The first full-length biography of our greatest living classical composer, written with his full collaboration. Since 1997, when John Tavener's Song for Athene reduced the crowds to tears at the funeral of Princess Diana, he has enjoyed world-wide recognition. But ever since the 1960s - when he was a friend of the Beatles and lover of Mia Farrow - Tavener has been composing intensely personal and inspirational music that has made his voice distinct from any of his contemporaries. It was not, however, until the 1980s when Mother Thekla, a Greek Orthodox nun, became his librettist and spiritual guide, that Tavener found massive commercial success, with the Number One Bestseller The Protecting Veil. Piers Dudgeon has had unprecedented access to Sir John Tavener, who has given extensive interviews for the book; and to those who have most influenced his music, particularly Mother Thekla.