The legacy of C.F. Martin as builders of some of the most extraordinary acoustic guitars ever designed is a well documented history. But not nearly as much is known about the company's construction of ukuleles in the early 1900s and how the building of those instruments helped to sustain Martin during a period when sales were flagging.

This book follows the history of the development of the ukulele when six of these instruments were first built in 1907. These half-dozen pieces sold for $6.50 each and like other instruments which the company had tried to market - including the harp guitar, harp mandolin and bandurria - the ukulele was ultimately shelved for another eight years.

A fascinating and extensive look at the unique string instrument, the book offers the complete history of the ukulele including the amount of each style of instrument ever sold. There are remarkable archival photos here as well as extensive research by the two authors on every aspect of the uke's development.