A series of illustrated essays surveys the origins, evolution, and cultural context of the violoncello and its bowed ancestors, examining ancient instruments such as the ravanastron and rabab, medieval and Renaissance developments, and the rise of the solo cello. The author combines museum studies, instrument descriptions, maker histories, and technical discussion of woods, construction, and performance practice, with anecdotes about notable instruments and players, including famous luthiers and celebrated cellists, and closes with profiles of historical female gambists and a prodigious young player from the past.