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The musical riches contained in this unique collection go way beyond the normal parameters of popular memorabilia. This is due entirely to the astute thinking of the noted 19th-century collector of Cremonese violins, Eugène de Cessole (1805–76), whose autograph album is the focus of this handsomely produced tome. His distinguished guest list reads like a veritable Who’s Who of Romantic music – violinists especially – who were not only asked to sign their moniker in the normal way, but also invited to add a handwritten musical souvenir. These range from tantalising musical fragments lasting just a few bars – in the case of celebrated tenor Jean-Alexandre de Talazac, simply his trademark high C, annotated to be sung ‘with a real chest voice’ – to complete pieces.