This volume consists of a reprint of Carlo Bassini's The Art of Singing from 1857, a vocal method published by the teacher and used in America during the late nineteenth century. An introduction by Austin (who writes a regular column in the Journal of Singing) gives brief biographical information on Bassini and describes his pedagogical background, as well as vocal register theories of the time and Bassini's connection to Manuel García. In the volume, Bassini first discusses vocal techniques and the voice, then provides 95 exercises and a few songs for practice. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)