‘Art is the most beautiful deception’, said French composer Claude Debussy (1862-1918). Debussy was infused with the literature of his time and incorporated his favorite poems into musical compositions from an early age. He created music that was revolutionary, with a distinctly modern sound known for its intersection of art and life. In Claude Debussy, David J. Code explores important moments in the development of Debussy’s literary interests and how they shaped his music while also bringing to life his sardonic personality.