A thorough, definitive and highly readable study of Schubert, this presents a sympathetic picture of the man and an understanding of his music. Divided into two parts- the first is devoted to Schubert's life, the peasant background, the stern schoolteacher father, the mother he worshipped, Ferdinand- the brother he loved best among many brothers and sisters, and Schubert himself, small, rotund, unattractive and sickly. Cheerful and fun-loving at times, he was also depressed at others, but was at his best among his large circle of friends and admirers, portrayed in detail here. The second part of the book deals with Schubert's music in greater detail, the chamber music, sonatas, the songs for which he was best known in his day, the dramatic music so unsuitable to his talents, religious music, symphonies.. Of interest to the general reader and the more serious musician, these Schauffler biographies have a long range rather than immediate sale.