The Life of Ludwig van Beethoven is the first scholarly biography of Ludwig van Beethoven, covering Beethoven's life to 1816. Thayer became aware of many discrepancies in the already existing biographies of Beethoven, so in 1849 he sailed for Europe to undertake his own researches, learning German and collecting information. Still after many updates Thayer's biography of Beethoven is regarded as a standard work of reference on the composer.

Alexander Wheelock Thayer (1817-1897) was a librarian and journalist who became the author of the first scholarly biography of Ludwig van Beethoven. Supporting himself by journalism and after many privations, Thayer was eventually appointed US Consul in Trieste, where he was able to pursue his labours.