This is an excellent introduction to Tchaikovsky's early life. He had an idyllic childhood surrounded by a close and loving family. Before reading this book, I wasn't aware that until his early 20s, Tchaikovsky was torn between a career in law and music. Lucky for us and posterity, he chose the latter. The author goes into great detail about Tchaikovsky's early attempts at composition, concentrating on his operas and his earliest masterpice, the Romeo and Juliet fantasy overture. I strongly reoommend this book to all music lovers. ( )