George Richard Marek (1902–1987)

While the scholarship is not profound, the book is enjoyable to anyone who is interested in the twilight years of the Hapsburgs. The drama and romance are rich; Marek makes the most of these without becoming syrupy.

This was a good read. No bombshells were dropped, but it was an engaging telling of the tale. I have a particular interest in Europe's spiral to destruction in the First World War and the Austro-Hungarian story is critical to the larger tale. The royal couple are a sad story and Elisabeth gives the impression of potential wasted. Worthwhile reading for a history fan, or a casual reader.

This is a thorough and readable biography of Beethoven. It examines the composer's life's cultural and familial influences.It provides a deep and complete picture of Beethoven's world and his genius.

An interesting paradox arises frm this book. Even though such incomparable Bach performers as Landowska, Casals, Szigeti, and Schweitzer were in their prime when this book was written, and incomparable scholarship by such as Terry and Boughton had long-since been readily available, the average music-lover's sense of the trus Bach sound, and the spirit behind it, would have to wait another generation before approaching anything like the truth. Even so, this book is a charmer, and is useful in show more the Johnsonian sense of dictionareis and watches: the best isn't nearly good enough, and the worst is better than nothing. show less