Author: Rolland Romain, "The Life of Beethoven; The Life of Michelangelo: novels": Among the works of the French writer, Nobel Prize winner in literature Romain Rolland (1866-1944), a special place is occupied by the cycle of novels "The Lives of Great People" - a fascinating journey into the world of geniuses who left an indelible mark on the history of mankind. This edition presents the first two books of the cycle, the heroes of which were the greatest masters of world culture: Ludwig van Beethoven and Michelangelo Buonarroti. Based on a wealth of documentary material, including letters and memoir testimonies, the author describes in detail their creative path - from their early years and first successes to world fame and recognition. At the same time, Rolland builds his works not as exhaustive biographies, but as stories of dramatic and inspired struggle: Beethoven - with progressive deafness, neglect and misunderstanding of contemporaries, Michelangelo - with many social obstacles and internal conflicts. The writer convincingly shows how, despite trials and tribulations, great artists were able to maintain the desire for spiritual freedom, which became the key to the enduring importance of their creations.