The early music of Claude Debussy was influenced by Wagner, but Debussy's music became experimental and individualistic. He quickly moved away from traditional techniques and produced the pictures in sound that led his work to be described as "musical Impressionism". This new biography--the first in English in 30 years--offers new insights into the life of this enigmatic composer. 21 photos.

1. Childhood and musical studies (1862-1884); 2. Roman holiday? (1885-1887); 3. A Bohemian in Paris (1887-1893); 4. Scandals and masterpieces (1894-1901); 5. Idol and victim (1902-1907); 6. Travels and travails (1908-1914); 7. War and last years (1914-1918); Envoi.