The Complete Lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II - Signed by the Editor

The Complete Lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II. Published by Knopf. Edited by Amy Asch. Hardcover, 448 pages. Measures 11.7" x 10.9" x 1.2" Signed by Amy Asch.

Gathered together in one volume for the first time are 850 song lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960), a titan of the American musical theatre. Enhanced with production photos and Hammerstein's own commentary, this large-sized book traces his brilliant career and the evolution of his craft from Hammerstein's college days through fifty shows and films including Rose-Marie, The Desert Song, Show Boat, Carmen Jones, Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King & I andThe Sound of Music.

From every beautiful morning to enchanted evening, Hammerstein's words have been on our lips for generations. He had a particular gift for writing about happiness and hope. "I know the world is filled with troubles and injustices," he once said."But reality is as beautiful as is it ugly...I just couldn't write anything without hope in it." The Complete Lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein IIis filled with stirring words you'll want to share with your friends.

The book is organized chronologically (1916 to 1959) - encompassing songs written for 40 stage musicals, 8 musicals written for the screen, and one television musical, along with patriotic songs, miscellaneous songs from each decade, and undated material.

About one quarter of the lyrics are being published for the first time. There is substantial material from Hammerstein's lesser known works of the 1930s, plus lyrics written during the gestation of some of his biggest successes.

Throughout the book, the lyrics are annotated with comments Hammerstein made in early scripts, letters, articles, and interviews. Further comments come from such collaborators as Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, director Joshua Logan, and by noted theatre critics. The book is illustrated with 81 photos, including stage scenes, sheet music covers, and portraits of Hammerstein and his collaborators. Each show and film chapter begins with details of the original production, revivals and remakes; a plot synopsis; the location of archival material.

About the Author
Amy Asch, an archivist and researcher, worked on The Complete Lyrics of Irving Berlin and an expanded edition of The Complete Lyrics of Lorenz Hart. She contributed to the PBS documentary "Broadway: The American Musical" and prepared the catalog of works for the estate of the composer Jonathan Larson (Rent). Currently an editor of the Playbill Broadway Yearbook,she lives in New York City.