Antonietta: A Novel by Hersey, John

1st Edition . Hardcover. As New/Fine. AS NEW, stated first edition, burgundy and brown cloth over boards w gilt stamped cupid on cover and gilt font on spine, 304 pps. Biright, tight, without writing or any marks. Dust jacket is fine, not price clipped, minimal shelf wear and now under mylar wraps."In the year 1699, Antonio Stradivari amazes his sons by announcing his intention to build a violin entirely by himself, with no assistance from them, his ne'er-do-well apprentices. The instrument will be of a radical new design, inspired by the old man's infatuation with a beautiful widow named Antonia; he will call it Antonietta. After his death, Antonietta's supernatural tone bewitches a succession of notable composers--Mozart, Berlioz, and Stravinsky--each at a crucial turning point in his career. Hersey follows the instrument as it passes from owner to owner, adapting his narrative style to the time and place."