Good books for romantic/contemporary period performance?

Question

Can anyone suggest me good books for improving knowledge (and performance) of 19th and 20th century music?

Answer 1

The Memoirs of Hector Berlioz. Everyman's Library Edition is excellent.

This is an amazing book, not a history book, but a book that describes in vivid detail the emotions that inspired Berlioz's music, and gives a detailed account of what his life was like as a major composer in 19th century Europe. Most importantly, it is a very entertaining read.