Readers get a new view of Liszt as Puslowski brings together a remarkable cast of characters. Friend and rival, Frederic Chopin, stands tall as a symbol of Poland's fight for independence; the remarkable French "people's poet" Pierre Beranger makes his entrance; virtuoso violinist Niccolo Paganini takes center stage later in Liszt's life; the indefatigable French composer Hector Berlioz and the domineering Richard Wagner assume their roles in this musical drama; and finally two of Poland's premier violinists, Karol Lipinski and Henryk Wieniawski, stand side by side with Russian pianist Anton Rubinstein, as the story of Liszt's influence reaches across national boundaries and time itself to make its presence felt.