Paul Fischer is a Manxman by birth but an Oxfordshire man by adoption. The life of British luthier Paul Fischer spans the twentieth-century developments in modern and historic instrument making, from his early apprenticeship as a harpsichord maker to his establishment as a maker of classical guitars, lutes, vihuelas and citterns in Oxfordshire. His adventurous spirit led him to spend several years in the British Army-a radical contrast to his solitary life creating concert instruments that would give voice to many musicians of international standing. It has been a life lived to the full with a wide outreach of inspiration-both in giving and receiving. The immense success Paul Fischer has achieved in a remarkable career is, of course, not only due to his amazing gifts but also sheer hard work, his energy, combined with a passionate belief in what he wanted to create.

An introduction to ancient Chinese ideas on how to live a good life.