Gardiner has joined the select ranks of luminary musicians articulating their experience, with this long, sumptuously illustrated survey of Bach's life and times. The result is dazzling

There could be no better-qualified guide to the mysteries behind Bach's music than the conductor who has breathed new life into its performance . . . As an exploration of Bach's labyrinthine thought-processes, and as an analysis of his music's overwhelming power, this book will now be required reading . . . for listeners and performers alike

Gardiner weaves industrial-strength scholarship, musical analysis and performing insight into a highly readable narrative ... extraordinary

One of Britain's funniest writers

Readers at large will be rewarded with self-helpless laughter, generated by the absurdity and blessedness of the job Simkins loves

Terrifyingly accurate

Hugely entertaining

Touching, funny and warm-hearted.

Touching and funny ... it really is a top read.

Written with real charm.

Affable, humble and unpretentious.

Lovely-jubbly.

An engaging and entertaining read.

I absolutely loved reading this because it was just like [he] were talking to me.

An exceptional man who’s led an exceptional life…The book is wonderful ... It made me laugh a lot and then it made me quite weepy at times as well

Now his autobiography is out in paperback and reading it is like having the man himself talk to you from the comfort of his armchair. It’s a fascinating insight into a lost world … A true gent.