all Strad magazines back to 1925, auction catalogues etc. occupies 4 bookcases already, and I am in the process of moving house with them all, I have got very carefull about buying new books. When the OP asked, what is an “Essential” book, I think it depends very much on ones perspective.

My personal perspective:

Of all my books, there are many that I only refer to once every few years, others that tell me nothing that I don’t know already. The only one that I use every day is the Lütgendorff.

Dear Steven,

If you are looking for the Lütgendorff two volume reprint, you can order it from Ulrich Holfter (a vm. wholesaler who I personaly very much like) cat. No.932008 at

www.holfter.com

for €143,- I have no idea how much post and US customs (?) would cost, but you could ask Mr. Holfter that. His english is very good, although I always speak to him in German.

[bmccarthy]

Where can you get a copy of this book, it seems to be out of print.

Most probably have this already, but:

Classic Italian Violin Varnish - Geary L. Baese

[PeSt]

Where can you get a copy of this book, it seems to be out of print.

It is and second hand copies are very expensive if you can find one. But didn't the excellent new Stradivari Varnish Book kind of made this book obsolete? Does someone has both and could comment?

Another book I found of interest (specially for beginners like me) is "The Violin Explained - Components, Mechanism and sound by James Beament, published by Oxford University Press

Cheers, Peter

[Janito]

Most probably have this already, but:

Classic Italian Violin Varnish - Geary L. Baese

Where can you get a copy of this book, it seems to be out of print.

I found that there were a couple of useful pages, the rest reminded me of a children's illustrated book. The varnish information in the book has been well discussed here on MN.

Now, the Zemitis book is as rare as rocking-horse manure, packed with personal empirical/idiosyncratic information and has much better content value than the Baese.

[skiingfiddler]

Since my personal library, inculding all Strad magazines back to 1925, auction catalogues etc. occupies 4 bookcases already, and I am in the process of moving house with them all, I have got very carefull about buying new books. When the OP asked, what is an “Essential” book, I think it depends very much on ones perspective.

My personal perspective:

Of all my books, there are many that I only refer to once every few years, others that tell me nothing that I don’t know already. The only one that I use every day is the Lütgendorff.

Dear Steven,

If you are looking for the Lütgendorff two volume reprint, you can order it from Ulrich Holfter (a vm. wholesaler who I personaly very much like) cat. No.932008 at

www.holfter.com

for €143,- I have no idea how much post and US customs (?) would cost, but you could ask Mr. Holfter that. His english is very good, although I always speak to him in German.

Jacob,

Thanks for that source for Luetgendorff. I'll pursue it.

[Oded Kishony]

I like this book a lot. It used to be quite cheap I'm surprised that it's gotten so expensive. Excellent book, packed with tons of useful info IMO

http://www.amazon.com/Formulas-Painters-Robert-Massey/dp/0823018768/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327772498&sr=8-1

Oded

[Addie]

Well, I'm only a tinkerer, and the book is not violin specific, but Ralph Mayer's The Artist's Handbook is very useful for varnish-related information and history. At least I think so.

The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques: Fifth Edition, Revised and Updated (Reference)

Older editions can be quite cheap.

6 used

[Ethan Ladd @ Tarisio]

Perhaps most of your already know about Tarisio's Bookstore? If you don't, it's a fully stocked online store of iconography & reference titles that we have found useful over the years. New copies, direct shipped.

www.tarisio.com/bookstore

A lot of the titles recommended on this thread are well worth owning, but they often come with a steep price tag. In addition, it's difficult to find a good source for many titles at once. That being the case...

We'd like to invite Maestronet's community to enjoy 15% off every title in our selection through the end of our February sale (Feb 9).

Just email me with your Maestronet ID and your purchase receipt and we'll arrange a rebate check for the discount - eladd@tarisio.com

*New Titles, added to inventory in the last 90 days

Stradivari Varnish: Scientific Analysis of his Finishing Technique on Selected Instruments, by Brigitte Brandmair, Stefan-Peter Greiner

Antonio Stradivari, by Jan Roehrmann, Jost Thone (10% off)

The Conservation, Restoration, and Repair of Stringed Instruments and Their Bows, Vol I-III, Edited by Tom Wilder (5%)

*Other titles in stock:

Antonio Stradivari: The Cremona Exhibition of 1987, by Charles Beare

L’Archet: Les Archetiers Français, by Bernard Millant, Jean-François Raffin, Bernard Gaudfroy and Loïc Le Canu (10% off)

