Antonio Stradivari: His Life and Work (1644-1737)

London: William E. Hill, 1902 . First edition. Leather. Very Good. 12" by 9". Not Stated. The first edition of this richly illustrated study of the life and works of premier luthier Antonio Stradivari. The first edition of W. Henry, Arthur F. and Alfred E. Hill's biographical account of the life of Stradivari, the famous craftsman of string instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars, violas and harps.Illustrated with thirty plates - the majority in colour - each retaining the original tissue guard. Collated, complete.A scholarly work prepared by William E. Hill, a family firm of London violin makers and experienced dealers of violins.Around 650 instruments by Stradivari survive. His instruments are considered some of the finest ever made, and are extremely valuable collector's items.With the bookplate of W.A. Foyle of Beeleigh Abbey to the front pastedown. William Foyle founded Foyles bookshop in 1903 alongside his brother. He purchased Beeleigh Abbey during the Second World War, an impressive twelfth century monastery in Essex. Beeleigh housed his library, one of the largest private libraries in England. In the publisher's original quarter vellum binding, with cloth covered boards. Vellum lightly age toned with handling marks. Front hinge strained but firmly held. Bookplate to front pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Very Good