'A most impressive achievement'

Michael Holroyd

'Truly, it's delicious...the book's pace and sweep induce you to investigate nooks and crannies into which Hay is able to shine a torch only briefly, to take down from your shelves books you haven't touched in two decades'

Observer

'A masterly achievement. Lively, innovative and brimming with insights, it offers a wonderfully intimate and well-researched story of collaboration, rivalry and passion during a fascinating period in literary history'

Daily Telegraph

'Enthralling'

Sunday Times