The inspirational story of Kathleen Ferrier, whose reputation as the greatest lyric contralto of the twentieth century is something rarely, if ever, disputed, is here told with compelling insight and perception by Maurice Leonard. Drawing on a variety of sources, from photographs, diaries, and private letters, the memories and recollections of those who knew her best, he charts her life from her humble beginnings as a telephone operator in Blackburn, to the height of international fame as one of the world's leading concert artists. Despite having no formal musical training, Kathleen