Scan 26
Antonio Stradivari, his life and work (1644-1737), 1909
12 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1is no need to try to claim interest for it by much speaking. But, as I have had the pleasure of close and prolonged examination of the collections and notes of Mr. Alfred Hill and his brothers in connection with this life, I am glad to have the opportunity of saying a few words about the book they have written.
3It is possible to overrate expert knowledge; it is equally possible to underrate it. "Everything of something, and something of everything," is almost a counsel of perfection.
5This book is frankly the work of violin experts. Outside counsel has been sought, it is true, and has been generously acknowledged; but this does not alter the fact that this "Life of Stradivari" is essentially by men, all of them peculiarly fitted, by hereditary natural aptitude, by long expert training, and by deep love of music and of musical instruments, to deal with the problems of Stradivari's history and of his immortal services to music through musical instruments, in ways new and striking, suggestive and exhaustive.
7The illustrations deserve a word of special notice. To their selection and reproduction much thought and care have been given, so that they form, in themselves, a valuable contribution to the history of musical instruments; while the strange beauty of violins, which has delighted so many, has never been so well represented.
9The study of this work cannot fail, I think, to be valuable, not only to makers of violins, but to musicians; while to the happily ever-growing number of those who use stringed instruments, it will prove a trustworthy source of information and pleasure. It is a work which can never be out of date.
11MARGARET L. HUGGINS.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.