[T]his collection of letters between Britten and Pears engages two very different and equally fascinating roles. On the one hand, the book is immensely valuable as a research tool with clues about Britten's compositional process, insights from both men about music and prominent musicians of their day, and poignant, first-hand accounts of history. On the other hand, the letters are so touching and honest that even the most dispassionate researcher might accidentally get lost in the compelling love story and intimate look into a deeply personal, committed relationship.

• Foreword by Fiona ShawIntroduction: Britten and Pears's 'personal and consistent' correspondence'When I am not with you..': August 1937 to January 1941'My life is inextricably bound up with yours': May 1942 to November 1944'I don't know why we should be so lucky, in all this misery': July 1945 to April 1949'You are potentially the greatest singer alive': Late 1949 to January 1954'Why shouldn't I recognise that you are such a large part of my life. ': May 1954 to December 1959'Far away as you are, at least I feel there is contact!': January 1960 to March 1968'It is you who have given me everything': January 1970 to June 1975'My days are not empty': January to November 1976PersonaliaList of WorksSelect Bibliography

[T]his collection of letters between Britten and Pears engages two very different and equally fascinating roles. On the one hand, the book is immensely valuable as a research tool with clues about Britten's compositional process, insights from both men about music and prominent musicians of their day, and poignant, first-hand accounts of history. On the other hand, the letters are so touching and honest that even the most dispassionate researcher might accidentally get lost in the compelling love story and intimate look into a deeply personal, committed relationship.

• Foreword by Fiona ShawIntroduction: Britten and Pears's 'personal and consistent' correspondence'When I am not with you..': August 1937 to January 1941'My life is inextricably bound up with yours': May 1942 to November 1944'I don't know why we should be so lucky, in all this misery': July 1945 to April 1949'You are potentially the greatest singer alive': Late 1949 to January 1954'Why shouldn't I recognise that you are such a large part of my life. ': May 1954 to December 1959'Far away as you are, at least I feel there is contact!': January 1960 to March 1968'It is you who have given me everything': January 1970 to June 1975'My days are not empty': January to November 1976PersonaliaList of WorksSelect Bibliography

[T]his collection of letters between Britten and Pears engages two very different and equally fascinating roles. On the one hand, the book is immensely valuable as a research tool with clues about Britten's compositional process, insights from both men about music and prominent musicians of their day, and poignant, first-hand accounts of history. On the other hand, the letters are so touching and honest that even the most dispassionate researcher might accidentally get lost in the compelling love story and intimate look into a deeply personal, committed relationship.

• Foreword by Fiona ShawIntroduction: Britten and Pears's 'personal and consistent' correspondence'When I am not with you..': August 1937 to January 1941'My life is inextricably bound up with yours': May 1942 to November 1944'I don't know why we should be so lucky, in all this misery': July 1945 to April 1949'You are potentially the greatest singer alive': Late 1949 to January 1954'Why shouldn't I recognise that you are such a large part of my life. ': May 1954 to December 1959'Far away as you are, at least I feel there is contact!': January 1960 to March 1968'It is you who have given me everything': January 1970 to June 1975'My days are not empty': January to November 1976PersonaliaList of WorksSelect Bibliography