Lou Harrison, who celebrated his eightieth birthday in 1997, has often been cited as one of America's most original and influential composers. In addition to his prolific musical output, Harrison is also a skilled painter, calligrapher, essayist, critic, poet, and instrument-builder. During his long and varied career, he has explored dance, Asian music, tuning systems, and universal languages, and has actively championed political causes ranging from pacifism to gay rights.

This book, based on extensive research and nearly seventy interviews, examines the ideas that have shaped Harrison's creative output, as seen through the eyes of the composer and his associates. A seventy-minute compact disc included with the book illustrates in sound various aspects of the written text; most pieces are recorded here for the first time.