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 bluesinfused 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.