"His comments on Britten's music, which occur unobtrusively throughout the narrative, are richly informative."—Alexander Waugh, Literary Review

Benjamin Britten was one of the outstanding British composers of the twentieth century. He shot to international fame with his operas, performed by his own English Opera Group, and a series of extraordinary instrumental works. His music has won a central place in the repertoire and the affection of successive generations of listeners. David Matthews brings to this biography his special insight as a fellow composer, former assistant, and lifelong friend of Britten, producing a uniquely personal, sensitive, and authoritative account.