Books › A dictionary of violin makers, 1896 › scan 5
Scan 5
A dictionary of violin makers, 1896
10 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1PREFACE.
3This little book does not pretend to any literary interest, it is merely a catalogue, perhaps far from exhaustive, of violin-makers past and present, which has been carefully compiled from various authorities.
5Ancient makers of lutes and viols of all kinds have also been included, as it was found impossible to draw a definite line of division between them and makers of the type of instruments now in general use.
7For purposes of reference by those who may be interested in the subject, a complete list of the works which have been consulted is appended. Naturally they are not all of equal value or equally trustworthy; it is not always safe to accept an assertion as a fact, however confidently and unhesitatingly stated, if no evidence is brought forward in support of it. But in the works of Messrs. Vidal, Piccolellis, Hart, &c., varied and valuable information may be found; while books like those of Messrs. Coutagne, Berenzi, Hill, Ruf, and others give the results of much painstaking research into the history of individual violin makers. Step by step the story of the great founders of the art is being traced out, ancient archives are searched, registers examined, money and time freely given by enthusiasts who have felt the fascination of this branch of study. It was, of course, necessary that this small work should largely depend on the fruits of other people's labours, as personal research was out of the question. I am deeply indebted to Mr. Arthur Hill for the kindness with which he answered all enquiries addressed to him and the readiness with which he placed many valuable books at my disposal. My thanks are also due to the violin makers living in France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and in this country, who so promptly sent me all the information I asked for, thereby ensuring accuracy and rendering it possible to bring the book fairly up to date. I should like also to add that I have had the benefit of constant help and supervision from my father, Sir John Stainer.
9C. S.
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