"A introduction to Verdi as a man rather than as a composer. Suchet takes great pains not to get bogged down in boring details or obscure music theory. A book meant to stoke enthusiasm, ideal for someone who has seen a Verdi opera or two and wants to know more."

– Christian Science Monitor

"Suchet is the rare scholar who knows his subject, writes like a dream, and wears his research lightly. This book is handsomely laid out with wide margins, ample illustrations, and sentences from the text dropped in the margins along the way to tantalize readers. Obviously, music lovers will want this volume, but the subject is so lively and the presentation so attractive that it will appeal to all who value a solid biography."

– Library Journal (starred)

"A compact, sumptuously illustrated, insightful biography of the Italian composer. The author does a masterful job capturing the life and times as well as explaining the maestro's significant contributions to music history. Once again, Suchet hits his mark."

– Kirkus Reviews

"Music lovers and opera aficionados will applaud Suchet’s skillfully orchestrated biography."

– Booklist

"Suchet writes about the vaulted world of opera with insight and wit. This handsomely designed edition is beautifully illustrated with theatrical illustrations and dramatic period photography."

– New York Journal of Books