TOURTE, Magic Bow Publications - Purchase Here
François Tourte is a towering figure in bowmaking whose advances in the bow’s form arrived at the so-called modern bow, which has remained unsurpassed for nearly 250 years. This book shows Tourte in the tumultuous times of late 18th-century Paris, where he lived and worked for much of his career on the Rue du Chantre, just around the corner from calamitous events leading up to and continuing after the French Revolution. “The Rights of Man and of The Citizen” changed the lives of the French in large measure while Tourte continued making bows; by the very early 1800s, he was installed on the Quai de l’École where he enjoyed a view of the Pont Neuf. Lucy Sante describes the Paris of this time—not at all the glamorous metropolis we know today—and Parisians’ way of life then. This is essential for understanding the seemingly simple artisan as he gave expression to his ingenuity and creativity. Gabriel Schaff untangles the complex Tourte family background and provides an enlarged perspective on the oral histories associated with the Tourte family. The places of François Tourte’s children and extended family in his life and career are explored in detail. In describing Tourte’s bows and their evolution, Paul Childs presents Tourte as both an artist and a scientist in his domain, raising the bow to a status of enduring importance. Many fine bows are presented in photos and discussed. Isaac Salchow’s penetrating observations underscore the changes in Tourte’s working methods over time, presented in words and photography. 
The Essential Guide to Bows of the Violin Family - Purchase on Amazon or eBay
The first of its kind, this comprehensive yet concise guide addresses historical, artistic, practical, and even environmental aspects relating to the mysteries and marvels of violin, viola, and cello bows. This beautifully made 8x10 in. clothbound hardcover book is designed to fit in the music pocket of a case. (For the price of a rehair, you can own the book!)Praise for The Essential Guide to Bows of the Violin Family:
“An excellent first book for someone who is just coming to appreciate the importance of a fine bow…[a] well-thought-out and well-written book.” -The Strad
“A useful introduction to the mysteries of the fine bow market for musicians hoping to find the proverbial magic wand—without losing their shirt…Schaff succeeds in giving the buyer enough of an orientation to recognize the big names, ask good questions, and understand the answers without getting bogged down.” -Strings
“This beautiful clothbound book is a thorough study of the history of bow making, as well as all aspects of selecting bows, with recommendations from well-known artists…With each presentation of material, Schaff includes exquisite photographs of the bows of the period, as well as beautiful color illustrations…I know more about producing sound from a good bow just from reading this book—you will too!” -American String Teachers Association magazine
“[This] book unites the almost forgotten relationship between composer, player and maker in a sumptuously produced volume of ‘fiddle-sticks’ through the ages. This wonderful compendium of bows tells you what to look for, how to shop for this deceptively simple device, and how to care for it…Schaff takes us through [the bow’s] evolution to its present form in an insightful text complemented by magnificent full-colour plates…Here’s the ultimate book for the bow enthusiast.” -Australian Strings Association