Paul Chowder, the poet protagonist of Nicholson Baker's widely acclaimed novel The Anthologist , is turning fifty-five and missing his ex-girlfriend, Roz, rather desperately. As he approaches the dreaded birthday, Paul is uninspired by his usual artistic outlet (although he's pleased that his poetry anthology, Only Rhyme , is selling "steadily"). Putting aside poetry in favor of music, and drawing on his classical bassoon training, Paul turns instead...