Ralph Vaughan Williams held strong views on many musical subjects. This volume contains his best essays on topics ranging from the theme of nationalism in music and the origins of folk-song, to pieces on individual composers such as Holst, Bach, and Sibelius. For the new edition of this musical classic, several essays have been added, and there is a preface by the composer's widow and a new introduction by Michael Kennedy. Readership: students of Vaughan Williams and nationalism in music; general reader.