The book "Italian construction of harpsichords in the 16th and 17th centuries" by John D. Shortridge is an important research work that reveals the secrets and peculiarities of the process of creating harpsichords in Italy in the early modern age. The author examines in detail the technical and artistic aspects of the construction of these musical instruments, which determined the sound of the music of that time. In his book, Shortridge reveals the secrets of the craftsmen behind the creation of harpsichords and their technical characteristics, describing the processes of making and tuning the instruments. He also provides examples of original harpsichords that recreate the atmosphere and culture of Italian Renaissance and Baroque musical life. "Italian construction of harpsichords in the 16th and 17th centuries" will be an indispensable source of knowledge for everyone who is interested in the history and art of creating musical instruments and the music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras.