New deluxe 6 x 9 inch paperback edition!
This sensual novel brings to light the intimate personal story kept closely guarded by the man behind the music. Beautifully written, it follows the composer from his youthful creation of the ballet Swan Lake to his mysterious and controversial death. It brings forward the tragic events that marked his life and the male lovers who inspired his greatest creativity. The immense fame that was at odds with Tchaikovsky's shy demeanor, his disastrous marriage, and the events leading up to the illegal trial for homosexuality are also explored. Did society forgive him, or did fate have the last word? A fascinating read with a stunning ending.
"One of the best treatments of Tchaikovsky, fiction or nonfiction, ever written in English. The intelligently-handled theme of pre-20th-century homosexuality will come as a revelation to many readers. Enthusiastically recommended!" -The Historical Novel Society
(Formerly published with the title "Pyotr Ilyich")
From the back cover: The famous 19th-century composer, P. I. Tchaikovsky lived in a colorful world of concert halls and the Imperial ballet, but his untimely death has long been a mystery. In this novel, the strange circumstances of it can finally be explained. His immense fame, unlawful sexuality, and the music that surrounds it all paint a unique and intriguing portrait of one of the most beloved composers of all time.
Today, Tchaikovsky is a deserved hero of the LGBTQ community.