This text provides a study of William Byrd’s life and works, taking in to account the most up to date scholarship. The biographical section includes many facts about Byrd and his family, while in the chapters dealing with his music, an attempt is made to outline the chronology of his compositions. It begins with a detailed account of Byrd’s life, based on an examination of original documents, which are quoted extensively. The book continues with a survey of Byrd’s music which pays particular attention to its chronological development, and links it where possible to the events and background of his life. A series of appendices includes additional texts of important documents, and a summary catalogue of works.