Shim's book blends oral history, archival research, and musical analysis in a definite biography of one of the great modern jazz musicians. Though it is a book for real music enthusiasts, it is an inspiring read, especially in discussing Tristano's revolutionary attitude to jazz teaching. For all his critical tendencies, the pianist was clearly an inspirational teacher, much-loved by his pupils, of whom Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh are only the most famous. Anyone interested in the development of modern jazz should read this book.