The book about a great Polish composer, shedding new light on the artist. The author, an eminent expert on Fryderyk Chopin, describes in five essays the major events in composer's life and familiarizes the reader with his personality as, according to her, it is the only way one can fully understand his art. She also underlines the novelty of his work, a constant striving for excellence and a truly Polish character of his works. The book, prepared in cooperation with the Fryderyk Chopin Institute is beautifully illustrated with over 200 archival and contemporary photographs.