A Guide to Period Instruments (Vol. II) explores the history of musical instruments from 1800 to 1950. It's purpose is both to discuss improvements of instruments dating from before 1800, and to investigate all novelties envisioned by instrument makers during this era. The majority of musical examples are recordings of individual instruments, allowing the listener to hear timbres often lost under the orchestral mass. This second volume of the Guide follows the same principles as the first. The text by Jereme Lejeune is illustrated by numerous photos of instruments and other iconographic sources; a set of eight CDs, arranged in thematic programs.