As a student 40 years ago I wrote a thesis about all existing cello methods. Then I started writing my own method by putting all positive aspects of all methods together and revised the volume multiple times.
The music selection is the best I could find for each level progressing in tiny well prepared steps, enjoyable to play. Exercises compact and only when needed.
Volume 1 contains No 1-50 on 57 pages - first position, bow and reading skills, each piece in form of a cello duo to be able to play with a friend or teacher together - includes traditional songs, fiddle tunes and compositions by Beethoven, Bach, Purcell, Sor, Carcassi, Gretchaninov, Gruber and Neidhardt.
Probably the most researched and tested way to start learning the cello!
To each number are Video cello lessons linked published on Patreon. The links click through when viewed on phone, tablet or computer.
There are also Youtube recordings of all pieces as Cello Duos with fingerings and bowings as in the Cello Method, see https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa4x_CVYDVRXAnJJ_6HeRujngwTZ8cMEd

Sebastian Lee was born in Hamburg in 1805 and trained by the Romberg pupil Johann Nikolaus Prell. A soloist and teacher, he published his Cello Method Op. 30 in 1845 which is still available at Schott (ED 965).
His barely known anthology 'First Steps in Violoncello Playing' opus 101 contains 50 easy duets in the first position. The first cello part is easy to play while the second part is somewhat more demanding, yet still playable by pupils. A beautiful collection for beginner's lessons, with very melodious pieces covering all technical and musical aspects of cello playing.