The paperback version of my book The Piano – a History in 100 Pieces comes out today in the UK. (It comes out in the US on November 29.)

One can’t take it for granted that a hardback non-fiction book will go into paperback, so I’m grateful to Yale University Press for this mark of confidence.

You’ll remember that the hardback edition has a lovely pink, blue and cream cover design referencing the layout of the piano keyboard. The paperback cover keeps the ‘keyboard’ motif, but goes for a smart, handsome new design with darker colours. The contents of the book are the same, but excerpts from reviews have been added to the opening pages.

I hope the paperback edition will bring the book to the attention of a new readership – and in time to consider it as a Christmas present for the piano-lovers in your life.