Inscribed Pierre Vidoudez Quelques considérations sur l’archet et les archetiers français

Vidoudez, Pierre. Quelques considérations sur l’archet et les archetiers français [Some Considerations on the Bow and the French Bow Makers]. Genève: Corraterie 22, n.d. [1973]. Oblong 8vo (18.5 × 22 cm). Softcover. Approximately 35 pp. Illustrated with 14 photographic plates depicting historic French violin bows. Original printed wrappers. Very good condition; coffee stained front cover. Presentation copy inscribed and signed by the author, the noted Geneva master luthier Pierre Vidoudez, dated March 1973. Laid in is a complete contemporary Czech typescript translation prepared by engineer Klement Holý, accompanied by his original typed foreword dated 20 August 1973. In the foreword, Holý discusses the specialized terminology of French bow making and proposes Czech equivalents for terms such as archetier, providing a fascinating glimpse into the transmission of violin-making knowledge behind the Iron Curtain. The translation appears unpublished and was likely produced for private circulation among Czech violin makers and restorers. A specialized study of the French bow-making tradition, discussing notable makers and illustrating representative examples through high-quality photographic plates by Jean-Daniel Grobet. An appealing association copy linking the Geneva violin-making milieu with the Czech lutherie community. Enhanced by the unique translation and author's inscription, this is a scarce and desirable item for collectors of violin-making literature and the history of musical instruments.