A memoir by the esteemed American pianist Earl Wild who died in January of 2010 at the age of 94. He began working on this memoir in the 1970s - it has 886 pages and includes 19 interesting chapters, a complete recorded discography, over 200 photographs, as well as a personal interview with Earl Wild. An informative book that covers the beginning of early radio from the 1920s and 30s and the beginning of early television which began in the late 1930s by someone who was there and experienced it. It also covers almost all of the major musicians and composers in the 20th century. There is an in-depth master class chapter which explains the proper performing technique as well as chapters that deal with the art of improvisation, performing, composing (including piano transcriptions) and music criticism. The book is a major addition to the study of classical music along with personal anecdotes and amusing stories about the colorful and famous names of the 20th century told by one of the great pianists and wits of the century - Earl Wild. This book is a who's who of most of the important individuals and artists who lived in the 20th century. A must read by both musicians and non-musicians alike!