From the charming autobiographical opera Intermezzo, based on a domestic misunderstanding, to the self-confident tone poem Ein Heldenleben, the works of Richard Strauss depict himself and his world in musical notes. For the huge audience that enjoys his music, this book provides a gold mine of information. Many of the numerous illustrations - taken from the private archive of the Strauss family - have never been published previously, and all are of immense historical interest. Skillfully woven around them is a detailed and revealing text, rich in anecdotes, quotations and personal reminiscences by members of the Strauss family and contemporaries. The result is an intimate investigation of the private life, opinions, background and works of Strauss that comes as close to the man as one is likely to get.