Portfolio

This volume contains the complete surviving correspondence between Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, brought together and published, as Pears intended, for the first time. The 365 letters written throughout their 39-year relationship not only represent valuable evidence of the development of Britten’s works, but also provide significant insight into his relationship with Pears and their day-to-day life together.

Caslon sets a timeless tone for this trade title and the design brings consistency to the presentation of each letter. Yet, by incorporating extracts of manuscript and respecting the furniture of correspondence, the book not only feels robust at an academic level, but also warm and sympathetic at the personal. To complement this, the 16-page plates section has been given a more open, contemporary treatment, more in the style of our full-colour work.

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