Ludwig van Beethoven: to some, simply the greatest ever composer of Western classical music. Yet his life remains shrouded in myths, and the image persists of him as an eccentric genius shaking his fist at heaven.

Beethoven by Oxford professor Laura Tunbridge cuts through the noise in a refreshing way. Each chapter focuses on a period of his life, a piece of music and a revealing theme, from family to friends, from heroism to liberty. This tour de force provides a fresh overview and a wealth of material that has never been revealed before. It's a compelling, human portrayal of Beethoven and a fascinating journey into one of the world's most amazing creative minds.