During the early 1900s, Horatio Parker was one of the best-known composers in the United States. He received numerous commissions and was a patriarchal figure among America's Protestant church musicians and choral societies; his symphonic works were performed by the leading orchestras of the day; and he headed the Yale School of Music for twenty-five years. Kearns's study is a thorough analysis of the circumstances leading to Parker's popularity in pre- World War I America and his neglect thereafter. The book includes a detailed narration of the composer's life and an extensive description of his major works. Over fifty examples of his music are included, as well as a comprehensive listing of works and writings.