In the Early Modern Era, lute making in Füssen played a decisive role in influencing the production of stringed instruments in large parts of Europe. This was possible because of the favourable position of the town on one of the most important trade routes across the Alps. An additional advantage was the presence of very valuable types of wood on the northern edge of the Alps. Three expert authors describe on detail the way of life of the Füssen lute and violin makers who established themselves in the trade centres and residential towns south and north of the Alps. The result is a fascinating picture of European cultural and musical history from the 15th to the 19th century. The numerous illustrations in the book come from the Museum of Füssen, the Musical Instruments Museum of Leipzig University, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg and from archives, libraries and collections throughout Europe.