The Beethoven Comendium, written by four leading Beethoven scholars in the light of the latest research into this perennially fascinating figure, is the key to a full understanding of charachter, his social life, his religious beliefs, his politics, his times, and above all, his music.
An exhaustive (and exhausting!) collection of essays that serve as an introduction (300 page introduction...) to probably the greatest composer of all time. The various sections cover background to his life and times, culture and the atmosphere in which he composed. There's a pretty complete listing of his works, plenty of illustrations and more information than the average reader will ever require. Great fun, but to be taken in small doses!