John Martin

What do I, a new mortal, think? One of the greatest books ever to have been written. As Rilke is one of the greatest poets ever to have lived.

A childhood friend of mine had a copy. So I insisted I have one too, despite my mother's protests.

I read it as a child when it first came out. Jean Garside, who did the illustrations, was a friend of my mother and of the family. As well as being a fascinating story and being well illustrated it also contains a lot of music. And the poetry that goes with it. It still, all these years later, leaves a strong impression on my mind.