"Robert Schumann, one of the most beloved composers of the Romantic movement, embodied the passion and imaginative spirit of his age. Known for his musical and literary genius and his legendary romance with his wife Clara, Schumann was also plagued with debilitative bouts of depression that led him to live his last days in a mental asylum. This new biography recreates the dynamics of this man and his music with unprecedented range, offering new insight into his final years and his lasting musical achievements." "Based on Schumann's recently published journals, letters, and new research, author Eric Frederick Jensen renders a balanced portrait of the composer with both scholarly authority and engaging clarity."--BOOK JACKET