Wagner as I Knew Him

"Wagner as I Knew Him" by Ferdinand Praeger is a biography that gives a personal look into the life of the famous composer Richard Wagner, through the memories of his close friend, Praeger. Spanning almost half a century, their friendship gives Praeger a unique perspective to share Wagner’s dreams, struggles, and the conflicting sides of his personality; Praeger aims to show Wagner as a complicated man who changed music and society forever. The story begins by setting the scene of their long friendship, with Praeger promising to give an honest view of Wagner, both his amazing talents and his imperfections. The book looks into Wagner's mind as a determined artist who faced criticism while chasing the revolutionary possibilities of art, as well as his early life, family, and the events that shaped him, setting the stage for a rich exploration of the person behind the music.