Dominic Dromgoole was the artistic director of the Globe Theatre for 11 years. He has written a number of books about the history of theatre and directing Shakespeare. In this book he explores 'First Nights that Changed the World'.

The book is 'a celebration of the artistic achievements that overcame the odds to change the story of culture, and whose effects rippled out to change the world.'

In dedicated chapters he covers everything from the unveiling of Michelangelo's David and the birth of theatre in fifth-century Athens to an explosive performance from the Sex Pistols and Hitchcock directing 'Psycho'. And so much in between!

'Our opinions can be swayed by politicians, our understanding can be refreshed by philosophers but, for our perception of the world and each other to be realigned, nothing can touch art,' he says.

The scope of this book is quite breathtaking and he captures the atmosphere of the very distinct and disparate events in vivid detail. It's a fascinating book.