In January 2006 Classic FM radio, to which John is a frequent contributor, commissioned him to write their Classic FM Friendly Guide to Beethoven. The book, with contributions from Classic FM’s Station Manager, was published in August 2006.

The Classic FM Friendly Guide differs from all the many thousands of books on Beethoven, in that it concentrates primarily on Beethoven’s life. This is a book for every lover of Beethoven’s music. It will tell you whether Beethoven was in love when he wrote a particular piece, or where he was living. What was the inspiration? What effect did his deafness have on his life and music? Who were his friends and loves? Did he drink too much?

This book brings you Beethoven the man.