The definitive history of the world's most celebrated and popular musical instrument from its origins 2000 years ago to the players and music of the new millennium. The guitar's immense popularity is extraordinary - the highly versatile instrument is played by over 50 million people throughout the world. In this encyclopedic history leading authority Richard Chapman traces the story of the world's favourite musical instrument examining its origins the music it has inspired and the many artists who have shaped its evolution. Combining superb images and an insightful narrative with a fresh evaluation of written and recorded music Guitar presents an indispensible survey of a cultural phenomenon.