The Bowmakers of The Peccatte Family, by Paul Childs

The British Violin: 400 Years of Violin Making in the British Isles, by Tim Baker, John Dilworth and Andrew Fairfax

Capicchioni: La vita e l'opera dei liutai Marino e Mario, by Marcello Villa

Carlo Bergonzi: Alla scoperta di un grande Maestro, edited by Christopher Reuning

Conoscere La Liuteria Vol. 1: Campania e Lazio., by Raffaella Lucci and Rodolfo Marchini

Conoscere La Liuteria Vol. 2: Lombardia e Piemonte., by Raffaella Lucci and Rodolfo Marchini

Il Conte Cozio di Salabue: Liuteria e Collezionismo in Piemonte, by Giovanni Accornero, Ivan Epicoco and Eraldo Guerci

Cremona 1730-1750: nell’Olimpo della liuteria, Edited by Christopher Reuning

Cremonese Violinmakers of the Late 20th Century: A Profile of 26 Contemporary Cremonese Makers, by Yasuno Toshitake

il DNA degli Amati: Una dinastia di liutai a Cremona, Edited by Fausto Cacciatori, Bruce Carlson and Carlo Chiesa

...E Furono Liutai in Cremona: Dal Rinascimento al Romanticismo, by C.Chiesa, A.Dipper, R.G.Hargrave, A.Mosconi, J.Topham, D.Gindin

La famiglia Guarneri e le copie italiane del '900, by Artemio Versari

Celeste Farotti: Ritratto di un liutaio, by Giovanni Iviglia

Ferdinando Garimberti, by Giorgio Grisales

Four Centuries of Violin-Making: Fine Instruments from the Sotheby's Archive, by Tim Ingles and John Dilworth

Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, by Duane Rosengard

G. B. Guadagnini e gli interpreti del Novecento, by Giovanni Accornero, Ivan Epicoco and Eraldo Guerci

Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, by C. Chiesa, J. Dilworth, R. Hargrave, P. Klein, S. Pollens, D. Rosengard, E. Wen

Giuseppe Ornati, by Giorgio Grisales

La Grande Liuteria Italiana: 84 Capolavori di Liuteria Moderna, by Artemio Versari

Harry Wahl's Violins, by Maija-Stiina Roine

How Many Strads?, by Ernest N. Doring

Jean Pierre Marie Persoit: His Life and Work, by Paul Childs

The Late Cremonese Violin Makers, by Dmitry Gindin with the collaboration of Duane Rosengard

Liutai in Brescia 1520-1724, by Various Authors

Liuteria Moderna in Emilia-Romagna, by Artemio Versari

Liuteria Italiana en la Argentina, by Pablo Saravì

Liuteria Italiana Vol. I, by Eric Blot

Liuteria Italiana Vol. II, by Eric Blot

Liuteria Italiana Vol. III, by Eric Blot

Liuteria Italiana Vol. IV, by Eric Blot

La Liuteria Lombarda del '900, by Edited by Roberto Codazzi and Cinzia Manfredini

Liuteria Piemontese: Annibale Fagnola, by Giovanni Accornero, Ivan Epicoco and Eraldo Guerci

Living Legacy: Historic Stringed Instruments at The Juilliard School, by Lisa B. Robinson

Memoirs of a Violin Collector, by Brandon Frazier

Mr. Black's Violins: The Extraordinary Obsession of Gerald Segelman, by Andrew Hooker

Otello Bignami: Liutaio in Bologna, by William Bignami

La Pochette du Maitre à Danser, by Claude Lebet

Roma & I Suoi Liutari, by Claude Lebet

Stefano Scarampella, by Eric Blot

The Stradivari Legacy, Carlo Chiesa and Duane Rosengard

Il Suono di Bologna: Da Raffaele Fiorini ai grandi maestri del Novecento

Tourte le Jeune: London Exhibition, by Paul Childs

Tre Secoli di Liuteria Italiana, by Artemio Versari

The Violin Forms of Antonio Stradivari, by Stewart Pollens

Violin Making in Scotland 1750-1950, by David Rattray

The Voller Brothers, by John Dilworth, Andrew Fairfax and John Milnes

Pair of Posters: Classical and Post-Classical Violin Makers of the Italian Peninsula 1505-1990, by Tarisio and edited by Phil Kass

We hope you'll take advantage of this offer and see it as a chance to complete (or start!) your library. It's our pleasure to offer some of the books recommended in this thread. Cheers!