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

A selection of biographies written by experts and specialists for each composer. Each book providing an insight into the extraordinary lives of these great composers.

The Extraordinary Life series includes biographies for Bach, Elgar, Mozart, Purcell and Britten. Each book has been researched and written by leading specialists, providing revealing accounts of the lives of these extraordinary composers. The collection dispels myths, provides a social setting for their respective work, and produces a human and believable portrait of each composer. Anyone interested in these great composers will find these fascinating and readable histories.