In what is primarily an instructional book, Jack Brymer places the instrument in the broad context of its role in the orchestra and in chamber music, expressing stimulating and controversial views. Perhaps his most original and valuable contribution is to be found in the long section on acoustics, the down-to-earth section on the practical clarinettist, and the illuminating passages on artistic approach. Brymer writes for the teacher of the clarinet, as well as for beginners and advanced players, and the unique appendix on the clarinet repertoire is particularly comprehensive. Modern science has revealed facets of the clarinet's harmonic structure previously only dimly perceived, and the author points the way to a future full of promise.