Meylan's book combines history and advice. The history describes some famous flautists and traces the development of the flute, both as a solo instrument and as an integrated part of the modern-day orchestra. The advice includes descriptions of various playing techniques and many practical tips. Musical examples, diagrams and illustrations are used throughout. Raymond Meylan is a well-known flautist and musicologist. He was a student of the flautist Marcel Moyse.