Roy Johnston and Declan Plummer provide a refreshing portrait of Belfast in the nineteenth century. Before his death Roy Johnston, had written a full draft, based on an impressive array of contemporary sources, with deep and detailed attention especially to contemporary newspapers. With the deft and sensitive contribution of Declan Plummer the finished book offers a telling view of Belfasta s thriving musical life. Largely without the participation and example of local aristocracy, nobility and gentry, Belfasta s musical society was formed largely by the townspeople themselves in the...