Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) is one of the legendary figures of world culture. But who is the man behind the legend? Martin Geck offers a vivid portrait of a difficult but fascinating man with a tangled and still controversial love life. This is an expert introduction to a self-styled cultural hero, presented warts, genius, and all.

A promotional sampler CD of Peter Sheppard Skaerved playing selected pieces of Beethoven's chamber music is included with the book.