{"product_id":"finishing-the-hat-stephen-sondheim-1st-edition","title":"Finishing the Hat, Stephen Sondheim — 1st Edition","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePublication\u003c\/b\u003e: London, Virgin Books, 2010\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFormatting\u003c\/b\u003e: 4to, pp. 445.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/b\u003e: Very Good. This copy presents very well, retaining a remarkably tight and square binding that indicates careful, likely infrequent, reading. The boards are clean and sharp, with only the most marginal bumping to the lower tips. The pages remain crisp and exceptionally bright throughout, completely free of the age-toning or foxing that can sometimes afflict heavy art-paper volumes. The original unclipped dust jacket is similarly well-preserved, exhibiting only faint, superficial surface rubbing to the panels and negligible edge-wear along the upper extremities. The preliminary leaves host a neat, contemporary ink gift inscription to a previous owner, which is contained entirely to the front free endpaper and does not detract from the overall tidy presentation of the text block.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/b\u003e: This is a true first edition, first printing of the UK edition, clearly identified by the complete number line (2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1) on the copyright page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eRichly illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs, manuscript drafts, and archival theatrical ephemera, this volume serves as a tactile and visual archive of Sondheim’s working process. The book was printed and bound in Italy, ensuring a high-quality reproductive standard for the internal imagery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eWhile the US Knopf edition is frequently encountered on the secondary market, the UK Virgin Books true first printing is slightly less ubiquitous. Unsigned copies in this presentable condition remain highly desirable to musical theatre enthusiasts and collectors of modern theatrical history, particularly those seeking clean copies with intact, unclipped wrappers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eAn indispensable masterclass in the art of lyric writing, \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"65\"\u003eFinishing the Hat\u003c\/i\u003e offers an unprecedented, deeply personal glimpse into the creative mind of Stephen Sondheim, one of the most influential figures in the history of musical theatre. Covering his illustrious output from 1954 to 1981, including iconic works such as \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"328\"\u003eWest Side Story\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"345\"\u003eCompany\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"354\"\u003eFollies\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"367\"\u003eSweeney Todd, \u003c\/i\u003eSondheim curates his collected lyrics alongside a treasure trove of attendant comments, rigorous principles, and famously sharp-witted grudges and anecdotes. Far from a mere retrospective, it is a brilliant, provocative, and uncompromising dissection of the craft of songwriting, cementing his legacy not just as a composer, but as a peerless dramatist.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55571590578515,"sku":"6382","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20261019_101648.jpg?v=1792765088","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/finishing-the-hat-stephen-sondheim-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}