This book debunks today's largely uncritical view of the conductor's role, taking to task the over-paid, over-praised and self-inflated men and women who have mounted the conductor's podium since the turn of the century. Few top conductors escape unscathed: Lebrecht is tireless in his exposure of Machiavellian shennanigans, professional rivalry, personal intrigue and the increasing marketing pressures exacerbated by the vast sums now offered for top recording and performing contracts.