Celebrated for books such as The Sheltering Sky, Paul Bowles was one of a very select group of artists who excelled as both composer and writer. He was a distinctive and original composer and in the first of two volumes devoted to his complete piano works – both solo and duo – the music is grouped cyclically, stylistically or thematically. This selection includes works inspired by Latin American themes, some of which are among his most atmospheric, as well as the blues-infused Six Preludes. The challenging Sonata for Two Pianos is one of the best-kept secrets of American piano music. Also included are pieces written for Bowles by Leonard Bernstein and Virgil Thomson.