In 1955, at the age of 23, pianist Glenn Gould burst onto the world stage with his inspired recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations. His dynamic virtuosity and passionate artistry inspired millions, and he spent the next nine years as a star on the international concert circuit. In 1964 he announced that he was retiring from live performance, and he devoted the rest of his life to recording and documentaries.

Glenn Gould: A Life in Pictures is the first photographic treatment of the life of one of the greatest and most fascinating musicians of our time. This collection of more than 200 images includes a treasure trove of family pictures from the Glenn Gould Estate and rare photos from the CBC archives, Sony Classical and the National Library of Canada.

The foreword by Yo-Yo Ma and the introduction by music critic Tim Page provide an insightful overview of Gould's life and art. Extensive captions by the estate's literary adviser and quotations from Gould himself and other luminaries, such as Leonard Bernstein, Yehudi Menuhin, Leopold Stokowski and Leonard Rose, appear throughout the book. The result is a lively portrait of a creative genius.

Malcolm Lester, with an Introduction by Tim Page and the Foreword by Yo-Yo Ma

Malcolm Lester's profile page

Tim Page's profile page

Yo-Yo Ma's profile page

The first photographic treatment of the renowned pianist's life and work, using private family pictures and rare photos from various official archives.

Quill and Quire

A beautiful collection of more than 200 photographs illustrating the many faces of Glenn Gould at work, at play, and at rest.... For the many, many Gould fans, this is essential. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.

Library Journal

Provide[s] a unique perspective into [Gould's] creativity as a pianist, composer and recording artist. ... As the pictorial parade marches on, the result is like watching an old 16mm documentary film unspool, and Gould's fervor, evident in the photos, is amplified in attractive, appealing layouts.

Publishers Weekly

Fabulous detail of Gould's life.

Muskoka Today

Notwithstanding the many high-quality images of Gould showing him at work and at play over most of his life, and documenting many of the high points of his career, the heart and soul of this book to me lie in the meticulously crafted captions and the artfully placed quotes from Gould and various colleagues and biographers that accompany individual photos or groups of photos. From them we gain significant insights into the pianist's mind, an appreciation for the impact he had on those around him, and a sense of the esteem in which he is still held.... The endless variety of photo sizes and placement, the choice of typefaces and layout, and the generous allotment of margins and empty space, all match from a technical perspective the quality achieved on the visual and intellectual fronts. It is altogether a highly successful undertaking and a fitting and respectful tribute to its subject... I wholeheartedly endorse it as a must-have addition to the collection of Gould fans and libraries everywhere.

Notes

Captures the great pianist from his childhood through to his early death in 1982.

The National Post

The photos, although charged with the seemingly impossible task, succeed in allowing us to sense the rapture that [Gould's] music brought him.... a must-have for any true fan of Glenn Gould.

Canadian Camera