The American Musical Theatre Song Encyclopedia

Rating:
Summary: Original, informative, fun-to-read book on American songs
Review: Most books with alphabetical lists and brief descriptions of American popular songs are useful for research but rather boring to read - they have zilch personality.I buy and use these books rather than read them. Hischak's book is different - it is readable and surprisingly original.There is nothing else like it. His descriptions of the songs and how they are used in stage musicals are longer than those used in other such books, very well written, fun to read and genuinely helpful in understanding the songs - even if you have never heard of them before. In other words, his book of songs makes you enjoy them as well as just learn about them.You feel like you are leaving the theater whistling a tune you may never have heard.