New York: Harper & Brothers, 1953. First Edition. 244 p.: 56 p. of photographs included in pagination; 24 cm. (9½ inches). Black cloth spine with blue spine title; red paper over boards. No dust jacket. Front free endpaper bears inscription signed by the author, Deems Taylor. In Near Fine Condition: corners very slightly rubbed; pages are clean and bright. Deems Taylor, composer and music critic, provdes an entertaining look at the evolution of American music theater from the earliest works of Richard Rodgers through the work of Rodgers and Hammerstein in the early 1950s. Profusely illustrated with photographs of Rodgers and Hammerstein and of performers in their many musicals, including: Sterling Holloway, Bea Lillie, George M. Cohan, Ray Bolger, Vivienne Segal, Ed Wynn, Walter Slezak, Mary Martin, and many others.. Signed by Author. Near Fine.