The Harp and the Ferryman weaves a story of how music provides comfort and healing to people who are struggling with living and dying. It chronicles Peter Roberts journey from being a successful fine furniture retailer to a music-thanatologist, a person who plays live harp music in bedside vigils, mainly for those who are terminally ill. The book also presents the findings of a number of studies into Peters work and stories from people who have experienced his work, either for themselves or for someone they loved, and were moved in some way by his work.