In 1945 Sadler's Wells Opera returned to its own theatre in London after years of touring during World War II. Its opening production, "Peter Grimes", was a turning point in the fortunes of English opera, establishing Benjamin Britten's stature as a major composer and going on to succeed on operatic stages around the world. To mark the 50th anniversary of its first production, this colour facsimile of the composition draft is published. It shows how Britten wrestled with the text and music, gradually fashioning the opera into its final version. The facsimile is accompanied by a volume containing a series of essays by Britten scholars on the history of "Peter Grimes" and on its contemporary significance, together with a brief note on the work by Peter Pears, and an account of the first production by the late Eric Crozier, who directed it. The volume is illustrated with colour reproductions of some of the original costume designs by Kenneth Green, his portrait of Britten, and contemporary black and white photographs.