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:An Extraordinary Historical Odyssey and Scientific Mystery Solved.

I just picked up this book a few weeks ago at a library sale and am 2/3 of the way through it. I think it's absolutely sensational and fascinating. Part Beethoven biography but mostly the story of all the different people who possessed this lock of Beethoven's hair starting with the important pianist/composer Ferdinand Hiller(who as a young boy clipped it off Beethoven the day after his passing).

It's kind of like Mr. Langford's Square Piano but much more interesting.

http://www.amazon.com/Beethovens-Hair-Extraordinary-Historical-Scientific/dp/076790351X

Anyone else read it?

I've read it and re-read it, met the author, know the director of the Beethoven Center, etc. I've mentioned it more than once on the forum, but, apparently, you didn't notice.

BUt is the conclusion that there was lead in LvB's hair, compatible with lead poisoning?
My understanding is that this theory of fatal lead poisoning has been discredited.
THe reports of his last days and of his autopsy clearly show that he died of liver failure (cirrhosis) though the etiology is unclear. Probably hepatitis, made worse by alcohol. He did have to undergo abdominal taps to release large amounts of fluid from his abdomen (ascites) and there was some conjecture that wound dressings may have ocntained large amountS of lead. But his doctor's notes clearly say that he kept the wounds dry.
I read some of this info in an article by Professor Eisinger from Mount Sinai that was freely available on the internet. But it is dated 2008. I do not know if there has been any evidence or new data since. Does nayone know?

What does that book conclude?

Haven't read the book - but saw the lock of hair at the British Museum in 1970 as part of an exhibit commemorating LVB's 200th B-day. All that separated me from the reddish-brown lock was about 12 inches and a pane of glass. It actually was an emotional experience, and, as far as I was concerned, it was the best thing I saw at the Museum that afternoon.

I read it when it came out. It's a great historical adventure story.

I'm more interested in Chopin's preserved heart in Poland, though I don't believe it can be viewed - really disappointing.

I've read the book and recommend it.

No, you can't, but you can still feel the power:

This may sound creepy but they should have preserved his whole body and made him accessible to the public. Imagine standing next to Chopin today, and looking into his face. I think I would literally cry.

That is creepy, but Chopin fans are funny that way.

And Liszt fans aren't?

It would be definitely be a wonderful experience!

I think anyone with a sentimental connection to a particular historical figure can feel this way. It's such an odd feeling - I don't even really know how to put it into words.

I wonder if you took the opportunity to actually imagine a man, 163 years or so dead, being preserved for public display, looking into his face, and crying. That's disturbing.

I don't know what you think a "preserved" body looks like, but trust me, it really doesn't looked preserved. "Preserved" is a relative term. It looks very gory and denatured. It's not the sort of thing to inspire glorious memories of artistic triumphs. More like it will put you off your dinner and give you a few nightmares. Not only that but the body still keeps decaying - albeit at a slower rate. Not to mention the idea that the generally accepted idea that the dead should be put to rest...

It's an absurd thought, not meant to be taken too seriously - but I'm sure a body would remain in fantastic condition for that long in a vat of formaldehyde.

Another absurd thought, right?

It IS an emotional experience isn't it? By the way, that's not the same lock of hair.

Actually, I figured that might be the case. I recall that the clipping I viewed in 1970 was obtained by someone other than a young boy. And yes, it was an emotional experience - as well as a bit of a shock since, at the time, I wasn't aware that any locks of Beethoven's hair had been preserved.

As for Chopin, I stood by his grave in Paris (Pere Lachaise Cemetery) for a long long time about six years ago. Folks place fresh flowers on it everyday. Very touching.