Paganini, Little Pagan.

'Paganini, "Little Pagan"' is a long narrative poem in rhyme which recounts the life of the famous nineteenth-century Italian violinist, Nicol Paganini (1782-1840). Universally recognized as one of the world's greatest virtuosi, Paganini's reputation was irreparably damaged in his own lifetime and beyond by the many myths and legends which surrounded his formidable talent. This is partly why today there is practically no literature for children on such a great musician and composer. In her scholarly 'Introduction' and 'Notes for Adults', Professor Suvini-Hand exposes the falsehoods behind the portrait of the 'infamous' Paganini. Her narrative poem, furnished with original colour illustrations and designed to be read aloud to children, paints the true, not the legendary story of the artist. It is the extraordinary story of a boy from the humblest of backgrounds who taught himself to play the violin and went on to conquer the world with it; the story of a man who, in spite of suffering crippling illnesses, combined his international superstardom with single parenthood, and excelled in the equally important role of being a devoted and exceptional father to his own son. In 'Paganini, "Little Pagan"', we meet, for the first time, the real Paganini who deserves to be known, appreciated and loved by all - adults and children alike.