Celebrity Biography (Color Illustration Edition)

Author: (French) Roman Rolland
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: "The Lives of the Great" includes three biographies of artists: "Beethoven's Life" (1903), "Michelangelo's Life" (1906), and "Tolstoy's Life" (1911). The three individuals in the works, though being a musician, sculptor, and novelist, are all heroes who pursue truth and art in hardship, dedicating themselves selflessly to the happiness and ideals of humanity. Here, Roman Rolland points out: "Heroes are not those who are great in thought or strength, but those who are great in spirit. Without great virtue, there are no great men, not even great artists or great actors." "The Lives of the Great" reminds us that tragic fate does not only befall ordinary people; it also befalls great men, and often their suffering is even deeper. As a musician, Beethoven lost the hearing he should have had; Michelangelo, due to his weak character, endured lifelong torment of shame; and Tolstoy only managed to integrate his life and beliefs before his death. All these tortures tell us: life is suffering.