Why people recommend it
Finishing the Hat by Stephen Sondheim is a celebrated collection of the legendary composer and lyricist's work accompanied by extensive personal and professional commentary. On an episode of The Book Review titled The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century in July 2024, Scott Heller recommended the volume during a discussion of exceptional contemporary theater literature, praising it alongside its companion piece as one of the best theater books to emerge during that period. Later, in an episode titled Katie Kitamura Talks About Intimacies, host Pamela Paul spoke with James Lapine and drew a direct parallel between Lapine's book and Sondheim's memoir, noting how both titles referenced a particular theatrical show and existed in a unique space that felt like a memoir while simultaneously serving another purpose entirely, prompting a discussion about whether writing a traditional memoir had been the original intention. Both commentators emphasized the monumental cultural and artistic value of Sondheim's writing, which offers rare insight into the creative processes behind some of Broadway's most enduring masterpieces. Through these reflections, the book is framed not only as an essential manual for aspiring lyricists and theater historians but also as a fascinating autobiographical artifact that captures the rigorous intellect and uncompromising standards of one of musical theater's greatest masters.
Who recommended it
- Pamela Paul Discussed
- Scott Heller Recommended
Pamela Paul — 1 mention
“there is also a parallel in your two books putting it together and finishing the Hat both with titles referencing this particular show and both of which are kind of memoirs but also not quite was the original idea to write a memoir”
Scott Heller — 1 mention
“and the best theater books that have come out during this period are these two books of Steven stimes lyrics called finishing the hat and look I made a hat”