"[The book] should appeal greatly to the string performer, student or teacher, and to the enthusiast of music history."-- Choice. "Nelson's book should be read by every player and teacher of violin and viola ... Her chapter "Education for Survival" must be singled out for special praise, for it provides a short but comprehensive discussion of the manner in which string teaching ought to proceed but all too seldom does."-- Library Journal. Comprehensive view of the violin and viola by a professional violinist, teacher, and author details the historical development and changing structure of the two instruments. Text covers the contributions of Stradivarius and the legendary Cremona school of makers; techniques and improvements advocated by such celebrated teachers as Geminiani, Tartini, and Leopold Mozart; the great schools of players--from Corelli to Paganini; and the demands imposed by the growth of the nineteenth-century orchestra. Includes music examples and 11 diagrams. 24 halftones.