The object of this little book is to bring the reader nearer to the great masters in the realm of music, and make him or her acquainted with the man who worked, played, and suffered as do other men. Though confining themselves to a simple style, the authors have tried to enter into the life of each composer, and, wherever possible, by means of earnest study of letters and other data which have come down to us, to copy that composer's tricks of speech, manner of writing, and various idiosyncracies. - Summary by Preface