McGee compiles 28 significant studies of instrumental music and their repertories in the Middle Ages, written between 1950 and 1998 and published mostly in music journals. Essays discuss instrument classification, keyboards, plucked and bowed string instruments, winds, and repertoire, as well as the controversies and problems that arise in studying this area, particularly in drawing from iconography for evidence, which applies to information about the keyboard instrument called the "chekker" and the existence of the slide trumpet. Other articles provide information on style and uses. Brief context for the musical period is provided in the introduction, although knowledge of the period is assumed. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)