This new biography of Shostakovich views him through the intimate music of his string quartets, weaving together interviews with the composer's friends, family, and colleagues, as well as conversations with present-day musicians who have played the quartets.

Health care is more of a flashpoint in America than in any other democracy. This book by a leading expert explains how and why Americans trapped themselves in a costly and complicated health system—and came to fight so bitterly about changing it.