Oscar Hammerstein II (1895–1960) forged a remarkable, multifaceted career as a librettist, lyricist, playwright, director, and producer. He wrote Carmen Jones, Carousel, Show Boat, and, with longtime collaborator Richard Rodgers, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. Hugh Fordin enjoyed complete access to the Hammerstein archives and conducted numerous interviews with family and colleagues like Rodgers, Berlin, Robbins, and Sondheim. The result is the definitive biography of a creative giant, who changed forever the texture of American theater.
Filled with interesting theater tidbits and background, the book leaves the man Oscar Hammerstein ultimately largely unknown. Tediously written, there was clearly no item of research omitted. In the end, I think Hammerstein's own words and lyrics speak best to describe this amazingly talented man.
Wonderful book about a wonderful man. He was beloved by everyone who knew him. Cannot imagine the world without this brilliant man's music. Fascinating to read about how the collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein created the unforgettable music that lives forever. Oklahoma, South Pacific, The King and I, My Fair Lady, and on and on.