Beethoven

Martin Geck, a professor of musicology at the University of Dortmund in Germany, has produced the definitive work on Beethoven. You can't go wrong with anything from the Life & Times series. Each book on cultural figures who have shaped our lives and times is thoroughly researched by Martin Geck, author of numerous works on classical music. This series contains personal anecdotes and information for the music lover and history buff, and enough technical information to satisfy serious student or researchers. I recently recommended this volume and two other Life & Times volumes for film research. It's also a great gift coupled with a CD of classics.

This book provides a concise yet invaluable introduction to the life of Beethoven, providing an useful platform to further study of the great composer.