<DIV>This new biography is a fascinating account of the period in which Chopin lived, and the way in which the political scene helped shape his music.<BR><BR>The important people and places in the composer's life are brought vividly to life by the use of contemporary engraving, paintings and lithographs.<BR><BR>The author has made extensive use of contemporary accounts, letters and notebooks, and reproduces little-known caricatures drawn by Chopin.</div>