In this compact book, historian and biographer Peter Gay paints a portrait of the musical genius based on factual details rather than long-established myths. He delves into Mozart's complex relationship with his father, the daunting role of being born a child prodigy, and his exploration of new musical territory, particularly opera. A volume in the excellent "Penguin Lives" series.  (AST43, $13.00)

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Mozart, A Life
Maynard Solomon
BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2006 • PAPER  • 640 PAGES
Solomon here tears down the myth of Mozart as the "eternal child," while adding great depth to the psychological and artistic development of the musical genius. The book also illustrates life in 18th-century Salzburg. (AST06, $22.95)