A composer at the crossroads -- The world of oratorio -- To the hibernian shore -- Elevated, majestic and moving -- The mysterious Mr Jennens -- The Lord gave the word -- Composing Messiah -- A work in progress -- Finding an audience -- Blessing & honour & glory & power -- Appendix I. Libretto of Messiah -- Appendix II. Jennens's scenic structure for Messiah -- Appendix III. Timeline of the life and times of George Frideric Handel