Kirjahaku

In 2004 the London Symphony Orchestra celebrated its hundredth birthday. The centenary finds the orchestra acclaimed as one of the best in the world, making music with the most charismatic conductors and soloists on the planet. In this compelling and highly praised biography, leading columnist Richard Morrison examines all sides of the LSO: from the notorious playboy era of the 1970s and the disastrous early years at the Barbican to the remarkable transformation into one of the most dazzling and ambitious arts organisations that Britain has ever produced.'Richard Morrison has done a splendid job for the LSO. The historical facts are all here, laced with saucy criticism and spiced with anecdotes . . . a fine achievement.' Sunday Telegraph'Owned and organised by its players, the LSO is a glorious example of teamwork in an industry of prima donnas. Richard Morrison writes enjoyably about the telepathy that binds a string section, the gesticulations that distinguish a great conductor and the schoolboy humour that enlivens rehearsals.' Observer'Contains all the elements of a Hollywood blockbuster . . . The fact that Morrison's book is non-fiction does little to detract from the glitzy, compelling, moving and fascinating story.' Scotland on Sunday

From a life of perceived innocence, a boy is nudged, to interact with characters who are vile thieves and murderers. Maqoom is that boy. Raised to always do that which is right, he comes face to face with those who always do wrong. Maqoom is a comparative lesson between that which is virtuous and that which is vile. A lesson that shows, it may not be easy to do that which is right, but it is the best course of action in all circumstances. As Maqoom traverses from characters who seem to be evil but are really just trying to survive, to those who are evil for evils sake, he ever increasingly, subconsciously solidifies within himself, that there is no comparison to doing good. That to do righteousness and justice throughout one's entire life, as well as to be filled with joy and gratefulness through all circumstances, is the only way to live a life worth living. Along the way, Maqoom finally accepts deep within himself, that if a person wants true peace, true righteousness and morality, then a person must make a stand against all that oppose that which is good."