Beethoven and His Nephew: A Psychoanalytical Study of Their Relationship

Based largely on letters, documents, and other source material, the Sterbas' book reveals a side of Beethoven's nature that was hinted at, but never made explicit, in previous biographies. Many readers may be shocked by the authors' theory about the uncle-nephew relationship (maternal-filial rather than homosexual), but even those who cannot go along with their conclusions must admit that they have produced a well-written, fascinating and, in many ways, wholly believable case study which helps to explain many of the inconsistencies in Beethoven's character and in no way detracts from his unparalleled musical achievement. ~~Library Journal