This is the remarkable tale of Antonio Stradivari, the greatest instrument maker of all time, and what happened to the violins he created. Everyone has some idea of the legendary quality and unbelievable price tag of a Stradivarius violin, but much of the life of this genius remains obscure; his motivations and techniques hitherto unexplored. In this, the first popular account of the Stradivari phenomena, Toby Faber explores the life and methods of this unsurpassed craftsman. Following the life of his instruments as they pass through the hands of many of the greatest musicians that have ever lived, we learn how and why they have become objects of such veneration and desire. It is a dramatic tale of grand artistry, fantastic music, shady dealers, forgery and science.