It was as a conductor that Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) became recognised as one of the major figures of pre-1914 Vienna. After his early death his music was neglected, but since the 1960s the extraordinary achievement of his ten symphonies has been universally recognised, and has led to his establishment as one of the greatest of twentieth-century composers.

'Are Collected Letters a superior form of biography? When as numerous and meticulously edited as these of Gustav Mahler, when they provide a time capsule ride back to the last days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the answer must be yes... This remarkable book is unputdownable, even for a non-Mahlerite'. Literary Review 'A vivid and telling portrayal of Mahler's personality in his voice.' Times Literary Supplement 'The letters are linked by a commentary that makes the volume both an easy and gripping read... There is passion in this book to scald the hand.' Sunday Times