This book recreates the magic of the greatest violinists in history. In succinct and absorbing accounts of their lives, characters and careers, Margaret Campbell brings out the special achievement of each, whether in impact on composers and public taste, contribution to advances in playing technique, or in sheer power over an audience. In three centuries the solo performer progressed from downtrodden private servant to public idol. The story proceeds from Thomas Baltzar, who 'drank more than ordinary' at the court of Charles II, through historical pivot-figures such as Corelli, Viotti, Paganini, Vieuxtemps, Auer and Joachim, to the privileged twentieth century, from Saraste and Ysaye to the supreme artists of the modern recording era, including the jazz violinists and the 'Grand Hotel' tradition. Almost every figure discussed is placed on a 'family tree' showing the stylistic lineage of such differing players as Heifetz, Kreisler, Oistrakh, Menuhin, Stern, Perlman, Kyung-Wha Chung, Sarah Chang and Vengcrov in unbroken teacher-pupil continuity back to Corelli. In covering the last century. Margaret Campbell has had rich access to letters and private documents, and interviewed many eminent musicians, a number of whom have contributed reminiscences and photographs which feature in the book.