For an instrument whose origins date back to the 16th Century, the stirring sound of the violin plays a huge part in music being composed and played this very moment. From classical to country, from jazz to rock and even rap, the violin has always been a popular choice for the versatile virtuoso.

One of the millions of people who have drawn a bow across the strings of the violin was an English polymath, writer, scientist, and all-around fascinating man Edward Heron-Allen. His love of the violin led to a friendship with renowned violin maker Georges Chanot III, and to a lifelong obsession with crafting the perfect instrument. A true Renaissance man, Edward Heron-Allen published this tribute to his favorite musical instrument over 130 years ago and, like the violin, it's still an unrivaled classic.

Whether you're a fresh-faced music student, a classically trained maestro, or if you simply enjoy fiddling along on the front porch, this guide offers:

• An in-depth look at the history of the violin
• A fascinating, and often surprising, discussion of the materials that make up the violin
• A step-by-step guide to constructing your own violin - from selecting the materials to playing that very first note
• Downloadable full-size schematics for making your own violin