Antonio Stradivari. His Life and Work (1644-1737). With an introductory note by Lady Higgins - W. Henry Hill, Arthur F. Hill & Alfred E. Hill 1902 - William E. Hill &, London - Number 62 of 100 limited copies The most important work on Stradivari, not only in relation to the instruments themselves, but because it provides depth and biographical detail about the Stradivari family. Prepared by W. E. Hill and Sons, legendary violin makers and dealers, whose legacy, for example, has been documented in Samuel Pepy’s diary entries from 1660. In 1940 the firm donated the "The Messiah" Stradivari and other instruments to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, and they continue in that tradition today.

Large and finely bound, one of only 100 copies.

Magnificently illustrated with twenty-one colour plates of the violins, seven two-tone plates of documents, labels, tools etc., one two-tone ‘Supposed Portrait of Stradivari’, and a genealogical tree of the Stradivari family. Together with over 50 in-text illustrations.   Large quarto (binding size 29.8x24cm), pp. [2] xvi 303 [3].   In publisher s full green morocco, spine lettered, ruled and stamped in gilt, boards intircately decorated in gilt, top edge gilt, others trimmed, inner hinge renewed with matching green cloth, and endpapers replaced.   Condition: Near fine, foxing to tissue guards and edges of block, in very good binding, wear to edges, and spine, inner hinges and endpapers replaced.   Ref: 111779   Price: HK$ 15,000