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In the 1530s, five brothers from the Bassano family, outstanding wind players and instrument makers, emigrated from Venice to England. This is a study of these brothers, their sons and daughter and their grandsons. The first half of the book discusses the everyday affairs of the family - their relationships, religion, property, law suits, finances and standing in society. Two chapters are devoted to Emilia Bassano, whose identification as the "dark lady" of Shakespeare's sonnets is supported by a wealth of evidence. The second half of the book discusses the family's musical activities. At the English court, the Bassanos founded a recorder consort that lasted 90 years; they also played in the flute/cornett and shawn/sackbutt consorts. As instrument makers their fame extended throughout Europe. The book's appendices present information on the Venetian branch of the family and the musical activities of the English branch since 1665.