To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain's greatest composers, Sir Edward Elgar, renowned Elgar scholar J. P. E. Harper-Scott casts new and frequently surprising light on Elgar, chronicling his rise to the forefront of early twentieth-century modernism in this concise and absorbing volume.

Hailed by the June 2007 BBC Music Magazine as 'possibly the best first stop for learning about Elgar's life, ' this fascinating and accessible history is suitable for both students and Elgar enthusiasts alike. J. P. E. Harper-Scott takes a combative swipe at many of the critical myths and prejudices that have attached themselves to the figure of Elgar, revealing both a surprisingly elusive personality and a deeper, often darker, message within his works.

Questions answered include

> How did the son of a provincial piano tuner rise to international fame?
> Was the English countryside the principle inspiration for Elgar's music?
> Was this moustachioed, red-blooded, imperialist all that he seemed?
> And more!