Preface
Slightly unexpectedly, Penguin approached me out of the blue with a request that I read and review Robin Holloway’s new book “Music’s Odyssey: An Invitation to Western Classical Music”. It may be that the idea originated with Stuart Proffitt, who was Roger Scruton’s editor among others. At all events, the task of getting one’s arms around this enormous book was a daunting one – but also extremely enjoyable. I wish I had written this book myself; I wish I had been able to. To express one’s musical loves in as articulate a way as Holloway does is an enviable achievement. And there is a great if slightly less admirable pleasure in savouring his dislikes too. His expression of both is a delight, the breadth and depth of his knowledge and the vividness of his language are constant wonders.