Stradivarius: Five Violins, One Cello and a mode Genius by Faber, Toby NEUF

Everyone knows of the legendary quality and unbelievable price tag of a Stradivarius violin. 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.

Fascinating, accessible and enjoyable - Tracy Chevalier

A captivating book . . . An extraordinary accomplishment and a compelling read - TE Cahart, author of The Piano Shop On The Left Bank

An inspired idea for a book - Telegraph

Faber has found in the Strad a delightful leitmotif for an original comedie humaine - Financial Times

Faber pitches the story just right, neither patronising nor baffling the reader - Times

Toby Faber was born in Cambridge in 1965 and now lives in London with his wife and daughter. This is his first book.