Appropriately, this work written on the year of the 100th birthday of Frank Martin, is the first English language resource dealing with work by and about the Swiss composer. Charles King provides access to a great deal of critical substantive writing about Martin's work and to the considerable body of writing by the composer himself. Many of the most important writings, derived from articles, lectures, letters, program notes and interviews, are now collected into several monographs in French with some parts in English and German, all of which have been indexed here. Comprehensive coverage is given to articles in English, and excellent work written in German, French, Dutch, and Italian has been highlighted also.

The volume consists of a biography of Martin, a cataloging of the composer's works and performances, and a 229-item discography followed by two separate bibliographies that list writings by and about Martin. Two appendixes and an index complete the work. As the only comprehensive introduction in English to Frank Martin and his work, this reference will assist future researchers and stimulate the interest and curiosity of others to learn more of this composer's life and work.