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W. W. Norton n Company

The Violin: A Social History of the World's Most Versatile Instrument

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Arrives May 17 – May 30
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Publisher : W. W. Norton & Company; 37347th edition (December 10, 2012)


Language : English


Hardcover : 736 pages


ISBN-10 : 039308440X


ISBN-13 : 05


Item Weight : 2.54 pounds


Dimensions : 6.6 x 1.9 x 9.6 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #732,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #563 in Violins (Books) #8,373 in Historical Study (Books)


#563 in Violins (Books):


#8,373 in Historical Study (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • A good modern attempt to fill a tremendous void
There is a great need for violin nuts like myself to get books like this. I very much enjoyed it BUT it could have been proof read much better. A good ghost writer helping out would have been recommended and I was disappointed that my old acquaintance Dan Draley had his last name misspelled as "Daley". Being a guitar nut also I am amazed at the number of books out there about collectible guitars and histories of various guitar companies. And I am also amazed at the dearth of similar type of books on violins or the makers. Even a history of a prestigious company like the E.H. Roth company would seem to be desirable enough to sell. Smoke and Mirrors continues to haunt the violin trade. Let the sun shine in. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2017 by RL Older
    • What an amazing instrument, and an equally amazing book
What is a violin? An acoustic box with a neck, strings and bridge. Schoenbaum lays out a non-linear history in a subject by subject format. Inside each topic he leaps through the centuries and skips through the decades to make salient points about the instrument, how it is made, played, bought and sold, and generally dealt with in society. The book is filled with all kinds and sorts of facts about the instrument, and all things about it. For example I own a "Mittenwald Strad" with inlay decorations. I learned that the makers, used a facsimile of a Strad label that also say made in Germany, not to confuse the buyer but inform him of the Strad copied. Also, the inlay decorations are called "Intarsia." There is a lot here for the person interested in the instrument. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2016 by George N. Wells
    • "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Violin Origins"
I have played the violin for many years and now have two talented granddaughters who not only play this fabulous instrument but perform all over the City of New York! Many years ago I read a marvelous book that I think was called "The Violin Hunter." I have been looking for it now for several decades to no avail. When I found this new book, I was hoping it would be much like the beloved book I have unable to locate. Well, I am happy to say that this new book is truly amazing! I agree with many of the other reviewers regarding the first 100 pages. This is a very complete history that takes time to plow through. As a lover of books, who reads a book every day or two, it took some pacing to get into the "meat" of this volume. It has been well worth the effort. I have had to put it aside several times in order to read several other books that came to my attention. However, I find myself thinking about the content of Mr. Schoenbaum's book and can't wait to finish it. It is truly wonderful reading even if you have never picked up the instrument. If you have enjoyed playing a violin or just love to listen to the music produced by those who really have the "gift," I can't recommend this book more. A Terrific Read!!! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2013 by granny1
    • Very interesting book.
I’ve only read two chapters, this book pulls you into the story and history of the violin.
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2019 by Constance Bass
    • Unique, groundbreaking, comprehensive
Dr. Schoenbaum's remarkable and comprehensive book about the violin and the network of cultural and commercial institutions that has grown up around it, is truly groundbreaking. As a violin collector, I am more than moderately familiar with the world of violin experts, competent or sham, and of violin dealers, honest or venal. This book is the first I've seen that addresses the underbelly of the violin world accurately and competently. Dr. Schoenbaum's research tapped the expertise of violin world insiders directly. I first heard of his project when my friend, Robert Bein, the late, great Chicago violin expert and dealer, told me that Dr. Schoenbaum was "the real deal", a serious researcher seeking accurate information (as opposed, I suppose, to a yellow journalist seeking sensation). I know that Bein and many other fiddle-world luminaries spent hours and hours with Dr. Shoenbaum educating him on the twists and turns and lore of the violin trade. I believe this book is unique in that it enjoyed the active cooperation and trust of those who really are involved in the violin business. Of course, "The Violn" goes far beyond a mere discussion of the violin trade. It is also presents the fascinating history of the instrument's development, the incredible genius of the early Cremonese makers, the colorful personalities of artists that perform on the violin, and the unique significance of the instrument as a totem of Western culture. Oh, and did I mention that the book is entertaining, witty and exceedingly well written? ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2012 by Dr. Dave
    • I like the book
I like the book. Haven't finished it yet but well written and easy to read and very informative. Would recommend the book to anyone who is interested in the making, selling, playing and the value of the violin.
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2017 by Osmund Chan
    • Good information.
Excellent history book,
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2018 by Charles Bowen

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