These well-researched books relate biographical details of the composers' lives, emphasizing the circumstances surrounding their musical education and compositions. The text is illustrated with photos and reproductions in a dull design, and each chapter has an "FYI" page that supplies further cultural details of varying relevance. Chronologies and lists of works are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Masters of Music titles: The Life and Times of George Frideric Handel, The Life and Times of Irving Berlin, The Life and Times of Johann Sebastian Bach, The Life and Times of Johannes Brahms, The Life and Times of Peter Ilyich Tschaikovsky, The Life and Times of Felix Medelssohn, The Life and Times of John Philip Sousa, and The Life and Times of Stephen Foster.]

Gr 4-6-These informative series entries provide the basic facts about their subjects, from childhood through death. Each composer's life is presented in a straightforward manner; topics such as Foster's father's alcoholism and blackface minstrel shows are handled with finesse. "FYI" pages, which examine such topics as "Pogroms" and "The Roaring Twenties" (Berlin), and "River Boats" and "Harriet Beecher Stowe" (Foster), are interspersed throughout. Clear photographs and reproductions in black and white and color enhance the texts. Readers will enjoy hearing the stories behind such familiar songs as "White Christmas," "God Bless America," and "Oh! Susanna." Numerous interesting facts and the inclusion of pertinent events from each era make for lively reading. For assignments, casual browsing, or required reading, these slim volumes neatly fill the bill.-Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.