Beethoven's Hair: An Extraordinary Historical Odyssey and a Scientific Mystery Solved
by Russell Martin

List Price: $15.95
Our Price: $4.40
You Save: $11.55 (72%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here)
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions

Book Summary Information

Book Reviews of Beethoven's Hair: An Extraordinary Historical Odyssey and a Scientific Mystery Solved

Book Review: A must for all Beethoven fans
Summary: 4 Stars

The quest begins with a lock of hair attested by its owner as Beethoven's hair. It was put on sale by the auction house Sotheby's in London and almost by conciliation, it was purchased by a real estate developer named Ira Brilliant along with his friend, Dr Alfredo Che Guevara, an Urologist. Both devoted fans of the immortal composer, Ira Brilliant had also established the American Beethoven Society in San Jose University, collecting the music and items belonging to Beethoven. After acquiring the hair, it was decided that some of it would be tested through modern forensics. This was going to give the world an insight into the life and health of the composer. It will also settle the divided opinions on matters relating to the composer's hearing loss and his constant abdominal pain, which eventually robbed his life.

Being a great fan of Beethoven's music, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and was fascinated by the numerous new insights on the composer's life and death. However, the most captivating was to learn how Beethoven had transformed the paths of so many people. Beginning with the love of his music, a twist of fate would bring their lives together and the lock of hair became a treasure to all those who admired him. His music and his controversial life were immortal.

I found the book quite easy to pick up although at times, I felt the author might have been too meticulous with explanations and details that dampen my interest a little. An example would be the chapter, second to last, where crucial test results of the hair were explained and analysed. At times, the attention to detail was very helpful, especially on medical terms and conditions. However, I had to read the chapter twice and really concentrate before I fully grasped all the information.

Overall, I had really enjoyed reading it and I would recommend the book to all readers. A must for all Beethoven fans!

Entertainment Books

• History