George Crumb is a composer at the forefront of post-World War II American music, and never before has one volume combined a portrait of his life with a catalogue of his extensive work. David Cohen's George Crumb: A Bio-Bibliography corrects this by providing the reader and researcher with an overview of Crumb's life, career, and compositions; and an annotated guide to literature by and about the composer—including not only articles and books, but also album reviews, concert reviews, and interviews.

The biographical portion, written in close consultation with the subject, has resulted in perhaps the most complete and accurate biography currently in existence—an irreplaceable resource for anyone seeking a full understanding of 20th-century music.