Giuseppe Verdi's life (1813-1901) spanned from the days when Napoleon ruled Europe to the early era of sound recording. He was one of the great composers who gave vibrant expression to fundamental human emotions in his works. Verdi, whose 200th birthday the music world will celebrate on October 9 and 10, 2013, was by no means as straightforward as the music and the characters of his protagonists might suggest. He was neither the uneducated peasant from Sant' Agata, as he liked to portray himself, nor the conservative nationalist he was perceived to be in his later years. In his masterful biography, John Rosselli compellingly and realistically traces the life and work of this bold and innovative artist. He also describes Verdi's professionalism in managing his agricultural operations.