A new book featuring Sydney Nicholson and the setting up of the College of St Nicolas and the School of English Church Music (now the Royal School of Church Music). Through the testimony of former choristers, archive letters and photographs (many of which have never previously been published), together with Nicholson’s personal accounts and diaries held in the RSCM archive, the two authors have pieced together a detailed account of the College’s first ten years, creating a fascinating insight into what life must have been like at this unique college. As well as biographical details of choristers, students and tutors at the College, there are details of the many well-known names in the music world and beyond who were associated with the early years of the SECM. The book also takes the opportunity to review the life and achievements of Sydney Nicholson, and to reassess the pioneering work of this remarkable man. With a foreword by Martin How and a wealth of photographs, the book also contains a detailed list of sound recordings made by the College choir, a list of Nicholson’s publications and comprehensive endnotes listing all the sources used, as well as additional information on the many characters mentioned. Dr John Henderson is Honorary Librarian of the RSCM, and Trevor Jarvis is Honorary Assistant Librarian.