Ludwig van Beethoven, the and "Tone-Poet and " and artist who bridged the Classical and new Romantic periods, arrogantly defied all conventions both in his music and his life. Driven by illness, mental suffering and the anguish of ever-increasing deafness, he struggled to complete his unique and passionate masterworks, leaving a legacy for mankind of the most powerful body of music ever created by a single man. This book, with a simple and uncomplicated text, sets out to provide an honest introduction to understanding and appreciating the tragic and complex genius of Beethoven and his work.