In this vivid portrait Bruce Wood illuminates the sometimes shadowy figure of Henry Purcell richly evoking the atmosphere of 17th-century England - full of intrigues and plots. By interweaving the events during an unparalleled period of social and political change with the life and music of Purcell Wood creates an account of this elusive English genius that is hard to put down.-'The quality of the writing the concision colour and grittiness of the narrative sets this book apart from all others on the subject.' Professor Sir Curtis Price