Getting To Know Him: A Biography Of Oscar Hammerstein II

by Hugh Fordin

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.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

432 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 1995

Reviews

[Terry]

There aren't many books on Oscar II, so it's a good thing this one was so thorough and readible.

[Yvonne Flint]

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.

[Phil Atteberry]

This is a balanced, informative biography. If you are interested in such people and subjects as I am, it's a completely enjoyable read.

[Anne Enste]

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.

[Erick]

A thoughtful and detailed look at a remarkable man's life.
Fordin explores the life and times of one of the great men
of the theater.