Jim Tobin asked of Cairns' Berlioz biographies:

>...whether the [Whitbread] prize is for both volumes and if the writing in
>the second volume is considered to be an advance over the initial volume.
>Any discussion of that in the early reviews?

The Whitbread prize was awarded for the new second volume only.
Compared to the 1989 Volume, I considered the writing style as even-handed,
sympathetic and comprehensive as before.  Reviews were simply grateful for
the second volume's delayed appearance, and did not compare the writing.
I personally found Volume I more gripping to read, as it dealt with
Berlioz' impassioned impulsive youth - Volume II is tinged with more
sorrow and the regret of lost opportunities.

I have emailed Jim the text of several British and Irish reviews.  You're
welcome to contact me for your own copy.

James Kearney
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