an excellent intro ( )

Mitchell's chronicle of Mahler's first 20 years succeeds in constructing a biography from fragmentary, incoherent, and often contradictory Mahler literature. Buttressed by copious notes and an extensive appendix, Mitchell traces Mahler's formative experiences and creative efforts preceding the symphonies.

Times Literary Supplement: "Mitchell's biographical thoroughness, his scrupulousness with references, and his way of elucidating the various versions of a work are well known and widely admired."