This is a comprehensive guide that details not only the history and development of Carnatic Music, but also its ragas, its instruments, composers, leading practitioners and schools. It is written in an approachable style which clarifies fairly difficult matters in a simplified, but not simple, manner. It contains a detailed "discography" of recordings and bibliography, and biographical notes on musicians and composers. It will benefit the learned connoisseur, interested amateur, as well as the student.