This selection of reviews and other pieces written by Eric Blom for the (UK) Birmingham Post is of more than purely historical interest; many of his thoughts on classical music are still relevant, although some are obviously out of date (such as his view that "As champions of lost causes, we are not unlikely to start a Mahler boom in this country.") Some of his opinions would still be controversial - his comments on the relative merits of "Cavelleria Rusticana" and "The Gondoliers" would almost certainly provoke outrage in many modern opera buffs. I think anyone who likes classical music would find this an excellent bedside book - it's ideal for bedtime reading, as most of the pieces are no more than 4 pages long. ( )