"In this portrayal of the world's most famous composer, Lewis Lockwood interweaves his discussion of Beethoven's life and works while placing them in their historical and artistic contexts. Written for the general reader, the book shows how Beethoven's abundant great works reflect both his powerful artistic individuality and the deepest aesthetic, philosophical, and political currents of his age.

Also, by providing glimpses into the composer's sketchbooks and autograph manuscripts, the author helps us gain substantial insight into Beethoven's compositional methods.".

"Here the music looms larger than the life - the composer dominates the man - but both are discussed at length. Lockwood's observations about the music consist of short critical accounts of a large number of works, including all of Beethoven's most important compositions. These commentaries, for which no music expertise is required, bring out salient aspects of Beethoven's varying styles, provide a guide to his music, and display his changing ways of shaping his works.

In addition, readers can consult a dedicated Web site containing sixty-nine notated examples keyed to specific passages in the book and marked discreetly in the text."--BOOK JACKET.