This book was first published by Penguin Books Ltd. in 1957 and reprinted in 1960, 1963, and 1967. It was edited by Alec Robertson (1892-1982) a British writer, broadcaster, and music critic. He wrote music criticism for Gramophone for more than 50 years. The book studies chamber music from the early 18th century to the mid-20th century. Part One covers various composers including Haydn, Boccherini, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms, Smetana, Bloch, and Bartok. Part Two discusses music with and without wind instruments. And Part Three studies American, English, French, German and Russian chamber music. The small book is 427 pages.