UPDATED SECOND EDITION WITH A NEW AFTERWORDBenjamin Britten (1913–1976) is celebrated for revitalising English opera and is recognised as one of the outstanding British composers of the 20th century. Growing up in a middle-class family in Suffolk, Britten shot to international fame with his operas, performed by his own English Opera Group, and a series of extraordinary instrumental works. He lived almost all his life in that easterly county of England, the sea providing a constant stimulus for his life and work. His music won a central place in the repertoire and the affection of successive generations of listeners. It was, above all, Britten’s ardent pursuit of innocence and beauty in his music that places it apart from that of his contemporaries and contributes to its unique quality. David Matthews brings to this biography his special insight as a fellow composer, former assistant and friend of Britten to produce this sensitive, authoritative account.