"The first truly comprehensive critique of organology-the study of musical instruments as related to the human body. A smart, lucid and original study, translated superbly by Will Bishop." -- -Richard A. Rand Professor of English Emeritus, University of Alabama "A patient meditation on the musical body. Szendy provides a stunning reading of the digital history of the finger, or 'digit.' We witness the multiplication of digits, the multiplication of hands and fingers, the regulation of bodies in the hope of having as many fingers as we need to play on the keyboard. But there is more to musical bodies; there are the virtual bodies of instruments who would play without contact of touch, repeating the motion of music that touches us through the ether, and there is the body of a conductor, who governs the body politic that is the orchestra. This is a compelling study." -- -Gil Anidjar Columbia University "A very original discussion of the production of the body through music. Szendy takes up a variety of musical practices in their fascinating and little-known history." -- -Susan Bernstein Brown University