SIR Edward Elgar once commented that he wished the nation could see the house in Lower Broadheath where he was born.
The cottage was converted into the Elgar Birthplace Museum after his death in 1934.
On a visit with composer and friend Herbert Howells, Elgar said: "I don't expect much from the nation, but if they ever think it worthwhile, I wish they would buy this little cottage."
A new book by Andrew Neill traces the origins or the cottage and how it changed hands between people of Worcester.
He discusses how Elgar's daughter Clarice devoted her life to creating the monument to her father and how the development of the museum was at times controversial.
Catherine Sloan, museum director, said: "As we approach the 150th anniversary of Elgar's birth, this book is a fitting tribute to the great composer and is a valuable addition to the museum gift shop."
Mr Neill was at the museum on Saturday afternoon to launch his book, The Story of the Elgar Birthplace Museum. It costs £8.95 and is available from the museum or online at www.elgarmuseum.org
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