Because the book was first published in 1963, and the copyright has not expired, there are important considerations regarding the PDF versions found online:
Readers seeking the PDF should be aware of copyright restrictions. In many jurisdictions, downloading a pirated copy of the book is illegal. However, legitimate digital versions are often available for purchase through major ebook retailers, and physical or scanned copies may be legally available through university library loan programs.
: Much of the book is dedicated to the 19th-century titans like Liszt, whose magnetic presence caused "Lisztomania," and Chopin, the "poetic" master of rubato. Personalities and Quirks
Each essay provides a detailed and engaging account of the pianist's life, career, and artistry. Schonberg draws on his extensive knowledge of music history, as well as his own experiences as a pianist, to offer insightful analyses of the pianists' performances, recordings, and contributions to the piano repertoire.
