Paul Bowles serves as an introduction to this enigmatic figure. Caponi discusses all of Bowles's novels: The Sheltering Sky, the first American novel to articulate an existential philosophy; Let It Come Down, a further exploration of existentialism; The Spider's House, which explores the fall of the French colonial regime and the aftermath from the point of view of a Moroccan; and the thriller Up Above the World. In addition to the novels, Caponi examines Bowles's other writings - the poetry, travel essays, and stories - and also touches on his musical compositions. Accompanying her critical examination is extensive material from Caponi's illuminating interviews with Bowles. The quintessential introduction to an unusual figure in American literature, Paul Bowles will be welcomed by scholars and students of literature, and music.