I picked this book up at the library last week and have enjoyed reading the history of five violins and one cello. Antonio Stradivari of Cremona Italy died in 1737, but his leagacy of making string intruments has survived 300 years. Antonio lived for 93 years at a time when normal life expectancy was about 50 years. He outlived 2 wives and three children. The first marriage brought six children and the second marriage five.
This book is a reminder that craftmanship is important. Stradivari constantly experimented with technique and took great pride in his work. It was his lifelong passion. The book's afterword looks at the varied analysis of what the differences were is in his process. Was the wood soaked in salt water? What were the varnish secrets? I think the book is a good reminder that science can't answer some questions. Antonio simply poured his heart and soul into his work and there is no formula to account for that.
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