The Dulcimer Book by Jean Ritchie (copyright 1963, 9th printing June 1972) is "a book about the three-stringed Appalachian dulcimer, including some ways of tuning and playing; some recollections in its local history in Perry and Knott Counties, Kentucky; some observations on the probably origins of the instrument in the Old Countries of Europe; with plentiful photographic illustrations and drawings; and with words and music for some 16 songs from the Ritchie family from Kentucky."