This is the first in-depth analysis of Purcell manuscripts to take full account of their physical features as well as their musical content. Robert Shay and Robert Thompson offer a richly illustrated study that sheds new light on the chronology of composition and copying of Purcell's works and reassesses the place of extant autographs in his musical development. Major sources are fully cataloged and Purcell's handwriting is more closely examined than ever before. This is a significant new reference tool for Purcell scholars.