For a very impressive account of Shostakovich's life and times I cannot
recommend too highly Elizabeth Wilson's Shostakovich: A Life Remembered.
(I am not sure of the publisher where you are, but in England and Canada
it is available in paper from Faber & Faber.)

Ian Macdonald's The New Shostakovich was, to me, more concerned with a
political reading of the composer's works than with a full depiction of his
life and times.  I must also confess, and my comments must be balanced by
the fact, that I have put IM's book down twice without finishing it (about
half-way through, folks).

By the way, this was hardly the case with IM's book about the Beatles'
records, Revolution in the Head (now in paper in its second edition).  I
do not know how many times I have read and reread this book.  Absolutely
marvelous, and necessary for anyone who was touched by the Fabs' music.

Peter Downard
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