This book contains a classic guide to playing the violin, concentrating on the basic techniques and where to begin. Designed for the absolute beginner, it chiefly deals with the very first steps a violin learner must take and master, including how to prepare mentally, how to hold the instrument, and the very first strokes that must be learnt. Highly recommended for novices with little or no previous experience. Contents include: "The Basis of Technique", "The Mental Aspect", "Bow Technique the First Essential", "The Method of Holding the Violin", "The Method of Holding the Bow", "The Technique of the Bow: Bowing", "The Strokes", "The Upper Half of the Bow", "The Height of the Arm", etc. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on the history of the violin.