Musical Instruments

“It is claimed for this book, intended to illustrate rare historical and beautiful Musical Instruments, that it is unique. Classical, Mediaeval, Japanese, and other varieties of Decorative Art, Weapons, and Costumes, have found worthy illustration and adequate description, but hitherto no attempt has been made to represent in a like manner the grace and external charm of fine lutes and harps, of viols, virginals, and other instruments. Engravings have been produced, in historical or technical works ; but the greater number of these are mere repetitions continued from one to the other, and have no specially aesthetic interest. Beauty of form and fitness of decoration demand more than the commonplace homage paid to simple use, and while we should never lose sight of the purpose of a musical instrument, its capacity to produce agreeable and various sounds, we can take advantage of its form and material, and, making it lovely to look upon, give pleasure to the eye as well as the ear. It is hardly necessary to say that the love of adornment or ornament is an attribute of the human race. It is to be found everywhere and, in every epoch, when life is, for the time being, safe and the means of existence secure.” – Excerpts from author’s Preface

Book Review
“‘Hipkins & Gibb’ has, over the last hundred years, had a considerable influence, arousing an interest in, and love for, fine musical instruments and setting a standard for book illustrations of instruments.”— The Galpin Society Journal