The extraordinary story of Malcolm Williamson is one of rare musical talent combined with outrageous behaviour. An Australian, Williamson was the first non-Briton to hold the post of Master of the Queen's Music. He was appointed in 1975 and looked set to embellish his already illustrious career as a composer. By the time of his death in 2003 he was unproductive and largely forgotten. Authors Anthony Meredith and Paul Harris tell his bizarre story unflinchingly, sifting fact from fiction and offering a strong case for re-evaluating this flawed man and multi-talented musician. An investigation of the myths, rumours and half truths surrounding this controversial and misunderstood figure. The authors reveal the rift between Williamson and the Royal family. He was pointedly not invited to contribute to several high profile occasions including the wedding of Charles and Diana. They discuss if his failed marriage and open bisexuality was deemed beyond the pale at the Palace.

'Out of tune with his private life, Williamson's work was also out of tune with the orthodoxy of his era, which decreed that only bands and shrieks could be inflicted on the public. Let's hope this marvellous book will provoke a Williamson revival.' Daily Telegraph

Anthony Meredith and Paul Harris are also co-authors of a biography of Malcolm Arnold. Meredith has written widely about the performing arts, cricket and architecture, and has compiled an original score for Northern Ballet Theatre's The Three Musketeers. Paul Harris is a well-known music educationalist who teaches all over the world and writes for many national and international journals