Every Valley

The Desperate Lives and Troubled Times that Made Handel’s Messiah

By Charles King | Publisher: Random House

About the book

Every Valley is a glittering narrative history of intertwined lives that tells the story behind one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, Handel's Messiah.

‘A delicious history of music, power, love, genius, royalty and adventure. Unforgettable.’ SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORE

London - Dublin, 1741-42.
An actress mired in scandal plans her escape from an abusive husband.
A penniless sea captain sets out to rescue the city’s abandoned infants.
An African Muslim and former captive in the colonies becomes a celebrity.
A grieving political dissident seeks release from his torment.
And a great composer to kings – George Frideric Handel – now ill and straining to keep an audience’s attention, faces a decision that will secure his place in history.

This is the extraordinary story of Handel's Messiah.

‘A mesmerizing journey through one of the most fascinating and creative moments in human history’ AMANDA FOREMAN

‘Riveting’ The Times Book of the Week

'Fascinating . . . cinematic . . . truly informative, imaginative and engaging' Financial Times

'An absolute delight' PETER FRANKOPAN

Editions of Every Valley

Hardcover
ISBN 9781847928450
Paperback
ISBN 9781529942873
EBook
ISBN 9781529942880

Read an Excerpt

Every Valley is a glittering narrative history of intertwined lives that tells the story behind one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, Handel's Messiah.

‘A delicious history of music, power, love, genius, royalty and adventure. Unforgettable.’ SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORE

London - Dublin, 1741-42.
An actress mired in scandal plans her escape from an abusive husband.
A penniless sea captain sets out to rescue the city’s abandoned infants.
An African Muslim and former captive in the colonies becomes a celebrity.
A grieving political dissident seeks release from his torment.
And a great composer to kings – George Frideric Handel – now ill and straining to keep an audience’s attention, faces a decision that will secure his place in history.

This is the extraordinary story of Handel's Messiah.

‘A mesmerizing journey through one of the most fascinating and creative moments in human history’ AMANDA FOREMAN

‘Riveting’ The Times Book of the Week

'Fascinating . . . cinematic . . . truly informative, imaginative and engaging' Financial Times

'An absolute delight' PETER FRANKOPAN

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Every Valley about?

Every Valley is a glittering narrative history of intertwined lives that tells the story behind one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, Handel's Messiah.

‘A delicious history of music, power, love, genius, royalty and adventure. Unforgettable.’ SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORE

London - Dublin, 1741-42.
An actress mired in scandal plans her escape from an abusive husband.
A penniless sea captain sets out to rescue the city’s abandoned infants.
An African Muslim and former captive in the colonies becomes a celebrity.
A grieving political dissident seeks release from his torment.
And a great composer to kings – George Frideric Handel – now ill and straining to keep an audience’s attention, faces a decision that will secure his place in history.

This is the extraordinary story of Handel's Messiah.

‘A mesmerizing journey through one of the most fascinating and creative moments in human history’ AMANDA FOREMAN

‘Riveting’ The Times Book of the Week

'Fascinating . . . cinematic . . . truly informative, imaginative and engaging' Financial Times

'An absolute delight' PETER FRANKOPAN

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Every Valley?

The Arts > Music > History of music

Where can I read a sample of Every Valley?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781847928450

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Every Valley?

Charles King

Who is the Publisher of the book Every Valley?

Random House

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Every Valley is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781847928450) and paperback(ISBN 9781529942873) and ebook(ISBN 9781529942880)

Where can I buy Every Valley online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Every Valley from below

Where can I buy Every Valley?