Sergei Prokofiev was a bold innovator who eschewed the beaten path in art all his life, often in definance of orthodox tastes. His compositions, many of which are today recognized masterpieces of musical art, usually evoked either genuine bewilderment or sharp criticism when first performed.

Prokofiev's music is performed today all over the world; his works are studied at music schools everywhere.

The first two parts of this book are devoted to the composer's own writings (his autobiographical notes, articles and reviews), the rest to articles about Prokofiev by prominent Soviet musicians, artists, and others who were associated with him at one or another period of his life.