Janufa, Kat'a Kabanova and The Cunning Little Vixen - these are the best-known of the operas by the Czech composer Leos Janacek. This book traces the process of composition of all Janacek's operas via the use of a translated anthology of letters and other writings largely written by the composer himself. His letters offer a valuable insight into the sources of his inspiration, the day-to-day progress of composition and the practicalities of performance. These, together with letters written to Janacek by performers and collaborators, notably his translator and biographer Max Brod, make a compelling account of Janacek's life and work.