Dowland recounts the story of one of the most important composers to emerge from early modern England. More than a biography, this book contextualizes the geographical, political, religious, cultural, and musical aspects of the life of John Dowland (1563-1626). The narrative follows the master lutenist on his journeys to France, through the German and Italian lands, and to the Danish and English courts of Christian IV and James I, as he developed a musical style that was at once personal and cosmopolitan.

Volume 2 of Sayle's catalogue (1902) lists books printed outside London between 1501 and 1640, most notably in Oxford, Cambridge and Norwich. Each entry contains a short transcription of the title page, the library classmark, references to standard bibliographical works, and notes on the provenance and features of specific copies.