It explains the system that Battaille devised from his laryngeal dissections and laryngoscopic observations, and includes translations (from the original French) of Battaille's two books in which he details his discoveries and teaching methods: Nouvelles recherches de la phonation and De la physiologie uppliquee a l'etude du mechanisme vocal.

Joiner provides the invaluable historical context of early voice study, and includes musical examples and original drawings from Charles Amable Battaille's (1822-1872) dissections, which were included in his original volumes. No other studies or translations of Battaille's work exist in English, making this book an essential addition to the literature of vocal science and vocal pedagogy; it will serve as a valuable resource to singing teachers, students, and scholars in the field.