This is the first book to be devoted exclusively to the two main types of early mandolin - the mandolino and the Neapolitan mandoline. It illustrates the rich and varied musical history of these instruments and the full extent of their repertoires, which include music by Handel, Vivaldi, Alessandro Scarlatti, Beethoven, and by Sammartini, whose recently discovered sonata for mandolin is published here for the first time.

The book aims to provide the basis for an understanding of the nature and historical performance practice of the instruments and thereby to enable players of today to achieve satisfying performances of the music.