Henry Sutherland Edwards (1828–1906) wrote this volume in Francis Hueffer's 'Great Musicians' series, published by Novello, in 1881. It was unusual for this series because of the addition of 'the School': most of the other books dealt with an individual composer, but Edwards discusses Bellini and provides chapters on Donizetti and Verdi (still alive, and at the height of his powers, at the time this book was published) as well as his main subject. The book covers Rossini's life and deals in detail with what the author regarded as his most significant works – a selection which may surprise or even outrage Rossini enthusiasts today.