Potter's book is well written and she supports her knowledge of Satie with her fluency in the French language, as a result of which she is able to discuss the nuances and double entendres of Satie's texted piano works. . . . The primary sources Potter found, and includes in her study, are reason enough to read this book. . . . [A]n important contribution indeed. ECHO Potter's book is especially timely, participating in the recent trend of rethinking early twentieth-century composers . . . within their historical and social contexts. . . . [Her] writing is accessible and engaging. . . . [P]rovides a fresh and nuanced take on a popular but complicated composer. It would be a welcome addition to any library. NOTES: JOURNAL OF THE MUSIC LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Essential reading. CLASSICAL MUSIC No academic library should be without it and both Satie's admirers and detractors will find many thoughtful insights. FONTES ARTIS MUSICAE Potter's scholarly and engaging book brings out the ways in which Satie's music...absorbed the sonic environment of the city. SUNDAY TIMES This is a fascinating tour of Satie's richly bizarre Parisian environment, offering new and valuable insights for both listeners and performers. [FOUR STARS] BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE Anyone seriously interested in Satie needs this well-produced, reasonably priced, lucidly expressed and impressively researched book. MUSICAL OPINION [A] welcome new study. LITERARY REVIEW 'This brilliant and accessible new study of Satie gets right inside his contemporary Parisian world, relating its complex and fast-changing artistic climate to scientific and social issues, and most importantly to mechanical and street music. Dr Potter's painstaking and wide research brings many new discoveries too, and leaves us with a clearer vision of what the enigmatic Satie was really about.' Emeritus Professor Robert Orledge, University of Liverpool