Reexamines the composer's life and work and challenges widely held myths about him, concentrating on his last decade but also offering background on his earlier career. Looks at his marriage to Alma Schindler, his achievements as director of the Vienna opera, his love of oriental mysticism, and his final years in America. Includes bandw photos, a chronology, a list of works, and suggestions for a CD collection. Draws on material previously unavailable in English. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR