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

Part one: The history and politics of the Renaissance1. Renaissance and Reformation (1840-94)2. A troubled inheritance (1895-1914)3. War, post-war, pre-war, more war (1914-40)Part two: Aspects of cultural formation4. Being beastly to the Hun5. Crusading for national music6. Slaying the false prophets7. Becoming transfigured