I wanted to introduce you to the various books on violin making that I know of. I'd like to give you a step-by-step introduction to each of them and explain how you can use them to perfect your knowledge.
This list is constantly evolving.
Books on violin making in French
The Secrets Of Stradivarius by Simone F. SACCONI(1989)
This book, available in several languages, tells the story of Simone F. SACCONI and his close relationship with Stradivari's instruments. Throughout, he explains his theories on the various secrets of the master, having spent his life unravelling the mysteries.
Luthiers, from hand to hand by the Musée de Mirecourt (2012)
This exhibition catalog explores the "subtle dynamics" at work in the transmission of the luthier and bow maker trades. Texts by authors with contrasting backgrounds - whether researchers and/or instrument makers - offer a multiplicity of approaches likely to offer a singular view of transmission.
Books on international violin making
The Art of Violin Making by Chris Johnson and Roy Courtnall (1999)
This is a comprehensive manual on violin making. Every step is described step-by-step to make your first(or subsequent) instrument successfully. Most of the techniques described here are professional, and numerous photos illustrate the pages. This book is only available in English. This book is published in English only.
Violin Making: A Practical Guide by Juliet Barker (2001)
This is a rather well-illustrated manual, with color photos, which once again relates the various stages in the making of a violin. It also includes information on baroque and folk violins. Finally, this book is only available in English.
Best of Trade Secrets volumes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (from 2006)
These are several compilations of the "Trade Secrets" articles that appear in The Strad magazine. These articles are written by luthiers from all over the world, and highlight the techniques they use in building and repairing instruments. However, they are only available in English.
Where to find books on violin making
It won't be easy to find texts about lutherie in local libraries or bookshops. That's why most of the time you'll have to find them on the various websites. If you need further information, please contact me so that I can provide you with the references.
And for novels, you may be familiar with Jean DIWO's original book: "Moi, Milanolo, fils de Stradivarius" (I, Milanolo, son of Stradivarius), a violin that tells the story of its life and that of its various owners over the centuries. A real treat!