Evening in the Palace of Reason

In one corner, a godless young warrior, Voltaire’s heralded ‘philosopher-king’, the It Boy of the Enlightenment. In the other, a devout if bad-tempered old composer of ‘outdated’ music, a scorned genius in his last years. The sparks from their brief conflict illuminate a turbulent age.

Reviews

'Gaines has a keen eye for colour, and enjoys himself greatly regaling us with anecdotes… ‘Evening in the Palace of Reason’ is a wonderful work of popular history; intelligent, stylish, wryly witty, serious yet never solemn, and above all passionate in its celebration of a great composer.' John Banville, Guardian
'An intriguing book.' Sunday Times
‘The author presents us with a piece of theatre that is witty, instructive and often bizarre.’ Independent on Sunday
'Gaines' style is readable, crisp and compelling. He is an excellent guide: informed, unpretentious and frank… A story told with wit, knowledge, the odd flight of fancy and love.' Times Literary Supplement