Composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, a man of strong character and unflagging energy, was for sixty years at the center of musical events in England. Utilizing source materials only recently available, this biography, written by Williams's widow, presents a detailed, fascinating account of his career. "With the unique authority of his personal papers, her intimate knowledge of the man in the last years of his life, and the imaginative, insight of a professional writer, Mrs. Vaughan Williams has drawn the portrait of a great Englishman."-- Times Literary Supplement "Essential reading for anyone who cares deeply about the music of this great composer....Her writing is so fluent and her expository skill so detailed and fine that the result makes one want to turn again to the music about which one has been reading....Surely definitive...this enthralling book is thoroughly recommended."-- Musical Opinion "A detailed and affectionate biography."-- Sunday Times (London) "The standard biography is the beautiful book by Ursula Vaughan Williams....The definitive survey of his works is by Michael Kennedy....Williams's book is a deeply personal work about a lovely, humble, and charitable man. R.V.W.: A Biography of Ralph Vaughan Williams can be placed with the best books: those which stand, even elicit, repeating readings."-- Choral Journal 'Mrs. Vaughan Williams presents a crowded picture of the composer's ceaseless activity right into extreme old age, his persistent concern with new music and young musicians, his unabated instinct to compose, and, at the end of his life, the new-found pleasure in travel and relaxation that was reflected in the last two symphonies.' In addition to his great prowess as a composer, Vaughan Williams was a man of strong character and unflagging energy, who lived a long, full life. He was at the centre of musical events in England for sixty years, a period which for sustained musical achievements is probably unequalled in the history of this country. Widow of Ralph Vaughan Williams