The Countess of Stanlein is the best-known of Antonio Stradivarius' work from from the "great period" (1700- 1720). It is now being restored by luthier Rene Morel. This book tracks his year long progress.

This book tracks that progress - the intricacies, anxieties and pleasures that precede the cello's triumphal unveiling at the World Cello Congress in June 2000. Its subject is a work of art that must prove nonetheless functional, for the Countess of Stanlein Stradivarius is only itself when played.