The English musical Renaissance, 1840-1940

Second edition of a book which caused huge controversy in its first printing - now completely revised and updated. Argues that research into the cultural history of music can significantly help our understanding of the evolution of English national identity. Only book of its kind to cover such a revolutionary period in British music. Looks at how music reflected the privileged elite, ignoring the vast majority of 'music lovers', and was crucial in the construction of a British national identity. The second edition features a new and expanded introduction, a new chapter on Mendelssohn's Elijah - and the complete text has also been updated and revised.

Meirion Hughes is a freelance historian and lives in London. Robert Stradling was Professor of History at the University of Wales, Cardiff

"'Our music, as at the Proms, confirms an ironic chauvinism or encourages a cosy insularity. This book, very eloquently, sets it all down.' Anthony Burgess; 'A quite remarkable book, remarkable in its wealth of cultural cross-reference and in the bouncy exuberance with which it is written... An invaluable correction to all that has gone before.' English Historical Review"