This collection of essays by the Danish composer Carl Nielsen form an accompaniment to the story of his childhood, an expression of his personality, and an authoritative statement about the nature of music - not only of other composers (Mozart in particular) but his own.  Carl August Nielsen (1865-1931) was a Danish composer, conductor and violinist, widely recognised as his country's most prominent composer. Our book is in good condition, and retains its unclipped dust jacket, also in good condition apart from remnant stains from sticky tape, which one presumes used to hold an additional clear protective cover in place.  The book itself, bound in light blue cloth, also bears similar marks on both front and back covers;  the  back cover also has one or two dirty marks in the lower half.  Otherwise, there is almost no external wear, and the gilt title etc on the spine is bright.  Inside, a neat gift inscription dated 1954 is on the front fep;  pages are clean and bright;  no foxing.